Preaching in the New Testament (New Studies in Biblical Theology Book 42)

by (Preaching instructor) Jonathan Griffiths

At this point in the discussion it is important to remember the general principle that words do not have a concrete and tightly defined single meaning, but rather are capable of conveying a range of meanings depending on the context in which they are used (this range is often referred to as a word’s ‘semantic range’).42 On any given occasion when a particular word is used, only part of that range of meaning will be intended. For some words this range will be wider than for others, but the principle holds true for all words. It can be helpful to picture the range of meaning of a word as a circle. Nearest the centre of the circle will be meanings that are most commonly signified by the word in question.43 Further out will be other related meanings or nuances which the word sometimes signifies, but less often. The way in which the reader determines which particular meaning is signified in any given use of the term is by considering the discourse context in which the word is being used. That is why it is always vital to take adequate account of the context of words as they appear within sentences and paragraphs (and larger units too) within any work of literature – and not least when studying books of the Bible.

Hermeneutics: Semantic range of meaning is like concentric circles, with most common and obvious meanings closest to center.