Clouseau

No, it is not. The same word can be used literally or metaphorically. Take the phrase 'hard to swallow'. That may refer to a large medicinal tablet, or to an unsettling new fact. Word meaning is the same in each case, and the metaphor relies on that very fact.

VoxRat

Let's work backwards from this quote:


The metaphor relies on what very fact? The fact that the word meaning is the same in each of two ways of using a phrase (literal and figurative). To understand the figurative use, you need to understand the meaning of the words then, right? (Which is to say the literal meaning). So we're all agreed, then right? To understand the figurative meaning, you have to understand the meaning of the words.

Clouseau

Correct; it's essential. If there are any words in the English Bible you don't understand, I suggest you use a dictionary. If you think that any important word of Hebrew or Greek has been mistranslated, just say so, and I'm sure there will be plenty of people willing to assist.

VoxRat

VoxRat: Is it just me, or...?

Clouseau

No, everyone needs a dictionary at some time. There's no shame.

VoxRat

Hey, <edit> - you'll notice there's no mention of "dictionaries" in the post (#76) wherein I highlighted your apparent inconsistency.

Or are you suggesting that somehow a dictionary would help clear up this inconsistency?

Clouseau

Here you are- http://www.chambersharrap.co.uk/chambers/chref.py/main . You're up with the professionals, now. And no charge for the English lesson!

Amaleq13

And how do you differentiate between these two meanings without considering the meaning of the words?

Clouseau

You mean how do you differentiate between these two senses without considering the meaning of the words. The sense is derived from the context. I got the phrase 'hard to swallow' from a newspaper headline. I still don't know which sense is meant, as I have not read the article beneath, but the newspaper used the word 'swallow' because it assumes that most people know what it means. Those who do not can look it up in a dictionary, of course.

VoxRat

But (for the 3d or 4th time now) there's no need. Because, according to you, there's no need to know the meaning of the words.