Pit, Spirit, Necromancer or Instrument Used in Necromancy? The Problem of Finding the Correct Meaning of the Hebrew Word אוב (’ôḇ)
Loading...
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
KUL Publishing House
Abstract
Various meanings are attributed to the word אוֹב: pit, spirit, necromancer, instrument for divining the future with the help of the dead. Thus, in some cases, it is difficult to decide on the right word to translate it. This article attempts a diachronic analysis of biblical texts and, based on it, traces the potential semantic development from the original sense of “pit”, “instrument used in necromancy” (1 Sam 28:7-8), through the sense of “spirit of the dead” (Isa 8:19; 19:3; 29:4) to the post-exilic use in the sense of “necromancer/medium” (Lev 19:31; 20:6, 27). Deuteronomistic narratives (2 Kgs 21:6; 23:24) and the later list of forbidden practices in Deut 18:10-11 may indicate the timing of this semantic transformation.
Description
Keywords
pit, spirit, medium, necromancy, אוֹב
Citation
"The Biblical Annals", 2024, Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 567-595