Genealogy of the Word “Nafs” in Semitic Languages by Examining Its Meanings in the Qur’an and the Bible

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of the Holy Quran University of Sciences and Education

2 Professor/ Department of Qur’an and Hadith Sciences Allameh Tabatabaee university

Abstract

The application of the word "nafs" and its derivatives in the branches of the Semitic language and its numerous uses in the Qur’an and the Testaments indicate its ancientness and importance. The structure of the word in the northeastern and northwestern branches is “n-p-sh” and in the southern branches is “n-f-s” that indicate its evolution in the process of transition from one branch to another. The present study deals with the genealogy of the word "nafs" in Semitic languages, based on the comparative historical method. In the research process, the commonalities and differences are identified and its uses and examples in the Qur’an and the Testaments are shown. Evidence shows that the commonalities in structure and meaning are far greater than the differences. The word has more semantic development in some branches, the fact that is evident in the Qur’an and the Testments. "Rest" and "life" are two common meanings of the word in all branches, and then other numerous meanings have been extended from these two meanings. Its central meanings in these books mostly refer to transcendental issues such as God, soul and spirit. Some Arabic lexicographers have associated the word with the word "nafas", while this is not the case in other branches of the Semitic language.
 

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History

  • Receive Date: 15 October 2020
  • Revise Date: 26 February 2021
  • Accept Date: 19 December 2020

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