The Shift of the Qur’anic Lexeme from Its Conventional Meaning to Its Original Linguistic Denotation

Abstract

This research seeks to investigate the Qur’anic lexeme, tracing its semantic stability from its conventional meaning to its linguistic origin. The study examines this semantic shift through a sufficient number of Qur’anic lexical items and identifies two primary patterns: the first is a complete shift of the lexeme toward the utmost degree of its core meaning, which we designate as “total deviation”; the second is a partial shift of the lexeme toward its linguistic root without fully reaching its utmost extent, which we refer to as “partial deviation.” This study’s focus provides valuable insights into the semantic implications of such shifts and enhances the understanding of the relationship between conventional meanings and lexical (dictionary) meanings within the Qur’anic vocabulary. Additionally, it offers a linguistic and analytical perspective on certain words that may be misinterpreted when encountered repeatedly in various contexts within the Qur’anic text.