Digital Logos Edition
When first published in 1983, Biblical Words and Their Meaning broke new ground by introducing to students of the Bible the principles of linguistics, in particular, on lexical semantics—that branch that focuses on the meaning of individual words. Moisés Silva’s structural approach provides the interpreter with an important lexical tool for more responsible understanding of the biblical text and more effective use of standard exegetical resources. This revised edition includes a bibliographical essay by Silva, “Recent Developments in Semantics,” and an appendix by Karen H. Jobes, “Distinguishing the Meaning of Greek Verbs in the Semantic Domain for Worship,” which provides the reader with a substantive example of lexical study.
In the Logos edition, this valuable volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
“We have the relatively modest goal of determining the most accurate English equivalents to biblical words, of being able to decide, with as much certainty as possible, what a specific Greek or Hebrew word in a specific context actually means.” (Page 31)
“It follows that our real interest is the significance of Greek or Hebrew in the consciousness of the biblical writers; to put it baldly, ‘historical considerations are irrelevant to the investigation’ of the state of the Koine at the time of Christ.” (Page 38)
“Ironically, however, etymology seems to occupy a more prominent place in the discussion of words whose meaning is already established! Also ironically, the use of etymology by ministers may be directly linked to a lack of genuine familiarity with the biblical languages.” (Page 44)
“A final and fundamental danger is that of confusing the word for the reality.” (Page 26)
“compounds and derivatives may lose their motivation if any of their elements falls into disuse” (Page 49)