A semantic study of the term " nozul (descent)" in the Holy Quran

Semantics is the scientific study of meaning and the analysis of discourse and a process for the understanding and conceive of concepts and the study of its application in the Holy Quran leads to the knowledge of the semantic relation of the used vocabularies in the Quran. In this paper, while referring to the question that how the word “nozul”(descent) came into the existence and to comprehend its initial and pre-conceptual meaning, the researcher of this paper examines semantic evolution of this term, checks out how this term has used in other meanings, and explains the relation of these meanings with the original meaning. This research has also considered, the Quranic uses of the term nozul, such as: nozul-e-baran(rainfall), nozul-e-Ahan(sending down iron)( Surah al-Hadid - Verse 25), nozul-e-lebas(bestowed upon Adam and Eve clothing)( Surah al-Araf-verse 26), etc., and then a descriptive semantics of this term are discussed. By reviewing the Holy Quran, books and articles, especially existing valid commentaries on the Qur’an, the words; revelation, dispatch, coming (maji’) and ... as paradigmatic term and using the words; faith, the Quran, light, and ... were specified as syntagmatic of the term descent. Also, antonyms of the word “descent” were identified.