The Emphatic Article ה and the Origin of Nomina Sacra
Understanding the Emphatic Article ה
In Aramaic, the emphatic or definite article is typically a suffix, represented by -a (often written as א but also ה). This is functionally similar to the Hebrew definite article ה, which is prefixed. In Samaritan Aramaic, this emphatic article is used to denote not just definiteness but also a special or divine status.
For instance, the term איש (Ish), meaning "man" in Hebrew, is rendered as אישה (Ishah) in Samaritan Aramaic to signify a divine or angelic being. This practice can be seen in passages like Genesis 32:24 and Exodus 32:1, where the Samaritan Targum refers to significant figures as אישה, highlighting their extraordinary nature.
Divine Names and the Emphatic Article
This use of the emphatic article extends to various divine names. The Samaritans, for instance, use שמה (Shema) to refer to God, which differs from the Jewish practice of using השם (Hashem). This divergence led to some controversy in Jewish circles, where שמה was sometimes viewed as a reference to a second god, known as ‘Ashema.’
The use of the emphatic article ה in these divine names served to distinguish them from ordinary uses of the same terms, much like the overbar in nomina sacra. For example, the name יהוה (Yahweh) might have originally been יהו with the emphatic suffix ה added to denote its sacred status.
Nomina Sacra in Early Christian Manuscripts
Nomina sacra, or "sacred names," in early Christian manuscripts involve the abbreviation of divine names with an overbar. This practice highlights the sacredness of these names and sets them apart from their common usage. For example, the name Ἰησοῦς (Jesus) is abbreviated as ι̅ς̅, with an overbar to signify its divine nature.
The similarity between the emphatic article ה in Samaritan Aramaic and the overbar in nomina sacra suggests a possible linguistic and theological connection. Just as אישה (Ishah) signifies a divine man, ι̅ς̅ indicates the sacredness of Jesus in Christian texts.
Historical Context and Manuscript Evidence
The use of the divine name Ιαω (Iao) in early Greek translations of the Hebrew Bible, such as the Septuagint, further illustrates this connection. Manuscripts from various periods, including the 1st-century BCE 4Q120 and later Christian texts, exhibit different representations of the tetragrammaton (יהוה), ranging from Ιαω to the Greek Κύριος (Kyrios).
Frank Shaw's research, as detailed in his book "The Earliest Non-Mystical Jewish Use of Ιαω," argues that the use of Ιαω was common in both magical and elevated contexts until the second or third century CE. This diversity in the representation of the divine name reflects different theological beliefs and scribal practices over time.
Conclusion
The use of the emphatic article ה in Samaritan Aramaic to denote divine names likely influenced the development of nomina sacra in early Christian manuscripts. This connection highlights how linguistic practices can shape and reflect theological concepts. As scholars continue to study these ancient texts and their contexts, the intricate relationship between language and divinity becomes increasingly apparent.
Understanding the origins and significance of these sacred names not only enriches our knowledge of ancient religious practices but also underscores the continuity and adaptation of sacred traditions across different cultures and eras.
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