Lexical study in Biblical Hebrew is a methodical, theological unpacking of each word’s root, morphology, semantic range, and canonical distribution to illuminate the deeper meaning of Scripture. Terms like שָׁלוֹם convey holistic restoration and covenantal harmony far beyond “peace,” while חֶסֶד encapsulates loyal love and divine grace rooted in covenant fidelity. נָשָׂא extends from physical lifting to the profound idea of atonement as burden-bearing. Lexical precision also depends on genre, syntax, and poetic devices like parallelism, revealing meaning that transcends dictionary glosses. Supported by tools like BDB, HALOT, and concordances, this analysis offers readers a route into the heart of Hebrew Scripture—where each word pulses with divine intentionality.
Introduction
Lexical study is the word-by-word analysis of vocabulary in its original context, providing a foundation for biblical interpretation. In Biblical Hebrew, this involves examining each word’s root, morphology, semantic range, and usage across the Hebrew Bible. Because Hebrew words often carry layered meanings derived from root systems and repeated usage patterns, careful lexical analysis allows readers to uncover rich theological and literary depth in Scripture. This article introduces the key components of lexical study in Biblical Hebrew and demonstrates the method through examples.
1. Elements of Lexical Analysis
Lexical study in Biblical Hebrew includes the following components:
- Root Identification – determining the three-consonant root (שׁוֹרֶשׁ)
- Form & Morphology – identifying binyan (verbal stem), tense, number, gender
- Semantic Range – exploring the possible meanings based on lexicons and context
- Contextual Usage – examining how the word functions in its passage
- Distribution Analysis – comparing its usage in other biblical books
Lexical study is both linguistic and theological, grounding exegesis in original-language meaning.
2. Case Study: שָׁלוֹם (shalom)
Root:
ש־ל־ם
This root is associated with completeness, wholeness, peace, and restoration.
Morphology:
Noun, masculine (though sometimes feminine in form); occurs in both absolute and construct states.
Semantic Range:
- Peace (absence of war)
- Well-being, health
- Wholeness or completeness
- Prosperity or harmony
Biblical Examples:
- וַיֹּאמֶר שָׁלוֹם לָךְ – “And he said, ‘Peace to you.’” (Judges 6:23)
- שָׁלוֹם שָׁלוֹם לָרָחוֹק וְלַקָּרוֹב – “Peace, peace, to the far and to the near.” (Isaiah 57:19)
- דִּרְשׁוּ שָׁלוֹם הָעִיר – “Seek the peace of the city.” (Jeremiah 29:7)
Lexical Insight:
The term שָׁלוֹם goes far beyond the English “peace.” It represents a holistic vision of restoration, well-being, and relational harmony, central to both prophetic vision and covenant theology.
3. Case Study: חֶסֶד (ḥesed)
Root:
ח־ס־ד
The root is associated with kindness, favor, and loyalty.
Part of Speech:
Feminine noun; usually in construct form in poetic texts.
Semantic Range:
- Covenantal loyalty
- Loving-kindness or mercy
- Faithful love or steadfast devotion
Biblical Examples:
- כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ – “For His steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)
- וְחֶסֶד אֵל עוֹלָם – “And the kindness of God is everlasting.” (Psalm 52:1)
- לֹא־כִי שָׁמַר חֶסֶד עִם בֵּית יְהוֹנָתָן – “Did I not keep ḥesed with the house of Yonatan?” (2 Samuel 9:1)
Lexical Insight:
חֶסֶד cannot be reduced to “mercy” alone. It implies relational faithfulness, often within covenantal context. It’s a core attribute of YHWH, closely associated with His graceful commitment to Yisraʾel.
4. Case Study: נָשָׂא (nāśāʾ)
Root:
נ־ש־א
The root literally means “to lift” or “to carry.”
Binyanim:
- Qal – to lift, carry
- Niphal – to be lifted up
- Piel – to exalt (rare)
Semantic Range:
- To carry or bear physically
- To forgive or bear iniquity (figuratively)
- To lift up in honor or countenance
Biblical Examples:
- וְנָשָׂא עֲוֹן הָעֵדָה – “And he shall bear the guilt of the congregation.” (Leviticus 10:17)
- יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ – “May the LORD lift up His countenance upon you.” (Numbers 6:26)
- כִּי נָשָׂאתִי שֵׁם־יְהוָה – “For I will proclaim the name of the LORD.” (Deuteronomy 32:3)
Lexical Insight:
The verb נָשָׂא displays a powerful theological metaphor—forgiveness as burden-bearing. It also appears in liturgical blessing, expressing divine favor and relational elevation.
5. Tools for Lexical Study
A. Lexicons
- BDB – Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon
- HALOT – Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament
- Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (TWOT)
B. Concordances
Useful for tracing usage and frequency of Hebrew words across Scripture.
C. Digital Tools
Bible software (e.g., Logos, Accordance, StepBible) can generate instant morphology, root trees, and usage charts.
6. Lexical Semantics and Contextual Sensitivity
Lexical study is not dictionary work alone—it must consider:
- Genre – poetry vs. narrative may affect meaning
- Syntax – word position, verbal binyan, modifiers
- Discourse Context – repeated themes, wordplay, inclusio
- Parallelism – synonymous or antithetical parallels shape meaning
From Words to Wisdom
Lexical study in Biblical Hebrew is foundational for serious interpretation. Each word in Scripture is rich with history, theology, and poetic force, derived from its root structure and transformed by context. A word like שָׁלוֹם communicates more than peace—it embodies wholeness and divine intention. A term like חֶסֶד reveals the covenantal heart of YHWH. Through disciplined word-by-word analysis, students of Hebrew draw closer to the heartbeat of the biblical text—where every word speaks volumes.
