Numismatics and Greek Lexicography

Description

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. Cover Contents List of Figures List of Tables Acknowledgements List of Abbreviations Part One 1 Introduction Nomenclature and definitions 2 The History of Coinage Introduction The inception and evolution of coinage Conclusion 3 The Study of Coinage Introduction Sources Conclusion 4 Critical Issues in the Appeal to Coinage Introduction Coins as propaganda: Can we trust them? Coins as currency: Did people notice them? Coins as witnesses: A truncated view? Strengths of coinage as evidence Conclusion Part Two 5 ΦΙΛΟΣ Introduction ΦΙΛ–lexeme The Greco-Roman context The numismatic evidence Conclusion 6 ΚΑΡΠΟΦΟΡΟΣ Introduction Definition of καρποφόρος in the literature and lexicons The Roman context Conclusion 7 ΝΕΩΚΟΡΟΣ Introduction Context and background Numismatic evidence Implications for the ‘νεωκόρος’ of Acts 19:35 Conclusion 8 ΘΕΟΣ, ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑ, ΕΙΡΗΝΗ ΚΑΙ ΑΣΦΑΛΕΙΑ, ΚΑΒΕΙΡΟΣ Introduction Thessalonian coinage Case studies Conclusion 9 ΧΑΡΑΚΤΗΡ Introduction Historical context of Hebrews The literary context of Hebrews 1:3 Numismatic material on ΧΑΡΑΚΤΗΡ and related terms Conclusion 10 ΚΤΙΣΤΗΣ Introduction The historical and literary context of 1 Peter 4:19 Numismatic material on Κτίστης and related terms New Testament lexeme Conclusion 11 ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ Introduction The history of ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ Numismatic evidence Interpretive implications for the book of Revelation Conclusion 12 Conclusion Bibliography Index of Modern Authors Index of Scripture References and Other Ancient Sources