God, Language and Scripture [Paperback]

Moises Silva (Author)

Book Description

Series: Foundations of Contemporary Interpretation | Publication Date: February 11, 1991

The primary aim of God, Language and Scripture is to provide guidance in the use of biblical languages. Secondarily this volume initiates the reader to the wonders and workings of language and points out how language is often misused, especially in regard to the Bible. This volume, however, in no way anticipates all the ways of mishandling language. Silva's emphasis is on 'global' rather than detailed concerns (though selected specific examples are used) of how language is misused. The book includes an account of the birth and growth of modern linguistics, an appreciation of its interdisciplinary character, particularly its ties with literary criticism, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and science. It surveys all levels of language description, but emphasizes the semantic and stylistic aspects of grammar and syntax, vocabulary, and discourse. In addition, it considers the transmission of the Bible (textual criticism and translation) as a mode of linguistic communication and interpretive process.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The primary aim of God, Language and Scripture is to provide guidance in the use of biblical languages. Secondarily this volume initiates the reader to the wonders and workings of language and points out how language is often misused, especially in regard to the Bible. This volume, however, in no way anticipates all the ways of mishandling language. Silva's emphasis is on "global" rather than detailed concerns (though selected specific examples are used) of how language is misused. The book includes an account of the birth and growth of modern linguistics, an appreciation of its interdisciplinary character, particularly its ties with literary criticism, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and science. It surveys all levels of language description, but emphasizes the semantic and stylistic aspects of grammar and syntax, vocabulary, and discourse. In addition, it considers the transmission of the Bible (textual criticism and translation) as a mode of linguistic communication and interpretive process.

About the Author

Moises Silva taught biblical studies at Westmont College, Westminster Theological Seminary, and Gordon-Conwell Seminary. He is the author or coauthor of eight books, and the revising editor of the Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (February 11, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310409519
• ISBN-13: 978-0310409519
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #866,180 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Moisés Silva taught biblical studies at Westmont College, Westminster Theological Seminary, and Gordon-Conwell Seminary. He is the author or coauthor of eight books, and the revising editor of the Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rightly dividing the Word of Truth, November 9, 2001

By 

J. T. King (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: God, Language and Scripture (Paperback)

Why would anyone want to learn biblical Greek and Hebrew?

Some think the biblical languages hold the key to deep understanding. Others that a good English translation is all any scholar really needs. In God, Language and Scripture, Moises Silva reveals the truth somewhere between these two extremes.

This is a pretty easy read: a brief, semi-popular overview of linguistics in biblical interpretation. Silva provides many pointers to understanding the connection between language and hermeneutics. The book is non-technical, entertaining at times, and accessible even to beginners. I highly recommend it.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars God speaks! Human language capable of God-talk., September 19, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: God, Language and Scripture (Paperback)

Silva takes on the whole idea of language in relationship to God and concludes not only that God has chosen to use human language to communicate with humans, He has also allowed people to use language to talk to and about Him. Silva provides a health-giving antidote to the unscientific views of Hebrew and Greek which are often presented in studies on the languages of the Old and New Testaments. A must for all serious students of biblical Hebrew and Greek.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise and Powerful Survey of Language, May 24, 2010

By 

Mike Robinson "Mike A Robinson: Apologetic An... (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: God, Language and Scripture (Paperback)

Professor Moisés Silva in "God, Language and Scripture" furnishes concise and thought-provoking essays on the historical, theological, and practical relationship of linguistics as well as its proper exercise concerning biblical languages. The linguistic dilettante usually takes much for granted in the power and working of language and this can include many exegetes. Thus Dr. Silva (b. 1945, professor: Westmont College (1972-1981), Westminster Theological Seminary (1981-1996), and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (1996-2000); received a PhD at the University of Manchester in 1972; was a translator of the New American Standard Bible and the English Standard Version) discusses how language is frequently distorted and misapplied particularly in biblical interpretation and exposition.

With precision and scholarly care Dr. Silva converses the following topics:

- The beginning and advancement of modern linguistics
- Literary criticism, sociology, anthropology, psychology, and philosophy in relation to the study of language
- Semantic and stylistic aspects of grammar, syntax, pronunciation vocabulary, sound and discourse
- Biblical language transmission of scripture in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek
- Textual criticism and translation of scripture
- Habitual exegetical errors.

Some may deem the author's mild emphasis on the importance of Aramaic as unfounded forasmuch as the bulk of Jewish works from the era of the New Testament are written in Hebrew (Mishnah/Talmud), Jesus spoke to Paul in Hebrew in the Book of Acts (yes many assert that Hebrew=Aramaic), first century ossuaries and coins have Hebrew inscriptions. Either way the NT writers had a Hebrew/Aramaic mindset and the word order in the Gospels often follows Hebrew. This type of research is fascinating and educational; nonetheless God's word is infallible and authoritative.

This exacting volume is potent in its precision, brief (160 pages), and accessible to the non-scholar. "God, Language, and Scripture" is an excellent resource for ministers and commentators and all those who yearn to rightfully utilize language. It makes an outstanding escort to Poythress's book on language.
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