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  • From: Peter Kirk <peterkirk AT qaya.org>
  • To: Vadim Cherny <vadim_lv AT center-tv.net>
  • Cc: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Isaiah 53:8 lamo
  • Date: Mon, 20 Dec 2004 15:02:42 +0000

On 20/12/2004 14:45, Vadim Cherny wrote:

...

It only implies that etymological analysis "may" be flawed. In fact, Hebrew
etymology, due to the root system, is much more stable that in Germanic
languages. ...


Really? This is a very surprising statement. Do you have any evidence for it?

I can find a number of examples of semantic shift between cognates within the Semitic triliteral system. A simple one is "shalom" = "peace" (Hebrew) and "salaam" = "greetings" (Arabic). Semantically linked, of course, but the Arabic meaning is significantly weakened.

No doubt, the contemporaries, speaking the living language, knew the correct
meaning contextually. We don't possess this knowledge. Our best bet is
etymological. Or do you think four (?) entries of lamo make a context? ...


Not four, but 55 for lamo plus four for lmo, which makes "dozens". That's enough to establish regular usage, although not enough to be certain that there are no exceptions.

... I was learning English largely contextually, with little of formal
grammar,
and from some point without vocabulary. I can tell you empirically that
meaning even of nouns is not clear from few instances. Service words, like
lamo, need dozens of instances to clarify the meaning. Etymology is the best
we have for Hebrew, though not without shortcomings.


In some cases, something very bad is better than nothing at all. A crust of dry bread is better than starvation. But that doesn't stop it being very bad.

If you are not convinced, follow George's excellent advice and read
James Barr.


Why do you assume I didn't? ...


From your failure to learn the basic lessons he teaches. But I see that in fact you have theological objections to his conclusions. I'm not sure if that says more about Barr's theology or yours.

... Barr's most cherished concern is protection of
the sacred pasture of theology from outsiders. He is perfectly willing to
infuse his theological views in the semantics instead of reading the plain
text.

Vadim Cherny








--
Peter Kirk
peter AT qaya.org (personal)
peterkirk AT qaya.org (work)
http://www.qaya.org/






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