Biblical Words and Their Meaning: An Introduction to Lexical Semantics by Moisés Silva (Book Notice)

Biblical Words and Their Meaning: An Introduction to Lexical Semantics by Moisés Silva (Book Notice)

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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. 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,” that provides the reader with a substantive example of lexical study.

From the Back Cover

About the Author

Moisés Silva taught biblical studies at Westmont College, Westminster Theological Seminary, and Gordon-Conwell Seminary. He is the author or coauthor of eight books and the revising editor of the Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible.

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Zondervan; Revised, Expanded edition (January 16, 1995)

Top customer reviews

Jose A. Bernal

I was one of those unfortunate many who was unaware of the problems latent with dictionaries like “the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament.” Were it not for Silva's book, I would foolishly be trusting this wrongfully recognized authority, all of the while thinking that I was smarter than most. In Silva's book, he does all he can to make understandable the issues of lexical semantics. He tries to explain that context is king, in determining meaning. A case example that is not in this book but which I personally use to illustrate this is the sign that reads, “Beware of dogs” which we find in peoples front yards. Naturally we take this sign to mean that we ought not enter the fence, unless we don't mind getting bit by thier dog. Yet in the king james version of the Bible Philippians 3:2 says, “Beware of dogs” yet in this context, the apostle Paul was warning of heretics, and not getting bit by a canine. These are the kinds of issues that Silva tries to bring to the publics attention in this book. While this appears to be a subtle issue that is unimportant (as most semantic issues appear to be), the consequences of even accidentally twisting scripture is warned against in 2 Peter 3:16 and said to potentially lead to their destruction. Let us not ignore this warning, for our own sake as well as those who hear us.

Mark Ward

I wish every pastor and Bible teacher would read this book; to be honest (and I don't mean this as a slight), not all of them can. It is academically demanding. But it's so essential for sound Bible interpretation; it was a great help to me. It popularizes (or at least makes a big step in that direction) sound academic ideas about language that need desperately to trickle down to the popular level.

Steve V

Clear, excellent little introduction to how words of the Bible have meaning, and what that means to the way we understand and translate them. It would be good to have a notion of semantics or some experience with languages before reading this, but don't hesitate. I almost want to say, “don't touch that lexicon until you have read this!” (I am an old man with Bible training, who came across this book late in life.)

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