Two independent questions generate the four cases:
1. Is the predicate “anbata” (literal growth) or “aḥyā” (figurative revival)?
2. Is the subject “al-rabīʿ” (literal spring) or “shabāb al-zamān” (figurative youth of time)?
SubjectAnbata: literal predicateAḥyā: figurative predicate
Al-rabīʿ: literalType 1Type 4
Shabāb al-zamān: figurativeType 3Type 2
These two binary lexical classifications account for the four types without changing the basic definition of rational figurative predication.
Opening interactive controls...
Four Types of Rational Figurative Predication: Quranic and Nondeclarative Examples
Two independent questions generate the four cases:
1. Is the predicate “anbata” (literal growth) or “aḥyā” (figurative revival)?
2. Is the subject “al-rabīʿ” (literal spring) or “shabāb al-zamān” (figurative youth of time)?
SubjectAnbata: literal predicateAḥyā: figurative predicate
Al-rabīʿ: literalType 1Type 4
Shabāb al-zamān: figurativeType 3Type 2
These two binary lexical classifications account for the four types without changing the basic definition of rational figurative predication.