The semantics of צדד lexemes in the hebrew psalter

• Main Author: Rasmussen, Michael D
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2011
• Subjects: Biblical studies; Linguistics

Psalms containing lexemes derived from the Hebrew root צרר1 (to bind, be in distress) are studied in order to reveal a previously-unnoticed generic subgroup in the Psalter. Chapter 1 discusses methodology, particularly with respect to the structural and cognitive linguistic principles used throughout the study. Chapter 2 determines which psalms will be the subject of the study. Since the Hebrew Psalter contains both צרר1 lexemes as well as lexemes derived from the homonym צרר2 (to be hostile, be an enemy), chapter 2 investigates translational patterns in ancient versions as well as elements of Hebrew grammar and syntax in order to separate instances of these two roots. The core of the study (chapters 3 through 5) conducts a two-fold investigation of psalms that include צרר1 lexemes, with respect to these psalms’ uniqueness in the Psalter. First, the structuralist concept of co-occurrence restriction is applied, resulting in a set of syntagms that only appear in psalms that include צרר1 lexemes. Second, these syntagms are classified using cognitive semantic principles, resulting in a set of three cognitive domains ([POWERLESSNESS], [PALPABLE THREAT], and [ENTREATY]) which comprise a cognitive profile of distress in the Psalter. Chapters 6 and 7 round out the cognitive profile of distress with an analysis of two more salient domains ([EXTRA-LINGUISTIC CAUSE], and [GUILTY?] which, although being necessary components of the profile, are not unique to distress psalms. Chapter 7 studies צרר1 lexemes with respect to the overall editing of the Hebrew Psalter. Chapter 8 then explores Psalm 107 as a test case and exemplar of the above cognitive profile. The final chapter draws conclusions with respect to the generic identity of distress psalms.