Language:
English
Year of publication:
2021
Titel der Quelle:
Henoch
Angaben zur Quelle:
43,2 (2021) 259-277
Keywords:
Inscriptions, Greek
;
Jewish epitaphs
;
Jewish cemeteries
;
Wisdom
;
Jews
Abstract:
A Hellenistic epitaph from Leontopolis (JIGRE 30; IM 14; CPJud 1490)describes its owner Demas as having helped many by his “wisdom”: σο̣φ̣[...],usually reconstructed as σο̣φ̣[ίαι]. However, the inscription is silent aboutDemas’ occupation: debated as scribe, physician, or magistrate. This articleexplores, through lexical analysis, on what basis may sophía be reconstructed,what might the epithet say about Demas’ occupation, and what might Demas’sophía reveal about Hellenistic Jewish wisdom in general. The most plausi-ble reconstruction is found to be σο̣φ̣[ίαι], with alternatives being semanticequivalents. It is also found that Demas’ wisdom has much in common withtexts like Proverbs, Ben Sira, 4QInstruction, and Greek sources, including pa-pyri. However, discovering Demas’ occupation is arguably less certain, evenif sophía is likely. Demas’ epitaph casts doubt on the notion that wisdom isusually restricted to Jewish scribes, sages, and elites. Lastly, it is proposedthat inscriptions and other documentary sources may better contextualise themeaning of wisdom, and other terms, in late Second Temple Judaism.
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