Linguistic Origin and Semantic Expansion: Between Root Stability and Contextual Shifts—An Applied Study of Selected Qur’anic Verses

Abstract

This research addresses the dialectical relationship between linguistic roots and semantic expansion in understanding Qur’anic vocabulary. It aims to demonstrate that every word possesses a stable linguistic root forming the core of its meaning, as established by linguists like Ibn Faris, to which various derivations return. However, this study proves that the significance of a Qur’anic term does not remain rigid within this origin; rather, it expands flexibly under the influence of contextual usage, transitioning between literal and abstract meanings and moving from specification to generalization, thereby acquiring new secondary connotations that deepen interpretive insight. This semantic expansion appears clearly in the Qur’anic text, where a single word assumes multiple meanings based on context and indicators, while maintaining a full organic connection to its linguistic root, whether that connection is apparent or hidden to those reflecting on the Arabic language. Qur’anic contexts, supported by the efforts of exegetes and linguists, play a pivotal role in directing and branching these meanings without deviating from the essence of the root. The study concludes that combining linguistic anchoring with contextual analysis provides researchers with a deeper realization of the intended meaning in the verses and reveals the eloquence and richness of the Qur’anic expression. This methodology was applied to selected samples from the Qur’an, namely: (kabad, harad, ‘awl, nasr, ragha, tamanna). It was found that context acts as a semantic engine, moving the word from its narrow circle to vast spaces, which enhances the understanding of the text and highlights the precision of Qur’anic word choice.