Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Walter Mattfeld" <mattfeld AT mail.pjsnet.com>]

Dear Mr. Hutchinson,

I believe the "majestic plural" has been documented in the Tell el Amarna
letters from Canaanite princes, who address Pharaoh as "my gods" or
something to that effect. I also recall some Phoenician inscriptions using
the "Majestic plural" as well. Some biblical scholars have concluded that
the "majestic plural" (Elohim) is an ancient well established form of
address dating from Late Bronze Age times.

All the best,

Walter

Walter Reinhold Warttig Mattfeld
Walldorf by Heidelberg
Baden-Wurttemburg
Germany

----- Original Message -----
From: Roger Hutchinson <rhutchin AT macol.net>
To: Biblical Hebrew <b-hebrew AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
Sent: Sunday, June 18, 2000 7:18 PM
Subject: Majestic Plural


>
> Question:  Does anyone know when the majestic plural was first used in
> literature?  I am curious as to how "elohim" in Genesis fits with this.
>
> Roger Hutchinson
> RHutchin AT macol.net
>
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