ERIC Number: EJ1475179
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2149-1135
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Semantic Evolution in the Psalms: A Diachronic Analysis of Linguistic Transformations
Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, v10 n3 206-215 2024
This study examines the semantic evolution of selected passages from the Psalms in the Bible's King James Version (KJV), focusing on their implications for biblical interpretation and theological understanding. Employing a qualitative, diachronic linguistic research design, purposive sampling was used to select passages featuring terms that exemplify semantic changes such as broadening, narrowing, amelioration, pejoration, metaphorical change, and metonymic change. Key Hebrew terms and their English translations were analyzed using tools like the Interlinear Bible and Strong's Hebrew Dictionary to trace their historical evolution and contemporary meanings. The findings highlight significant semantic shifts in terms such as "fruit," "compass," "blessed," "fool," "shepherd," and "heart," reflecting the dynamic interplay of cultural, historical, and linguistic factors. These shifts both enrich and challenge the interpretation of the Psalms as terms gain broader metaphorical significance or lose their original theological depth. The study underscores the importance of historical linguistic awareness for accurate interpretation, providing recommendations for integrating these insights into theological scholarship and modern biblical engagement. Limitations include a focus on the KJV, suggesting further research on other translations and the application of computational linguistic tools. This research contributes to the fields of biblical studies and historical linguistics by bridging the gap between ancient texts and contemporary readers, reaffirming the enduring spiritual significance of the Psalms.
Descriptors: Semantics, Diachronic Linguistics, Biblical Literature, Christianity, Religious Factors, Figurative Language, Hebrew, English, Translation, Second Languages, Language Usage, Language Processing, Metalinguistics, Accuracy, Language Research, Dictionaries
Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics. Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Anafartalar Campus Faculty of Education Department of Foreign Language Education, Canakkale 07100, Turkey. e-mail: editor@ejal.info; Website: https://ejal.info/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A