Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Karl Randolph" <kwrandolph AT email.com>]

Dear Reinier:

----- Original Message -----
From: "Reinier de Blois" <editor AT sdbh.org>
> 
> Dear Karl,
> 
> >    Is it not possible for a lexeme to be used 
> > only six times in Tanakh, each in a separate semantic domain, 
> > with the result that it can given six unique definitions, one for 
> > each semantic domain?
> >
> >
> In theory, maybe. I haven't run into such 
a case yet. The less data the
> more speculative a case becomes
> 
The thing that turned me off from the Gesenius/BDB 
model of lexicography was the many words I found 
with multiple, unique definitions where, when I looked 
up the lexemes in a concordance, I found no 
justification for the multiple, unique meanings. The worst 
example I found had five definitions for a lexeme used 
only four times in Tanakh (that was many years ago, 
and I have long ago forgotten which word that was).

It appears to me that defining according to semantic 
domains risks the same danger. It appears to me that 
you already have at least two unique definitions for 
the idiomatic phrase "spacious heart", could there be 
more?

>... What is more helpful in
> this case, however, is the triplet "wisdom, intelligence, and a broad
> heart".
> If (a) and (b) are synonymic if it would be very unlikely for (c) to be
> any different. Then, if RXB often signifies "spacious" it is a very
> small step to extend that in a more figurative sense to a heart that can
> contain much knowledge.
> 
The idea that "spacious heart" meaning "overpowering 
mind" (i.e. one not swayed by others, rather sways 
them) also fits the triplet. Having wisdom and insight are 
not enough, if one lacks the self-confidence to act on 
them. And as king and ultimate judge, he had to have 
persuasiveness to sway others to follow him, that his 
judgments were correct.

Or are you saying that in the negative examples, 
where a "spacious heart" is used by a the wicked, that 
much knowledge is also implied? In other words, that 
much knowledge makes the wicked worse?

How does that fit with Psalm 25:17 which started this 
thread? That difficulties give much knowledge?

> > ...
> You are basing your conclusion on an English idiom. Very speculative.
> 
Ahh, no. I recalled the English example only after I had 
arrived at a conclusion in Hebrew, then used it as an 
example. I agree with your statement, had I started 
with the English.

> > ... "spacious of heart", an idiomatic phrase. ...
> >  the mind that is firmly rooted in 
> > its own verities such that it is not easily swayed by others, 
> > instead sways others.
> >
> >
> If the root were )MN I would possibly agree with you, but not with RXB.
> 
)MN doesn't have the same idea of conquering others 
that RXB does. When a nation expands its borders, it 
does so by conquest, and for conquest it needs force. 
I see an "expansive heart" as one not only sure of itself, 
but persuasive to others as well.

...
> 
> Best wishes,
> 
> Reinier de Blois
> 
> United Bible Societies
> editor, Semantic Dictionary of Biblical Hebrew

Thanks for an interesting discussion.

Karl W. Randolph.

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