Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] El: Common or Proper Noun?
Date: Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:34:40 +0300
A similar case is "Baal", which is both a common noun meaning "lord/master"
and a proper name of a deity, known from both the Bible and a wide range of
ANE inscriptions.
Yigal Levin
-----Original Message-----
From: b-hebrew-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:b-hebrew-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of George Athas
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 9:17 AM
To: B-Hebrew
Subject: [b-hebrew] El: Common or Proper Noun?
Kristian, I'm not sure your analogy works here. The noun אל is indeed common,
but it often functions as a proper noun. Certainly that's the case outside
the biblical literature. The question is whether this trend can also be found
in the biblical literature. As yet, I have not found a specific argument that
precludes it.
Also, bear in mind that not everyone on B-Hebrew comes from a Christian
background, so please be mindful of that when you address people on the list.
You also should change the subject line to reflect the actual discussion.
GEORGE ATHAS
Director of Postgraduate Studies,
Moore Theological College (moore.edu.au)
Sydney, Australia
Dear brother in Christ
"El" as "the chief of God' does not neccessarily to be a proper noun/name.
Consider in militay system. "General" is the highest position compare to
Leutnan, Major, and so on, but no doubt "General" is a common noun. Thus in
the case of 'El" found in archeology we should need much more data how many
words of El were treated in that. In Tanakh, El is absolutely common noun.
There is no way one word can be both common and proper noun. Kristian H.
Sugiyarto
Indonesia