An Interpretive Lexicon of New Testament Greek: Analysis of Prepositions, Adverbs, Particles, Relative Pronouns, and Conjunctions

by Gregory K. Beale, William A Ross, Daniel Brendsel

Save considerable time in translating and exegesis of the Greek New Testament text. This Lexicon has a very specific and important to make the process of New Testament interpretation easier and more accurate by providing a comprehensive yet concise interpretation of Greek words that determine logical relationships between statements or clauses. These words (prepositions, adverbs, particles, relative pronouns, conjunctions and other connectors) are essential to revealing and supporting the main ideas in the text and are especially useful for interpreting logical arguments, such as those found in the epistles. While not exhaustive, this Interpretive Lexicon lists the vast majority of Greek connecting words, especially those that are notorious for being some of the most difficult words to translate. Features The interpretive feature of the book--evaluating the word's function in discourse--is tremendously helpful for the exegetical process, allowing the translator to closely follow the logical flow of the text with greater efficiency. This Interpretive Lexicon is a valuable handbook for student, pastor, and scholar alike.

Genres: Reference

96 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2014

About the author

G. K. Beale (PhD, University of Cambridge) is professor of New Testament and biblical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the coeditor of the Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament and the author of numerous books, including A New Testament Biblical Theology: The Unfolding of the Old Testament in the New.

Reviews

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors intend for this to be an aid in discerning the logical relationships between clauses and phrases in NT syntax. The first chapter explains what these logical relationships are. On one hand, if you are competent in English and logic, you will already know this. On the other hand, most Americans, even seminarians, lack such competence.

To the meat of it

The references are indexed to the various editions of BDAG. In some ways, this booklet is more a commentary on how to use BDAG.

Methodology: clause relationships are merely signaled by words. Words by themselves do not create the semiotic relationships. It is like a sign post. Welcome to “X.” The sign itself isn’t the x but it represents the reality.

The rest of the book is a brief lexicon of how adverbs, prepositions, and the like are used in the Greek NT.

A word of caution. This isn’t the type of book to read online. If you are going to read this, then you need to have this. I read it online, which limited its utility for me.

[Liam Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely useful listing of the little words in Ancient Greek that add so much to the meaning, often contextual. The Introductions is good for understanding the parts of speech/writing. The Introduction also goes into great detail about how the book is planned and other lexica to refer to.

[Charles Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable resource.

[Nick Roark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better Every Time

[Hunter Hebenstreit · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for better understanding logical relationships and possible translations of Greek clauses. Used in Greek 3 at Westminster Theological Seminary.

[Daniel Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful book for intermediate Greek students looking to learn important features of New Testament Greek.

[David Smiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a quick and excellent reference for all the three letter Greek words that make you want to say four letter words. Anyone who has spent hours flipping through Wallace, BDAG, and Harris will thoroughly enjoy the reference keys as well. My only problem with this volume is that the print quality (at least in my book) is fuzzy on some pages and strains the eyes a bit.