A Comprehensive Etymological Dictionary of the Hebrew Language - Review

“The work is done by one man, and thus has a consistent flavor. The definitions are brief, usually prefaced with the gender and number of the term. The words reflect various periods of the Hebrew language: Biblical Hebrew to New Hebrew (with loan words). Though his definitions and etymologies are brief, they often put to shame much more expensive dictionaries.
“Klein is an expert in this field, and this volume is VERY useful for the accurate study of Hebrew. I do wish that the basic Hebrew font could have been a little clearer, and that the other languages could have been written in their native scripts (transliterations are used). The price varies from 50 to 100 dollars, but get it if you can, at any price it is a bargain!!” — Gary S. Dykes, Visalia, CA

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“When I began studying in preparation for conversion to reform Judaism, I wanted to learn what the Hebrew words meant that I was saying in the prayers. I looked for a book of word-by-word translation, but there was none. So I started studying Hebrew and I saw references to Rabbi Klein's etymological dictionary. ...This book has been the source of 90% of the work that I have just finished after 3 years of work. Since this dictionary goes to the derivation of the Hebrew word, it is more in line with the original meaning in most of the prayers and psalms. I wish it would be reprinted. The most awesome thing is Rabbi Klein himself, who had a Ph.D. from the University of Vienna, and then was put into Auschwitz. He was almost the only one of his family to survive. It helps one realize the terrible waste of knowledge and potential in the human life which was lost in the Holocaust. The connections of one word with others which Klein explains in this book make the study of Hebrew even more interesting.” — Pamela Coyle, M.D.

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“...this is THE dictionary for those who wish to study the Hebrew language or understand Hebrew works in depth. The awesome breadth of Dr. Klein's scholarship... is also reflected here in his tracing of the words back through so many tongues. Also, while not strictly needed in a work of Hebrew etymology, the CEDHLRE entries often include forward references, showing how the Hebrew words themselves became the roots of later languages, especially English; any lover of language will be charmed.
“Also helpful to the lay student is that Dr. Klein assumes no other linguistics background. Unlike other etymologies such as Jastrow, only knowledge of the Hebrew and English alphabets is assumed, and references to languages such as Persian and Egyptian are given in English transliteration.
“Finally, Dr. Klein was not afraid to let his personal charm show through in his writing. Throughout there are entries that include such phrases as ‘generally considered ... but I believe ....’ or ‘I disagree with those who say....’ It is clear that the CEDHLRE is a personal work, the product of one scholar's love for his field....” — Eliyahu Skoczylas, Jerusalem

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“I purchased my copy of Klein's masterpiece about 15 years ago, and it has remained a true and trusty friend over the years. I view it as a standard reference which falls somewhere between Reuben Alcalay's straightforward Complete Hebrew-English Dictionary, and Wilhelm Gesenius's technical Hebrew and English Lexicon. Klein usually compares Semitic roots or terms (primarily Akkadian, Aramaic and Arabic), although he will sometimes turn to Egyptian and/or Greek. Each page is comprised of three columns of text, and the layout is very clear and easy to use with very legible type.” — Arturo de Hoyos

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