In the posts that I write for the ministry, I use the Blue Letter Bible Lexicon. This post should have been one of the first ones written to explain what a Lexicon is and why it's a tool that needs to be used in your Bible Study. It's never too late for education and when you read the posts, it will make more sense as to where the information and definitions come from.
It's Important to understand that Abba Yah's Word has been lost in translation. English definitions are not always what the Hebrew and Greek definitions of words are. This is vital to your walk in Abba's Word. Which is why going to the original Hebrew and Greek is so important. The Word of God is our spiritual food; when we don't understand what He has really told us, it's hard to live by His Word.
What is The Lexicon?
Definition of lexicon- Merriam Webster
1 : a book containing an alphabetical arrangement of the words in a language and their definitions : dictionary
Why I use Blue Letter Bible for posts?
"POWERFUL STUDY TOOLS: Dig deep into the Word using commentaries, encyclopedias, maps or images, and much more. One of our most used tools is the Lexicon search, which gives users immediate access to the original Hebrew and Greek words." -Blue Letter Bible
What is The Strong's Concordance?
The Strong's Concordance is a very useful tool for studying the scriptures. It takes every single words of the King James version and lists where each word can be found in the scriptures. It is useful for locating scripture verses that you know the words to, but don't know the book, chapter and verse.
About Gesenius's Lexicon (which is use on the Blue Letter Bible website)
This lexicon was originally written by Heinrich Friedrich Wilhelm Gesenius (1786-1842) in the German language. Gesenius's influence as a master of Hebrew is widespread. The editors of the Brown-Driver-Briggs lexicon refer to him as the father of modern Hebrew Lexicography. Gesenius first published a work on Hebrew grammar in 1817 before turning his efforts on lexicography.
More information along with step by step usage is located at this link:
This link includes photos of the Hebrew and Greek letters. Again, it's interactive and exciting for those who want to learn more about the Hebrew and Greek alphabets.
How To Use a Lexicon for your Bible Study.
Step 1:
Choose a word, Bible verse, or phrase you want to understand. For this post, we will look at the word Grace.
Type Grace into the Search box and you will get this result. This will tell you how many times the word Grace is used in both Greek and Hebrew and will give you a list of verses where the word Grace is used.
Step 2:
For this example, we will use Genesis 6:8. Click on the tools button on the left hand side. On the next screen, you will see the original text in Hebrew called the Masoretic Text. I use the reverse interlinear setting, which provides the Strong's Number associated with each word. The Strong's numbers are numbers assigned to the English translation of words. This site allows you to search KJV, NIV, ESV, NKJV as well as other translations. To change the translation, simply click the drop down box. For this post, as well as the others on this ministry, I use KJV. The Septuagint setting will give you the Greek translation and leaves out the English.
Step 3:
Click on the Strong's number. For Grace, that is H2580. This is a fun interactive tool as you click on the megaphone icon and hear the pronunciation of the words. The screen will look like it does below. All your information about Grace will be displayed. This includes the definition of Grace, how Grace is use and what verses use Grace in Hebrew for H2580. It is the same concept for Greek in which you must choose a New Testament verse.
For Example: John 1:17 "For the law was given by Moses, but Grace G5485 and truth came by Jesus Christ." Instead of typing or clicking H2580 you use G5485. Grace in Greek is G5485
Using the Lexicon provides definitions. For example the usage of H2580 isn't only associated with the word Grace, yet carries the same definition.
Definition of Grace-
H2580-חֵןchên khane; from H2603; graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty):—favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured.
The Biblical Outline of Usage for H2580 includes (as seen in the picture above)
favour, grace, charm favour, grace, elegance favour, acceptance
Genesis 39:21
"But the LORD was with Joseph, and showed him mercy, and gave him favour H2580 in the sight of the keeper of the prison."
I pray this helps you understand where the definitions of words come from in the ministry's teachings. Sometimes I forget just because I know something, or I have been shown how to use something, doesn't mean everyone else does and for that I do apologize.
Matthew 4:4
"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
Blue Letter Bible Lexicon
Power Point How To Use a Lexicon
(photo by Steemit)
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