How to Use the Davidson Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Davidson Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon is a vital resource for anyone studying the Hebrew Bible and its Aramaic sections. While it may seem intimidating to beginners, mastering its use can significantly enhance your understanding of biblical texts. This guide will walk you through the process of using the lexicon effectively, from finding entries to interpreting their meanings.

1. Understand the Structure of the Lexicon

Before diving into the lexicon, it's essential to understand its layout and organization. The Davidson Lexicon is structured as follows:

  • Alphabetical Arrangement: Entries are listed alphabetically according to the Hebrew alphabet (א to ת).

  • Hebrew and Aramaic Words: Both Hebrew and Chaldee (Biblical Aramaic) words are included, making it a comprehensive resource for Old Testament studies.

  • Root-Based Entries: Words are listed under their root forms.

Identify the Hebrew or Aramaic Word

Step 1: Find the Word in the Biblical Text

Start by identifying the Hebrew or Aramaic word you want to study. If you're working from a printed Hebrew Bible, note:

  • The exact spelling of the word.

  • Any prefixes, suffixes, or vowel markings (though Davidson focuses on consonantal forms).

  • The verse reference for context.

Step 2: Determine the Root Form

Many words in Hebrew and Aramaic are derived from a three-letter root (שֹׁרֶשׁ shoresh). You may need to:

For example:

  • The word מלכים (malkim, "kings") comes from the root מ-ל-כ (m-l-k), meaning "to reign" or "king." If you look up מלכים in the Davidson Lexicon, it will explain to you that the root is מ-ל-כ

3. Locate the Entry in the Lexicon

Once you have the root or exact word:

Step 1: Navigate Alphabetically

Turn to the section of the lexicon corresponding to the first letter of the root (e.g., מ for m-l-k).

Step 2: Scan for the Full Root

Look for the root letters in alphabetical order. In the case of verbs, roots will be followed by various conjugations, noun forms, and derivatives.

Step 3: Identify the Specific Form

Once you find the root, locate the specific word form within the entry. The lexicon may list:

  • Variants of the root in different forms (e.g., singular/plural, masculine/feminine).

  • Different meanings based on context or usage in various books of the Bible.

4. Interpret the Entry

Now that you have located the entry, it’s time to interpret the information provided:

Definitions and Meanings

  • Primary Meaning: The most common meaning of the root.

  • Secondary Meanings: Alternative interpretations based on context. Pay attention to differences in meaning between poetic, historical, and prophetic texts.

Grammatical Information

  • Part of Speech: Indicates whether the word is a verb, noun, adjective, etc.

  • Conjugations: Lists verb forms in different tenses and aspects (perfect, imperfect, imperative, etc.).

Etymological Connections

  • Davidson often provides connections to other related Hebrew or Aramaic words, giving insight into the broader semantic field.

5. Cross-Reference Scriptural Usage

Davidson's lexicon provides scriptural references where the word appears. This allows you to:

  • Check the Word in Context: Read the verse in Hebrew to see how the word functions within the sentence.

  • Compare Different Usages: Observe how the meaning changes depending on the context or literary style of the passage.

  • Enhance Exegesis: Use these references to develop a more nuanced interpretation of the text.

6. Compare with Other Study Tools

To maximize the value of the Davidson Lexicon, consider using it alongside:

  • Hebrew Bibles: Such as the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS) or other critical editions.

  • Other Lexicons: Like Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) for additional perspectives.

  • Concordances: Such as the Lisowsky Konkordanz to find all occurrences of the word in the Hebrew Bible.

  • Commentaries: Use of scholarly commentaries can help to see how scholars interpret the word in specific contexts.

7. Apply the Insights to Your Study

Finally, use the information gathered from the lexicon to:

  • Enhance Your Translation: Translate the Hebrew or Aramaic text more accurately by considering all possible meanings.

  • Improve Exegesis: Develop a deeper theological understanding of the passage by recognizing the word’s full range of meanings.

  • Enrich Teaching or Preaching: Share insights about the original language with others to illuminate the text’s richness and depth.

    Key Components of Each Entry:

    • Headword (in Hebrew or Aramaic): The word being defined.

    • Part of Speech: Identifies whether the word is a noun, verb, adjective, etc.

    • Etymological Information: Provides insights into the word’s root and related terms.

    • Definitions: Lists various meanings and interpretations, often based on context.

    • Scriptural References: Provides examples of the word’s usage in the Bible, helping users understand its context.

Conclusion

The Davidson Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon is a powerful tool for anyone serious about studying the Hebrew Bible. By understanding its structure, identifying root words, and interpreting entries carefully, you can unlock the linguistic and theological treasures of the biblical text. Whether you're a student or scholar mastering this lexicon will deepen your engagement with Scripture and enhance your ability to interpret it accurately.