Et al:
Kittles is, indeed, a household word among those who are actually students of the biblical message. The contribution of the 10 volume (actually nine volumes and an index) commentary/word study should not be ignored. Whether Kittle was a Nazi is of no consequence to me in view of the value this work. Kittle was only an editor. Of the approximate 1500 articles within the pages of the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Kittle actually wrote 26 -- all within the first four volumes. There are, in fact, 155 contributors other than Kittle. The current edition has been reviewed and edited by a number competent scholars including the likes of F.F. Bruce. In other words, men of God in the present time have had significant influence in the 1963 edition that is the TDNT.
In the first pages of this commentary, we are given a caution, to wit: "There has, of course, been some misunderstanding of its role. While it is not a simple lexicon, it obviously cannot replace either the full commentary or the biblical theology. Its task is to mediate between ordinary lexicophraphy and the specific task of exposition, more particularly at the theological level........When this is understood, Kittle is safeguarded against the indiscriminate enthusiasm which would make it a sole and absolute authority in lexical and exegetical matters.........Its more limited, yet valid and invaluable role, can be appreciated, and its learning and insights incorporated into the great task of New Testament interpretation."
In a message dated 2/15/2005 12:36:44 PM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
The 'Nazi connection' will shock Christians of even nominal sensitivities. Adolf Hitler's name is a household word, used synonymously with the consummate evil of this century. Gerhard Kittel's name is a household wordâamong New Testament Greek scholars. It would seem the chasm between two such men would be monumental. Kittel edited the ten volume standard reference work used in New Testament Greek word studies, the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. The NIV translators relied on its judgements when selecting words, as do all translators. When a pastor or 'media preacher' elaborates with reference to 'the Greek', it is virtually certain he is citing a judgement about the correct meaning or choice of a word from this dictionary or an abridged compendium which has adopted its citations.
Kittel's labors on his ten volume Greek New Testament dictionary began the same year he became Hitler's 'hired man'. Kittel's trial, conviction and imprisonment for his key part in the extermination of two thirds of Europe's Jewish population is a harsh fact, hidden to those pridefully seeking 'hidden' meaning in the Greek. This same pride impels New Age mystics in their pursuit of hidden 'gnosis' or knowledge.
