Semantics/Lexical Semantics
Introduction
Semantics is the study of how language is used to represent meaning. The goal of semantic analysis is to make explicit all the semantic relationships within the biblical text, that is, to take what is implicit about word meaning – and thus assumed by the original audience – and make it explicit – and thus understandable for us who are removed by time, language, and culture.
One major branch of semantic study is lexical semantics, which refers to the study of word meanings. It examines the relationship between words (e.g. synonymy, hyponymy) as well as the relationship between words and larger concepts (e.g. lexical domains). This involves study of Hebrew word meaning, but also an examination of our own assumptions about English word meaning. As Western-trained scholars, we start with our Western assumptions, so this part of the analysis, in particular, should be done afresh for every culture.
Lexical semantics is one of three parts of semantic analysis (cf. mid-level semantics and unit-level semantics).
Required Tools
• Hebrew text • Grammatical diagram • Lexicons • SDBH • HALOT • BDB • DCH • Versions
Overview
- Lexical and Contextual Domains
- Venn Diagram (wiki bank)
- English glosses
- Close-but-clear
- Repeated Roots