Linguistic relativity and the interpretation of metaphor in the Hebrew Bible : the case of lṭsh ʿynym in Job 16:9
Linguistic relativity and the interpretation of metaphor in the Hebrew Bible : the case of לטשׁ עינים in Job 16:9
The idiom lṭsh ʿynym 'to sharpen the eyes' in Job 16:9 is commonly interpreted as a figurative reference to the expression of anger in the eyes. This article attempts to highlight the importance of the theory of linguistic relativity by demonstrating the culture-specific nature of this met...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Interlibrary Loan: | Interlibrary Loan for the Fachinformationsdienste (Specialized Information Services in Germany) |
| Published: |
2007
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| In: |
Old Testament essays
Year: 2007, Volume: 20, Issue: 2, Pages: 387-394 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Summary: | The idiom lṭsh ʿynym 'to sharpen the eyes' in Job 16:9 is commonly interpreted as a figurative reference to the expression of anger in the eyes. This article attempts to highlight the importance of the theory of linguistic relativity by demonstrating the culture-specific nature of this metaphoric expression. It is argued that the conventional interpretation obscures the full significance of this figure within the historical context of the ancient Israelite belief in the agency of the eye. In response to an earlier accusation by Eliphaz, Job claims that his predicament is the result of the malevolent eye of his adversary. The idiom לטשׁ עינים 'to sharpen the eyes' in Job 16:9 is commonly interpreted as a figurative reference to the expression of anger in the eyes. This article attempts to highlight the importance of the theory of linguistic relativity by demonstrating the culture-specific nature of this metaphoric expression. It is argued that the conventional interpretation obscures the full significance of this figure within the historical context of the ancient Israelite belief in the agency of the eye. In response to an earlier accusation by Eliphaz, Job claims that his predicament is the result of the malevolent eye of his adversary. |
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| ISSN: | 2312-3621 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Old Testament essays
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| Persistent identifiers: | HDL: 10520/EJC85877 |