Journal: Bulletin for Biblical Research
Volume: BBR 22:3 (NA 2012)
Article: Lexical Pragmatics And The Lexicon
Author: Gene L. Green

BBR 22:3 (2012) p. 315

Lexical Pragmatics And The Lexicon

Gene L. Green

Wheaton College

While the number of our lexical resources for exegeting and translating both testaments has grown enormously, our understanding of how words mean remains lodged in a model of communication that has come under challenge in recent years. The way we understand the nature of and relationship between lexemes and concepts will affect how we develop and utilize our lexicons for exegesis. Traditionally, lexical semantics has oriented both these lexicographic endeavors. But recent research in the field of lexical pragmatics, currently discussed among those working on Relevance Theory (RT) and other cognitive approaches to linguistics, gives important new guidance to orient our use of the lexicon and offers valuable insights that can help shape their future design. Lexical pragmatics points to a new, more context-oriented and dynamic approach to understanding the relationship between lexemes and concepts, and the nature of concepts as ad hoc constructions, in the communication of meaning.

Key Words: lexicons, lexical semantics, lexical pragmatics, Relevance Theory, words and concepts, Semantic Dictionary of Biblical Hebrew, exegesis

Lexical Resources For Biblical Studies

We love lexicons. Whether we are translators of the Bible or commentators, biblical studies students or professors, pastors or lay persons, we find tremendous delight in using and designing lexicons. Words are the building blocks of our interpretive trade, and our lexicons open ancient worlds by reviving words long silent. Every Hebrew student knows BDB (Brown, Driver and Briggs),1 and the adept learn their way around Koehler and Baumgartner’s four-volume Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament.2 Jenni and Westermann’s Theological Lexicon of the Old Testament and David Clines’s Dictionary of Classical Hebrew help quench our lexical thirst when we read the Hebrew text.3 The United Bible Societies are producing

BBR 22:3 (2012) p. 316

another lexical work, The Semantic Dictionary of Biblical Hebrew, under the editorial supervision of Reinier de Blois along with Enio Mueller (www.sbdh.org). This new semantic-domain dictionary will stand electronically alongside Louw and Nida.4 Many working in Greek keep BDAG within arm’s reach, while Mouton and Milligan and Liddell, Scott, Jones, and McKenzie are never more than a few steps away.5 We are dismay...