Abstract
This contribution pursues a lexicographical study of the Greek term έγγαστρίμυθος, used by the translators of Septuaginta to render Hebrew terms with unambiguous necromantic connotations. However, the Greek literature previous to this translation cannot yield sufficient evidence that these connotations were inherent to the term in the Classical period. The term signified initially a sort of 'inspired diviner' who prophesied by means of a bellyspirit; further details about his profession are however somewhat unclear.
Highlights
'EyyaaipíiLiuOoç is the Greek word chosen by the LXX to render the Hebrew term 'ob
La literatura griega anterior a esta traducción no proporciona elementos de juicio para pensar que estas connotaciones ya eran inherentes en época clásica a un término, que significaba 'adivino inspirado', aunque sus características tampoco quedan demasiado claras. This contribution pursues a lexicographical study of the Greek term syyaaTpíjLiuOoç, used by the translators of Septuaginta to render Hebrew terms with unambiguous necromantic connotations
The Greek literature previous to this translation cannot yield sufficient evidence that these connotations were inherent to the term in the Classical period
Summary
'EyyaaipíiLiuOoç is the Greek word chosen by the LXX to render the Hebrew term 'ob. The object of this contribution is to explore the development of the word èyyaaxpíjLiuOoç 'ventriloquist', from its earliest occurrences to its later uses by lexicographers and commentators. Interesting cultural and linguistic questions will be tackled in the course of our enquiry: what was the contribution of the LXX to the semantic history of the word? Does the association of the two terms have consequences for the view of necromancy or ventriloquism during Hellenistic times and later? Our suggestion is that in the melting-pot of Hellenistic Egypt, two previously unrelated forms of divination come to be fused and a new view of both emerges, as a result Interesting cultural and linguistic questions will be tackled in the course of our enquiry: what was the contribution of the LXX to the semantic history of the word? Was it coined with a new, broader meaning? Does the association of the two terms have consequences for the view of necromancy or ventriloquism during Hellenistic times and later? What are the cultural realities lurking behind the words? Our suggestion is that in the melting-pot of Hellenistic Egypt, two previously unrelated forms of divination come to be fused and a new view of both emerges, as a result
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