20 VALÉRIE KABERGS – HANS AUSLOOS The observations described above demonstrate that Hebrew word- play is only one specific figure of word among all kinds of linguis- tic figures. It is therefore not strange that studies on wordplay are the victim of a real terminological confusion. However, precisely be- cause of this reason, it is crucial to define the term carefully and to highlight its unique characteristics. We have clarified the concept of Hebrew wordplay as an ambiguous interplay between both the sound and meaning of words. We thereby hope to have limited the field of what is commonly called “wordplay” and to have set a basic defini- tion for further research into Hebrew wordplay. Valérie KABERGS Hans AUSLOOS Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Chercher qualifié F.R.S. – FNRS Centre for Septuagint Studies and Université catholique de Louvain Textual Criticism Grand Place 45 ― bte L03.01.01 Sint-Michielsstraat 4 ― box 3101 BE–1348 Louvain-la-Neuve BE–3000 Leuven SUMMARY Against the general background of a terminological confusion that is present in contributions about Hebrew wordplay, the definition of the so- called paronomasia in relation to the term wordplay is especially debated. This article aims to clarify the concept of wordplay in the Hebrew Bible. After a survey of the current opinions in defining the terms “paronoma- sia” and “wordplay” (I), we propose our own definition of “Hebrew word- play” (II). Thereafter, this description will simultaneously delimit the field of Hebrew wordplay as it excludes a few linguistic figures, although they are possibly classified as wordplay in other studies (III). masia on Proper Names in the Old Testament, 45-113; GREENSTEIN, “Word- play: Hebrew”, 968-970; SASSON, Wordplay in the Old Testament, 968-970; WATSON, Classical Hebrew Poetry, 244-245.