Semantic Change and Anachronism in the Book of Ecclesiastes: A Diachronic Linguistic Analysis for Biblical Interpretation

Abstract

The Book of Ecclesiastes lacks a systematic evaluation of its lexicon and the doctrinal consequences of semantic anachronism and diachronic linguistic awareness. This study aims to identify and classify instances of semantic change using Campbell’s (2021) typology. Employing a qualitative, diachronic linguistic methodology, the research systematically traces the meanings of selected Hebrew terms—hevel (“vanity”), ruach (“spirit”), amal (“labour”), cheleq (“portion”), et (“time/season”), and chokmah (“wisdom”)—from their original biblical usage, through early modern English translation, to their current meanings in contemporary English. Data collection involved purposive sampling of central lexical items, comprehensive manual comparison across the Hebrew Text, KJV, and modern English translations, and interpretive validation using leading lexicons and scholarly commentaries. Findings reveal substantial patterns of semantic change, including broadening, narrowing, metaphorical extension, and cognitive redefinition, resulting in widespread semantic anachronism. Modern interpretations frequently diverge from both the original Hebrew and early modern senses, leading to potential distortions of theological and philosophical intent. The analysis underscores the persistent risk of doctrinal and pedagogical misinterpretation when historical semantics are overlooked. The study recommends integrating diachronic linguistic awareness and cognitive semantic principles into translation, biblical scholarship, and religious pedagogy to safeguard the interpretive integrity of Ecclesiastes. Limitations include the qualitative scope of lexical selection and the exclusion of computational analysis, suggesting avenues for future research using quantitative and cross-linguistic methods. Overall, this research affirms that addressing semantic change is critical for accurate interpretation and effective pedagogy in biblical studies.