To: "b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org list" <b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Circle חוג
Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2012 04:36:51 +0000
Hi Jesse! Nice to be reading you here.
Middle ages 'flat earth' cosmology goes back to antiquity and was supported
by biblical texts. As far as I can tell, the only reason that חוג is
interpreted as 'sphere' is by reading a Copernican-influenced heliocentric
solar system back into the biblical texts. I'm happy to be persuaded
otherwise, though.
GEORGE ATHAS
Dean of Research,
Moore Theological College (moore.edu.au)
Sydney, Australia
I thought it worth noting that we shouldn't read middle-ages "flat earth"
cosmology back onto the text either (not that you are suggesting that
George). From what we know of Sumerian and Babylonian astronomy and
cosmology, it's not unreasonable to think חוג *could* mean sphere. However,
I do agree that the context in which חוג is used in the Bible suggests circle
over sphere.
Also, I don't think I've posted here yet, so by way of introduction, my name
is Jesse Griffin. I've studied biblical studies at Liberty University in VA,
and also Old Testament and biblical languages at Gordon-Conwell Theological
Seminary in MA. I hold a position in another profession, but I make use of
my biblical skills by teaching Sunday School (currently leading a class
through Genesis).