Genealogy of the Root of "Katb" (ک ت ب) in Semitic Languages, with an Analysis of its Meaning in the Qur'an and the Bible

Abstract

Derivatives (katb)(ک ت ب) are among the most frequent words in the Qur'an, the Old Testament and the New Testament. This root is used in most branches of Semitic languages with the least difference in structure and meaning.The semantic domain of the (katb)(ک ت ب) has developed over time and in Arabic, in addition to preserving the original meaning, has taken on a new meaning that does not exist in any of the other branches of the Semitic language.The most important derivative of this root is the word "ketāb"(( کتاب in the common sense, which is common and widely used in Semitic languages and is a key word in sacred texts. This research with the historical-comparative-analytical method and the use of library resources first deals with genealogy and analysis of the roots of "katb"(ک ت ب) in the most important branches of the Semitic language and then examines the various functions of its derivatives in the Qur'an and the Bible and has identified the commonalities and differences. "katb"(ک ت ب) means "writing" is one of the main meanings of this root in all branches of the Semitic language, which is crystallized in the Qur'an and the Bible, and culminates in attributing writing to God with the focus on divine law in all three Abrahamic religions.Writing with Biblical evidence was developed first by engraving on stone, tablet, and wood, and then by writing in ink on scrolls and paper.

Keywords

• katb
• writing
• the bible
• semitic languages