[b-hebrew] Daniel 6:27 (time indefinite) II
Robert Newman
rob at designceramics.co.uk
Tue Nov 15 08:39:50 EST 2005
Hi Harold, Rolf and Peter,
I'd just like to point out that when I mentioned the word "indefinitely" and its meaning it was in the context of describing how I as an English reader understand "time indefinite". I've heard linguists say 'words have no meaning apart from context, only potential meanings or a semantic range'. Now some here seem to be insisting that the meaning of "time indefinite" should be judged on the bulk of glosses for "indefinite" in a dictionary. My experience is that as a reader of NWT the various conexts make the meaning of "time indefinite" specific. In my mind I naturaly associate it with the word "indefinately" which is very close in meaning.
Now if what lexicographers have said about olam signifying "hidden time" is correct, the NWT communicates in a way very similar to the Hebrew,and the expression "time/s indefinite" can also carry forward the plural. As a young teenager reading the Bible (with no special linguistic training) the said translation worked for me.
You may agree or disagree with this translation approach, it has advantages and disadvantages but I feel it at least has a place.
Robert Newman
More information about the b-hebrew
mailing list