etymology

The study of the origins of words. Theologians and preachers are sometimes obsessed with etymology, seeming to believe that where a word comes from tells us its real meaning. Linguists would say that how a word is used tells us its meaning! Where it is possible, in this case synchronic is preferable to diachronic study.

This page is part of the Hypertext Bible Commentary - Amos,

© Tim Bulkeley, 1996-2005, Tim Bulkeley. All rights reserved.