Biblical Hebrew Forum

["faustroll1 AT juno.com" <faustroll1 AT juno.com>]

Dear B-Hebrew Group:

I have a question in regard to Francois Rabelais’ use of Hebrew in his books; 
I hope my question is not seen as inappropriate, as I have no such intention. 
 Rabelais seems to have been a reader of the Hebrew Bible.

As early as the end of the 16th century, glossaries for Rabelais’ books 
defined “Niphleseth,” the name of the Queen of the Andouilles in the Fourth 
Book, Ch. 42, as Hebrew for “virile member.”  I have now found this on both 
French and English websites.  But no one seems to have questioned it.  As a 
“sausage” (andouille), this makes some sense, but since she is female, it 
also raises some questions.

I hesitate to state why I think the name might mean something else.  I’m just 
looking for either verification of this meaning, or a forthright, 
well-reasoned (and perhaps well-documented) rejection. 

Many thanks, and best wishes,

Respectfully,

Dr. Faustroll