Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Polycarp66 AT aol.com]

In a message dated 9/1/2002 11:10:21 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Peter_Kirk AT sil.org writes:


> Not necessarily. Consider English “corn”, originally and still in Britain a generic, which became associated with a newly discovered specific type (also known as maize) in America. Similarly BARZEL could have been an original generic which became attached to a newly invented specific.
>
> Peter Kirk
> ________________________
> In a message dated 8/30/2002 9:14:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Yigal-Levin AT utc.edu writes:
>
> Another thought: while I don't doubt that "barzel" means "iron", could it
> be used in this passage as a geneic name for all metalworking? Which would
> solve your question.
> __________________________
>
> If, however, BRZL is used as a generic term for metalworking, would that not assume that ironmongery was sufficiently established for the term to be used as a generic term for metalworking?
>
> gfsomsel ---


I think you'll find that such is the exception rather than the rule.  Thus, while it may be possible, it is unlikely.

gfsomsel