To: "b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org list" <b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [b-hebrew] Circle חוג
Date: Sun, 19 Aug 2012 09:51:52 +0000
In response to something Karl wrote (see below):
In both Isa 40.22 and Prov 8.27, the word חוג does not mean 'sphere'. It
simply indicates a circle. The use of the verb form in Job 26.10 shows that
is something that can be traced on a flat surface. Ergo, we can't read modern
cosmology back into the biblical texts.
GEORGE ATHAS
Dean of Research,
Moore Theological College (moore.edu.au)
Sydney, Australia
As far as I can tell, GLGL גלגל is used only as a place name, never
referring to an object in Tanakh. The word for “wheel” is )PN אפן found in
places like Exodus 15:25. The word for “circle”, “circular” or “sphere” is
KhWG חוג found in places like Isaiah 40:22 and Proverbs 8:27.
By the way, Gilgal, the camping place, was down in the valley near Jericho,
not up in the nearby hills.