Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Isaac Fried <if AT math.bu.edu>]

How do you define the Hebrew root?

Isaac Fried, Boston University

On Mar 16, 2010, at 7:30 PM, K Randolph wrote:

> Steve:
>
> Are we dealing with what can actually be observed, or that which is  
> only
> theorized?
>
> I have been repeatedly accused of practicing the root fallacy, i.e.  
> saying
> that the root predetermines the meaning of the offshoot, because I put
> greater emphasis on the connections between the roots and their  
> derivatives
> than do most modern lexicographers. However, I recognize only those
> connections where there is already a similarity of meaning and form  
> showing
> a root-derivative relationship. I don’t speculate on relationships  
> that are
> not already visible.
>
> In that regard, I do not speculate on possible roots for nouns,  
> adjectives,
> adverbs and other words, when a root is not present in Biblical  
> literature.
>
> Secondly, I take the language as it can be observed. I do not think  
> ‘might
> bes’ are valid. In that regard, there are some roots that are two  
> letter
> roots, the majority are three letter roots, and a couple are four  
> letter
> roots, as used in Biblical Hebrew.
>
> Seeing as your theory does not involve observed etymologies to back  
> it up,
> it is mere speculation that can neither be proven nor disproved.
>
> Karl W. Randolph.
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