An analysis of the semantic domains of notros with implications for the interpretation of Hebrews 5.11-6.12
[Thesis]
J. M. Campbell
C. A. Ray, Jr.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
1996
159
Ph.D.
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
1996
The purpose of the research in this dissertation was to analyze the significance of usd\nu\omega\theta\rho o\varsigmausd for the interpretation of Heb. 5.11-6.12 based upon its semantic domain in the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae. The semantic analysis followed the methodology presented by Johannes P. Louw and Eugene A. Nida in Lexical Semantics of the Greek New Testament: A Supplement to the Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains. Chapter one was entitled "The Semantic Domains of usd{\rm N}\omega\theta\rho o\varsigmausd in the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae." The examination of the contexts of usd\nu\omega\theta\rho o\varsigmausd in the Thesaurus Linguae Graecae revealed that the lexeme was employed in four basic ways. First, the term was used in conjunction with words of motion to describe slowness in movement. Second, usd\nu\omega\theta\rho o\varsigmausd modified the mental process to describe slowness in thought and reason. Third, the lexeme was found to convey the concept of lethargy or a state of stupor. And fourth, usd\nu\omega\theta\rho o\varsigmausd was used to indicate laziness, negligence, and a lack or courage. Chapter Two was entitled "The Context of usd{\rm N}\omega\theta\rho o\varsigmausd in Hebrews." An examination of the context of usd\nu\omega\theta\rho o\varsigmausd in Hebrews revealed that the passages of exhortation are the driving force for the epistle. Hebrews 5.11-6.12 falls within a warning passage which focuses on the priesthood of Christ. The purpose of this passage was to exhort the recipients to be faithful to the call of active service in Christ. Chapter Three was entitled "The Significance of usd{\rm N}\omega\theta\rho o\varsigmausd for the Interpretation of Heb. 5.11-6.12." In this passage usd\nu\omega\theta\rho o\varsigmausd was found to convey the idea of laziness and negligence. This conclusion supports Herschel H. Hobbs's theory that Heb. 6.4-6 is a discussion of the failure of the Hebrews to fulfill their world-wide mission. The conclusion included a summary of the findings of the paper. The methodology of this research proved sound.