Numismatics and Greek Lexicography

by Michael P. Theophilos

Michael P. Theophilos explores the fascinating variety of numismatic contributions to Greek lexicography, pertaining to lexicographic studies of the Second Temple period in general, and the New Testament in particular.

Theophilos considers previous scholarly attempts to grapple with, and incorporate, critical numismatic material into the emerging discipline of Greek lexicography—including foundational work by F. Preisigke and E. Kiessling—before outlining his own methodological approach. Theophilos’ then examines the resources available for engaging with the numismatic material, and presents a series of specific case studies throughout the New Testament material. His carefully annotated images of coins draw readers in to a greater understanding of the material culture of the Greco-Roman world, and how this impacted upon the Greek language and the New Testament.

Key Features

• Explores the fascinating variety of numismatic contributions to Greek lexicography
• Focuses on lexicographic studies of the Second Temple period and the New Testament
• Presents a series of specific case studies throughout the New Testament material

Contents

Part One

• Introduction
• The History of Coinage
• The Study of Coinage
• Critical Issues in the Appeal to Coinage

Part Two

• Filos
• Karpoforos
• Neokoros
• Thoes, Eleutheria, Eirini Kai Asfaleia, Kaveiros
• Charaktir
• Ktistis
• Vasileus Vasileon
• Conclusion

Praise for the Print Edition

In this eloquent volume, the author equips his reader to appreciate and to understand two long established and technical fields of study: numismatics and lexicography. New Testament scholars are encouraged to recognise not only the significant contribution that coin inscriptions can make to lexicography, but also how such insights into the Greek language might illuminate New Testament Texts. Theophilos combines a sophisticated approach with critical rigor and lucid accessibility.

—Mary Marshall, Oxford University, UK

This book is an invaluable contribution to the field of New Testament vocabulary studies and lexicography, a “must read” for novices and specialists alike. It eruditely and amply exemplifies the shortcomings in our lexicons and translations, all of which combine to hinder our full understanding. Essential for improving this state of affairs is a focus on the wealth of non-literary evidence for the contemporary language, most of it not yet properly explored. Coins have been the most neglected; Theophilos remedies this gap, makes exciting a subject that at first sight might appear dry and inaccessible, and leads the way forward with further discoveries.

—Anne Thompson, Cambridge University, the Cambridge Greek Lexicon Project, UK

• Title: Numismatics and Greek Lexicography
• Author: Michael P. Theophilos
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Publication Date: 2019
• Pages: 296
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Topic: Lexicography

About Michael P. Theophilos

Michael P. Theophilos is Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy at Australian Catholic University, Australia.