Biblical Hebrew Forum

[George Athas <George.Athas AT moore.edu.au>]

David,

Yes, I think you've got Naveh's argument correct. However, I'd want to nuance 
what he says a little more. I wouldn't say that there was a distinct 
linear-like development from a sophit-like form to a medial-like form. Even 
in early inscriptions that use the Palaeo-Hebrew script, you can find kaph, 
mem, nun, and the like with a bit of a curve on them. So, even in the 
earliest stages, there is a 'cursive' tendency. On that basis, I think we can 
talk about different options for writing letter forms.


Regards,

GEORGE ATHAS
Moore Theological College (Sydney, Australia)
www.moore.edu.au