The abbreviation "LSJ" is often heard among scholars and researchers of ancient Greek language and literature. It refers to the well-known "Liddell and Scott's Greek-English Lexicon", a comprehensive dictionary of classical Greek that has been widely used since the 19th century. The spelling of "LSJ" is quite simple and straightforward, coming from the surnames of the two authors: Liddell and Scott. In IPA phonetics, it would be transcribed as /ɛl ɛs dʒeɪ/.
LSJ stands for "Liddell-Scott-Jones," which refers to a renowned and widely-used lexicon in the field of classical Greek studies. The LSJ is a comprehensive dictionary that provides detailed definitions, analyses, and explanations of ancient Greek words and their various meanings. It is considered an authoritative resource for scholars, researchers, and students alike.
The LSJ dictionary was originally compiled by Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, and Henry Stuart Jones in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Liddell and Scott initiated the project in the mid-19th century, and their work was substantially expanded and revised by Jones in the early 20th century. The dictionary includes a vast collection of Greek words, ranging from the earliest known texts to the Hellenistic period.
The entries in LSJ are structured in a concise manner, providing not only the basic definitions of words but also their etymology, grammatical forms, and nuances of meaning. Additionally, the LSJ dictionary also includes examples and citations from ancient Greek literature and texts, which further enhance its credibility and authenticity.
Due to its extensive coverage, meticulous scholarship, and long-standing reputation, the LSJ dictionary remains the standard reference work for Greek language studies and is utilized by scholars and enthusiasts worldwide. Its accessibility and comprehensive nature make it an invaluable tool for understanding and exploring the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of ancient Greece.