Liddell & Scott's Greek-English Lexicon: The Standard of Ancient Greek Lexicography
For nearly two centuries, the A Greek–English Lexicon—commonly known as Liddell & Scott or LSJ—has served as the definitive reference for scholars and students of the Ancient Greek language. First published in 1843 by the Oxford University Press, this monumental work provides a comprehensive bridge between the classical world and the English language, remaining a cornerstone of philology (the study of language in oral and written historical sources).
The lexicon was a collaborative effort, originally edited by Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, Henry Stuart Jones, and Roderick McKenzie. Its development was rooted in earlier German scholarship, specifically the Handwörterbuch der griechischen Sprache by Franz Passow, which itself drew from the work of Johann Gottlob Schneider.
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Key Facts
- First Published: 1843 by Oxford University Press.
- Latest Full Edition: The ninth revised edition, published in 1940.
- Scope: The main edition contains 116,502 entries.
- Legacy: Served as the foundation for most subsequent Ancient Greek lexicographical projects.
- Digital Access: Freely available via the Perseus Project and Thesaurus Linguae Graecae (TLG).
Editions and Variations
Due to its massive scale, the lexicon is available in three primary sizes, colloquially known as "The Little Liddell," "The Middle Liddell," and "The Big Liddell" (or "The Great Scott").
The Full Lexicon (The Big Liddell)
The comprehensive edition is the primary scholarly resource. It underwent several revisions throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, with editions appearing in 1845, 1849, 1855, 1861, 1869, 1883, and finally 1940. Interestingly, the first editor, Henry George Liddell, was the father of Alice Liddell, the inspiration for Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
Condensed Editions
- The Little Liddell: An abridged version published in 1843, designed for quicker reference.
- The Middle Liddell: An intermediate version published in 1889. It offers more entries than the abridged version, including essential vocabulary for common literature and citations of authors to illustrate usage.
The Supplement and Modern Updates
Because language scholarship continues to evolve, the Oxford University Press released a Supplement in 1968 to provide additions and corrections to the 1940 ninth edition. This supplement has been updated by various scholars, including M. L. West, P. G. W. Glare, and Anne A. Thompson.
One significant addition in the 1996 revised supplement was the inclusion of Mycenean inscriptions. This was made possible by the decipherment of Linear B tablets by Michael Ventris, allowing the lexicon to incorporate an even older layer of the Greek language.
Comparison of Lexicon Versions
| Edition Name | Common Alias | Primary Purpose | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Greek–English Lexicon | The Big Liddell / Great Scott | Comprehensive Scholarship | 116,502 entries |
| An Intermediate Greek–English Lexicon | The Middle Liddell | Literature Students | Essential vocabulary & author citations |
| A Lexicon: Abridged | The Little Liddell | Quick Reference | Condensed entry list |
Digital Evolution and the Cambridge Greek Lexicon
In the 21st century, the LSJ has transitioned from heavy hardcover volumes to accessible digital formats. The Perseus Project digitized the ninth edition in 2007, and the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae (TLG) released a version in 2011 that corrects typographical errors and links to a vast textual corpus.
In 2021, the Cambridge Greek Lexicon (CGL) was published by John Chadwick and James Diggle. While it initially began as an update to the LSJ, the editors eventually rewrote it from scratch, citing the LSJ as too antiquated in design. Notably, the CGL uses contemporary language and removes the Victorian-era euphemisms found in the LSJ, which often obscured the meaning of offensive or sexual terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between LSJ and the Cambridge Greek Lexicon?
The LSJ is the historic standard based on 19th-century scholarship and Victorian sensibilities. The Cambridge Greek Lexicon (2021) is a modern rewrite that uses contemporary definitions and provides more explicit translations for words that the LSJ euphemized.
How can I access the Liddell & Scott lexicon for free?
The ninth edition is available for free online through the Perseus Project and can be accessed via various open-source applications like Diogenes and Marcion.
What is the "Supplement" to the LSJ?
The Supplement is a separate volume published in 1968 (and revised since) that contains corrections and new entries based on scholarship that emerged after the final 1940 edition of the main text.
Why are some definitions in the LSJ considered euphemistic?
The definitions reflect the Victorian morality of the time. For example, words referring to bodily functions or illicit intercourse were translated using polite phrases like "ease oneself" rather than direct terms.