EURASIAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED LINGUISTICS

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Semantic Evolution in the Psalms: A Diachronic Analysis of Linguistic Transformations

Luijim S. Jose
PhD, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Cabanatuan City, Philippines.
Keywords: Semantics, Semantic Change, Psalms, Diachronic Linguistics, Biblical Interpretation. ,

Abstract

This study examines the semantic evolution of selected passages from the Psalms in the Bible's King James Version (KJV), focusing on their implications for biblical interpretation and theological understanding. Employing a qualitative, diachronic linguistic research design, purposive sampling was used to select passages featuring terms that exemplify semantic changes such as broadening, narrowing, amelioration, pejoration, metaphorical change, and metonymic change. Key Hebrew terms and their English translations were analyzed using tools like the Interlinear Bible and Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary to trace their historical evolution and contemporary meanings. The findings highlight significant semantic shifts in terms such as "fruit," "compass," "blessed," "fool," "shepherd," and "heart," reflecting the dynamic interplay of cultural, historical, and linguistic factors. These shifts both enrich and challenge the interpretation of the Psalms as terms gain broader metaphorical significance or lose their original theological depth. The study underscores the importance of historical linguistic awareness for accurate interpretation, providing recommendations for integrating these insights into theological scholarship and modern biblical engagement. Limitations include a focus on the KJV, suggesting further research on other translations and the application of computational linguistic tools. This research contributes to the fields of biblical studies and historical linguistics by bridging the gap between ancient texts and contemporary readers, reaffirming the enduring spiritual significance of the Psalms.