Chapters 1 through 16 of How to Use Greek & Hebrew Study Tools introduced the student to the process for analyzing the meaning of a word in either New Testament Greek or Old Testament Hebrew. The detailed discussions and exercises in those chapters were designed to lead the student to a level of confidence in handling the biblical text without the benefit of formal classes in either language. Those chapters together take the student through detailed steps of Level 1 analysis.
It is hoped that students develop an interest in pursuing formal studies in both Greek and Hebrew, but the processes outlined in this book result in an understanding of a basic level of lexical analysis. Chapter 17 of the book strives to advance the student further in the practice of lexical analysis using streamlined processes. Streamlining the process does not mean that the foundational details are overlooked; rather, it means that a thorough familiarity and understanding of the process enables the student to combine many steps into one, making note of all relevant information needed to reach a sound conclusion.
The levels of lexical analysis can be described simply as follows:
- Level 1 – Level 1 is an introduction to lexical analysis, learning critical components needed to understand target words in context. Following those steps leads the student to a linguistically sound conclusion for the meaning of words as used by the biblical writer in context. This is the “beginner” level taught in chapters 1 through 16.
- Level 2 – Level 2 practices lexical analysis using the understanding gained from Level 1 as a foundation. At this level, the student uses abbreviated templates as a guide for reaching a linguistically sound conclusion for the meaning of words in context. This is the “intermediate” level discussed in chapter 17 of the book.
- Level 3 – Level 3 practices lexical analysis with strong familiarity of the process and disciplined methodology for reaching a linguistically sound conclusion for the meaning for words in context. It assumes that the student knows the details to examine as he/she progresses through the study of words. This is an “advanced” level also discussed in chapter 17 of the book.