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Moisés Silva
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Biblical Words and Their Meaning: An Introduction to Lexical Semantics Paperback – April 1, 1983

by Moises Silva (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 74 ratings
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When first published in 1983, Biblical Words and Their Meaning broke new ground by introducing to students of the Bible the principles of linguistics, in particular, on lexical semantics — that branch that focuses on the meaning of individual words. Silva's structural approach provides the interpreter with an important lexical tool for more responsible understanding of the biblical text and more effective use of standard exegetical resources. This revised edition includes a bibliographical essay by Silva, "Recent Developments in Semantics," and an appendix by Karen H. Jobes, "Distinguishing the Meaning of Greek Verbs in the Semantic Domain for Worship," that provides the reader with a substantive example of lexical study. Author Moises Silva is Mary French Rockefeller Distinguished Professor of New Testament Studies at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    201 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Zondervan Publishing Company
  4. Publication date
    April 1, 1983
  5. Dimensions
    0.5 x 5.3 x 7.9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0310456711
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0310456711
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Zondervan Publishing Company (April 1, 1983)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 201 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0310456711
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0310456711
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.5 x 5.3 x 7.9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 74 ratings

About the author

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Moisés Silva

Moisés Silva

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Moisés Silva taught biblical studies at Westmont College, Westminster Theological Seminary, and Gordon-Conwell Seminary. He is the author or coauthor of eight books, and the revising editor of the Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
74 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

R. R. Morris
5.0 out of 5 stars Everything in this book harmonizes with Jehovah’s Witnesses "New World Translation"
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2023
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How many ways can you say that individual words in any language can have varying shades of meaning? That’s basically what this book is about. I do mean that in a positive way. This is especially true and of concern when translating the bible from original languages to any other language. You can appreciate the importance and value of knowing how words are used and understood. Studying Jehovah’s Witnesses’ "New World Translation" for over 50 years and now analyzing what is said in “Biblical Words and Their Meaning” by Moises Silva offers valid concepts that the Watchtower Society had already long implemented first, since at least the late 1940s and much earlier! The appendix on the word “worship” and the original Greek words is spot on and something (along with the rest of the book) I wish I had for my past 50+ years. Although other orthodox sources also printed much of the same as this book, Silva puts it all between two covers, in one handy source. Yes, it’s deep, and I doubt very few people will remember much of its contents. But having it on the shelf will provide an easy-to-reach reference. The quality of the paper of my copy is about as cheap as it gets. Even your daily newspaper pages are higher quality, so I hope the book stores well.
2 people found this helpful
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Jose A. Bernal
5.0 out of 5 stars Helps us avoid twisting scripture
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2015
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I was one of those unfortunate many who was unaware of the problems latent with dictionaries like "the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament." Were it not for Silva's book, I would foolishly be trusting this wrongfully recognized authority, all of the while thinking that I was smarter than most. In Silva's book, he does all he can to make understandable the issues of lexical semantics. He tries to explain that context is king, in determining meaning. A case example that is not in this book but which I personally use to illustrate this is the sign that reads, "Beware of dogs" which we find in peoples front yards. Naturally we take this sign to mean that we ought not enter the fence, unless we don't mind getting bit by thier dog. Yet in the king james version of the Bible Philippians 3:2 says, "Beware of dogs" yet in this context, the apostle Paul was warning of heretics, and not getting bit by a canine. These are the kinds of issues that Silva tries to bring to the publics attention in this book. While this appears to be a subtle issue that is unimportant (as most semantic issues appear to be), the consequences of even accidentally twisting scripture is warned against in 2 Peter 3:16 and said to potentially lead to their destruction. Let us not ignore this warning, for our own sake as well as those who hear us
17 people found this helpful
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ROSEBUD210
5.0 out of 5 stars These books are good reference in finding the true meanings of the wording ...
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2017
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These books are good reference in finding the true meanings of the wording in the bible...I don't believe all Pastors and ministers research the bible words thoroughly. Because of so many interpretations of the bible...these Hebrew word books are a real blessing and quenches my thirst and hunger for filling finding real truth. NO one really knows the true interpretation of what the bible is really saying. I have to agree with so many Jews who have studied the Torah and brought the Christians the BIBLE.
One person found this helpful
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José Andrés Landeta
4.0 out of 5 stars A good but technical intro to Biblical Semantics
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2023
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This Moisés Silva's book is a good but technical introduction to the main topic of Biblical Semantics. For new students of Biblical Semantics I would recommend Campbell's "Advances in the Study of Greek", its chapter on Lexicography.
One person found this helpful
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Steve V
5.0 out of 5 stars a really first rate introduction
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2015
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Clear, excellent little introduction to how words of the Bible have meaning, and what that means to the way we understand and translate them. It would be good to have a notion of semantics or some experience with languages before reading this, but don't hesitate. I almost want to say, "don't touch that lexicon until you have read this!" (I am an old man with Bible training, who came across this book late in life.)
8 people found this helpful
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Jonathan Phillip Gross
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Service
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2021
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Product in great condition. Service was actually earlier that predicted. Very happy. Highly recommend.
One person found this helpful
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Erfert Sapling
3.0 out of 5 stars Good Read
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2022
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Good read for a seminary book. Will probably never pick it up again though.
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Mark Ward
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Book for Preachers and Bible Teachers
Reviewed in the United States on October 16, 2014
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I wish every pastor and Bible teacher would read this book; to be honest (and I don't mean this as a slight), not all of them can. It is academically demanding. But it's so essential for sound Bible interpretation; it was a great help to me. It popularizes (or at least makes a big step in that direction) sound academic ideas about language that need desperately to trickle down to the popular level.
11 people found this helpful
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