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Original Language Tools
Why Study Biblical Greek, Hebrew Aramaic?
Think about it, more than a dozen authors wrote the Bible in three different languages. These are the only languages that God chose to communicate His inspired word. There are no translations of the Bible able to claim to be God-inspired.
Understanding the grammar of the text goes a long way toward proper biblical exegesis of scripture. A verse cannot mean what is not supported by the grammar. Specific passages have multiple possible meanings. Without footnotes, we are unable to determine why the translator chose one over another. So learning and understand Biblical languages is crucial.
So what is a lexicon, and how does it differ from a dictionary? It is in linguistics is the entire inventory or set of a language's lexemes. A lexeme is the smallest unit of a language that bears some meaning. One lexeme can cover many words.
A Biblical lexicon provides meanings, semantic ranges, and practical uses of Biblical words in their original language. It is particularly helpful in word studies.
The Greek Lexicon on StudyLight.org is based on the Strong's numbering system, an index of every word in the original biblical manuscript texts. Each number links the root meaning back to the original meanings in the original manuscripts.
Greek Lexicon
The language of the New Testament was both Aramaic and Koine Greek. Koine Greek was an "everyday language" used by people in the Hellenistic period, the Roman Empire, and the early Byzantine Empire. It was more prevalent in Rome than Latin. StudyLight.org provided a very robust Greek lexicon linked to the original manuscripts for in-depth word studies.
Hebrew Lexicon
The Old Testament was written 2,500 to 3,500 years ago by a people whose culture and lifestyle was very different. When we read the Word of God as modern-day Christians, our culture and lifestyle often influence our interpretation of the words and phrases. Many times these influences were not intended by the original author. StudyLight.org provided a very robust Hebrew lexicon linked to the original manuscripts for in-depth word studies.
