Biblical Hebrew Forum

[K Randolph <kwrandolph AT gmail.com>]

Back when I was in college, I read a book called “Hellenosemitica” which posited the theory that much of the Greek civilization was derived from Semitic roots. In particular, the “mystery religions” were shown to have Semitic roots, though not necessarily Semitic names. An example, the worship of Dionysus was taken from the Semitic worship of Tammuz, even to some of the words used in that worship. There were many other examples given as well.

The author didn’t need to resort to highly speculative etymologies to make his point.

Karl W. Randolph.

On Tue, Oct 16, 2012 at 10:58 PM, George Athas <George.Athas AT moore.edu.au> wrote:

There is a connection between Adonis and Semitic Adon, but as for your other etymologies, I highly doubt them. Zeus is actually an early form of Greek theos, and a parallel with Latin deus. As far as I know, these are Indo-European words, not Semitic words. The other forms you give are questionable, but I'm willing to be persuaded by evidence, not just assertion.

GEORGE ATHAS

Dean of Research,

Moore Theological College (moore.edu.au)

Sydney, Australia