ΛΕΞΙΛΟΓΙΟΝ (lexilogion) — Lexarithmos 338 · Etymology, Meanings

Definition

In Ancient Greek literature, λεξιλόγιον (less commonly, λεξιλόγιον, τό) primarily refers to a 'collection of words' or a 'word-list.' It is not merely a random assortment of words but an organized record, often with a specific purpose, such as learning, interpreting rare terms, or classifying linguistic material.

The concept of the lexicon is closely linked to the development of lexicography and philology during the Hellenistic period, when the need for systematic recording and interpretation of words in classical texts became imperative. Thus, the λεξιλόγιον served as a tool for accessing and preserving knowledge.

In modern usage, the term has broadened to describe the entire set of words used by an individual (active or passive vocabulary), a social group, an author, or even a whole language. It consistently retains the sense of collecting and organizing linguistic material, whether written or spoken.

Etymology

lexilogion ← lexis + logos ← leg- (root of the verb λέγω, meaning 'to gather, to speak')

The root *leg- is an ancient Greek root belonging to the oldest stratum of the language. From it emerged two primary semantic trajectories: one related to the act of 'gathering, selecting, collecting,' and the other to the act of 'speaking, saying, recounting.' The term λεξιλόγιον, as a compound word formed from λέξις ('word, speech') and λόγος ('collection, discourse'), integrates both these aspects, referring to a collection of words used for speech or writing. The internal development of the Greek language facilitated the rich derivation of terms from this root, generating a broad spectrum of concepts pertaining to language, thought, and the organization of knowledge.

The root *leg- is exceptionally productive in the Greek language, forming words with diverse meanings. Many of these arise through prefixes (e.g., διά-λέγω, σύν-λέγω, ἐκ-λέγω) or suffixes (-σις, -μα, -ικός). The meaning of 'collection' is evident in words such as συλλογή and ἀνάλεκτα, while the meaning of 'speech' and 'discourse' predominates in λέξις, λόγος, and διαλέγομαι. The term λεξιλόγιον represents a compound derivative that embodies both these primary concepts.

Main Meanings

Collection of words, word-list — The primary meaning in Ancient Greek, referring to an organized list or index of words, often for educational or philological purposes.
The entire vocabulary of a language — The total stock of words available in a specific language at a given time.
The vocabulary of an author or work — The distinctive choice and use of words by a particular author or within a specific literary or scientific work.
Specialized lexicon, terminology — A list of specialized terms belonging to a particular field of knowledge or science, e.g., legal lexicon, medical lexicon.
Vocabulary book for learning — In an educational context, a textbook or book containing words for students to develop their linguistic proficiency.
Metaphorically: The repertoire of ideas or concepts — By extension, the totality of concepts, ideas, or expressive means available to someone for communication or thought.

Word Family

leg- (root of the verb λέγω, meaning 'to gather, to speak')

The root *leg- is one of the foundational roots of the Ancient Greek language, possessing a dual semantic orientation: 'to gather, to select' and 'to speak, to say.' This dual nature of the root is central to understanding the word family it generates. On one hand, it leads to concepts concerning collection and organization, such as a compilation or a choice. On the other, it creates words related to expression, discourse, and communication. The term λεξιλόγιον serves as a perfect illustration of this synthesis, being an organized collection of words utilized for communication and knowledge.

λέγω verb · lex. 838

The original verb from which the root derives. It means 'to gather, to select' (e.g., Homer, «λέγειν ὀστέα» — to gather bones) and 'to speak, to say, to recount' (e.g., Plato, «λέγειν λόγους» — to speak words). This dual meaning is fundamental to the entire family.

λέξις ἡ · noun · lex. 305

The 'word,' 'speech,' 'phrase.' Derived from λέγω in the sense of speaking. In Classical Greek, it refers to the manner of speaking or phrasing, later acquiring the meaning of an individual word. (Plato, «περὶ λέξεως» — concerning phrasing).

λόγος ὁ · noun · lex. 373

One of the most polysemous words in Greek. It means 'collection' (e.g., of fruits), 'calculation,' 'proportion,' 'reason,' 'cause,' 'speech,' 'proposition,' 'narrative.' It connects to both aspects of the root *leg- (collection and speech). (Heraclitus, «κατὰ τὸν λόγον τόνδε» — according to this discourse/principle).

λεξικόν τό · noun · lex. 245

The 'lexicon,' a book containing words of a language with their interpretations. A derivative of λέξις, it denotes a systematic collection of words. The term became established in the Hellenistic period to describe the works of grammarians.

λεξικογραφία ἡ · noun · lex. 810

The 'art of compiling lexicons.' A compound word from λέξις and γράφω. It describes the scientific process of collecting, classifying, and interpreting the words of a language, a practice particularly developed in Alexandria.

διαλέγομαι verb · lex. 174

It means 'to converse, to discuss.' Derived from διά + λέγω, signifying the exchange of words. It is the verb used for the dialogical method of Socrates' and Plato's philosophy.

συλλογή ἡ · noun · lex. 741

The 'gathering, collection.' Derived from σύν + λέγω, in the sense of 'to collect.' It refers to the act of assembling objects or information, such as a collection of texts or works.

ἐκλέγω verb · lex. 863

It means 'to choose, to select.' Derived from ἐκ + λέγω, emphasizing the act of selection from a group. It is often used in a political or religious context for choosing persons or things.

ἀνάλεκτα τά · noun · lex. 408

'Collected sayings, excerpts.' Derived from ἀνά + λέγω, in the sense of collecting selected texts or maxims. It often refers to anthologies or collections of noteworthy passages from various authors.

Philosophical Journey

The concept of the lexicon, though the word itself as a technical term is later, has its roots in the Ancient Greek need for organizing discourse and knowledge.

Pre-Classical/Homeric Era

Initial Roots

The root *leg- is already present with its dual meanings of 'to gather' and 'to speak,' laying the foundation for the future concepts of word and discourse.

5th-4th C. BCE

Classical Greek

The concepts of λέξις (as a unit of speech) and λόγος (as speech, reasoning, proportion) develop. Plato's and Aristotle's philosophy explores the nature of discourse and language.

3rd-1st C. BCE

Hellenistic Period

The need for systematic study of classical texts leads to the development of philology and lexicography. The first word-lists and commentaries are created, advancing the idea of an organized lexicon.

1st C. BCE - 4th C. CE

Roman Period

The tradition of lexicography and grammar continues. Grammarians compile glossaries and lexica for understanding ancient texts and teaching the Greek language.

5th-15th C. CE

Byzantine Period

The systematic collection and organization of words culminates in works such as the 'Suda' (10th C. CE), a vast lexicon and encyclopedia, representing one of the most extensive lexica of its time.

18th C. - Present

Modern Greek Era

The term λεξιλόγιον (and its modern form λεξιλόγιο) becomes fully established, referring both to the total words of a language and an individual's personal word stock, as well as specialized terminologies.

Lexarithmic Analysis

The lexarithmos of the word ΛΕΞΙΛΟΓΙΟΝ is 338, from the sum of its letter values:

Λ = 30

Lambda

Ε = 5

Epsilon

Ξ = 60

Xi

Ι = 10

Iota

Λ = 30

Lambda

Ο = 70

Omicron

Γ = 3

Gamma

Ι = 10

Iota

Ο = 70

Omicron

Ν = 50

Nu

= 338

Total

30 + 5 + 60 + 10 + 30 + 70 + 3 + 10 + 70 + 50 = 338

338 decomposes into 300 (hundreds) + 30 (tens) + 8 (units).

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΛΕΞΙΛΟΓΙΟΝ:

Method	Result	Meaning
Isopsephy	338	Base lexarithmos
Decade Numerology	5	3+3+8 = 14 → 1+4 = 5 — Pentad, the number of harmony, balance, and man, symbolizing the comprehensive nature of language.
Letter Count	10	10 letters — Decad, the number of perfection and completeness, indicating the totality of an organized set of words.
Cumulative	8/30/300	Units 8 · Tens 30 · Hundreds 300
Odd/Even	Even	Feminine force
Left/Right Hand	Right	Divine (≥100)
Quotient	—	Comparative method
Notarikon	L-E-X-I-L-O-G-I-O-N	Logos Exists, Illuminating Language, Offering Guidance, Inspiring Observation, Nurturing — an interpretive approach to the power of discourse and knowledge.
Grammatical Groups	5V · 5S · 0M	5 vowels (E, I, O, I, O), 5 semivowels (L, X, L, G, N), and 0 mutes. The balance of vowels and semivowels suggests the fluidity and structure of language.
Palindromes	No
Onomancy	—	Comparative
Sphere of Democritus	—	Divination with lunar day
Zodiacal Isopsephy	Venus ♀ / Gemini ♊	338 mod 7 = 2 · 338 mod 12 = 2

Isopsephic Words (338)

Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (338) but a different root, highlighting the unexpected numerical coincidences of the Greek language:

ἀδερκής

'unseen, invisible' — the unseen structure of language and the hidden power of words, often not immediately apparent but determining communication.

ἀειθερής

'ever-blooming, ever-fresh' — the continuous renewal and vitality of vocabulary, which is constantly enriched and adapted to the needs of speakers.

ἰαμβεῖος

'iambic' — the rhythmic and metrical structure of discourse, emphasizing that words are not only meanings but also sound and rhythm, especially in poetry.

μῆκος

'length, extent' — the breadth and size of a lexicon, whether it refers to a language as a whole or an individual's personal vocabulary.

δεκάτη

'a tenth part, tithe' — the classification and division of words into categories or parts, a fundamental principle of lexicography and grammar.

ἐπιεικής

'reasonable, fair, gentle' — the precision and correctness in the use of words, as well as the need for clarity and logic in discourse.

The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 42 words with lexarithmos 338. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.

Sources & Bibliography

Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, with a Revised Supplement. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1996.
Plato — Republic, Cratylus.
Aristotle — On Interpretation, Rhetoric.
Suda — Lexicon (10th C. CE).
Chantraine, P. — Dictionnaire étymologique de la langue grecque. Klincksieck, Paris, 1968-1980.
Frisk, H. — Griechisches etymologisches Wörterbuch. Carl Winter, Heidelberg, 1960-1972.