The noun ʼjs in Biblical Hebrew: a term of affiliation$h
This article investigates one of the most frequent nouns in the Hebrew Bible, אִישׁ ('îš). Using paradigmatic (comparative) and syntagmatic (contextual) linguistic analysis, it finds that איש is a term that intrinsically conveys relationship. That is, איש serves to relate two referents to each...
| Published in: | The journal of Hebrew scriptures |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
The National Library of Canada
2008
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| In: |
The journal of Hebrew scriptures
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| IxTheo Classification: | HB Old Testament |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Summary: | This article investigates one of the most frequent nouns in the Hebrew Bible, אִישׁ ('îš). Using paradigmatic (comparative) and syntagmatic (contextual) linguistic analysis, it finds that איש is a term that intrinsically conveys relationship. That is, איש serves to relate two referents to each other: one that it points to directly (the individual), and one that it points to indirectly (the group or party with which that individual is affiliated). Specifically, this noun variously signals three related nuances: membership or participation; representation as exemplar; and representation on behalf of others. At least 87% of biblical instances of איש can thus be accounted for, and some usages are best explained in this way. The article also cites evidence to suggest that the feminine counterpart noun, אשה ('îššâ), should likewise be construed as a term of affiliation. After noting that the primary sense of איש is probably not "adult male” as many lexicons state, it sketches some implications for glossing, translating, and interpreting איש. |
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| ISSN: | 1203-1542 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: The journal of Hebrew scriptures
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.5508/jhs.2008.v8.a1 |