Journal: Grace Theological Journal
Volume: GTJ 12:1 (Spring 1991)
Article: A Summary Evaluation of Old Testament Hebrew Lexica, Translations, and Philology in Light of Key Developments in Hebrew Lexicographic and Semitic Linguistic History
Author: W. Creighton Marlowe

GTJ 12:1 (Spr 91) p. 3

A Summary Evaluation of Old Testament Hebrew Lexica, Translations, and Philology in Light of Key Developments in Hebrew Lexicographic and Semitic Linguistic History

W. Creighton Marlowe

Any evaluation of an Old Testament lexicon or translation must consider what quantity and quality of Hebraic and Semitic comparative data were available when a particular volume or version was written. First, major OT lexical developments are evaluated by surveying their two main historical periods—from the first known lexicon in A.D. 913 to the present—in light of the most significant Semitic philological advances. Then guidelines and suggestions are given for choosing which lexica to purchase in light of the perspective gained from the historical overview. Next, translations of the Bible—from the LXX of ca. 250 B.C. to the present, through the same periods as the lexica—are evaluated along similar lines; and again advice is offered for selecting the best (primarily English) version of the Bible for personal, private, and public use today. Finally, certain Semitic languages are evaluated as to their individual, collective, and practical values for enabling the translator and lexicographer to understand more accurately the possible meaning(s) of some Hebrew words. Included as an appendix is a helpful chart displaying a time-line of the highlights in Hebrew lexicographic and related linguistic history.

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Introduction

Old Testament lexica, translations, and philology are in a constant state of development. The continuing and abundant advances in linguistic knowledge make regular revision necessary. Consequently, the final or perfect lexicon or Bible version has not been achieved.

GTJ 12:1 (Spr 91) p. 4

Many agree that the recent discovery and decipherment of a lost Semitic language at Ebla will not be the last such revelation coming from the science of archaeology. Any evaluation of an Old Testament lexicon or translation must consider what quantity and quality of Hebraic and Semitic comparative data were available when they were written. The value of a Semitic language for Hebrew philology is judged in light of its extent of textual information and the nature of its relationship to Hebrew.

The Lexica Evaluated

This evaluation, like those following, will be a general, summary appraisal of the subject—lexica in this case—by periods. Each lexicon will not be examined in depth; but the nature of the philological context—affecting the potential of each to describe accurately the usage of the entire Biblical Hebrew vocabulary—will be reviewed.

During the Formative Period (A.D. 913-1810)

Hebrew lexica written during this era greatly...