TIP OF THE DAY 36: Name.form NEW DOCX file for PBB

MJ. Smith
MJ. Smith MVP Posts: 53,108
edited November 20 in English Forum

link to next post TIP OF THE DAY 37: Examples of the use of names in interpretative issues - Logos Forums

Since the forum change has been delayed, I've started adding these posts to the previous tip list. See L/V 10 Tip of the Day

The new .dox file for posts 1-30 with some reorganization: 3264.LogosVerbumDeepDiveIntoDataREBUILD.docx With page numbers and TOC

TOPIC: Name.form

QUESTION: What cultures contribute names to the Bible?

ANSWER: pried out of ChatGPT through multiple queries:

1. Hebrew

  • Name: Adam (אָדָם)
  • Reference: Genesis 2:19
  • Language Context: Hebrew is the primary language of the Old Testament.

2. Aramaic

  • Name: Martha (מַרְתָּא)
  • Reference: John 11:5
  • Language Context: Aramaic was spoken by the Jews during the later periods of the Old Testament and the New Testament era.

3. Egyptian

  • Name: Moses (מֹשֶׁה)
  • Reference: Exodus 2:10
  • Language Context: Moses' name is of Egyptian origin, meaning "drawn out [of the water]."

4. Akkadian

  • Name: Sargon (Šarru-ukīn)
  • Reference: Isaiah 20:1
  • Language Context: Akkadian was the language of the Assyrian and Babylonian empires.

5. Greek

  • Name: Philip (Φίλιππος)
  • Reference: John 1:43
  • Language Context: Greek was the dominant language of the New Testament, especially in the Hellenistic world.

6. Latin

  • Name: Pilate (Pilatus)
  • Reference: Matthew 27:2
  • Language Context: Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire and influenced the New Testament context.

7. Persian

  • Name: Cyrus (Κῦρος)
  • Reference: Isaiah 45:1
  • Language Context: Persian names appear in the context of the Persian Empire’s interaction with Israel.

8. Canaanite/Phoenician

  • Name: Jezebel (אִיזֶבֶל)
  • Reference: 1 Kings 16:31
  • Language Context: The Canaanite languages, including Phoenician, contributed to some names in the Bible.

9. Moabite

  • Name: Ruth (רוּת)
  • Reference: Ruth 1:4
  • Language Context: Ruth, a Moabite, has a name derived from a Semitic language related to Hebrew.

10. Edomite

  • Name: Esau (עֵשָׂו)
  • Reference: Genesis 25:25
  • Language Context: The Edomite language is related to Hebrew, but distinct as a regional dialect or closely related Semitic language.

11. Amorite

  • Name: Amraphel (אַמְרָפֶל)
  • Reference: Genesis 14:1
  • Language Context: Amorite, an ancient Semitic language, appears in personal names tied to Mesopotamian rulers.

12. Hittite

  • Name: Uriah (אוּרִיָּה)
  • Reference: 2 Samuel 11:3
  • Language Context: The Hittites, a non-Semitic group, were present in the Old Testament, and their language left traces in names.

13. Ammonite

  • Name: Nahash (נָחָשׁ)
  • Reference: 1 Samuel 11:1
  • Language Context: The Ammonite language was a Semitic language closely related to Hebrew.

14. Elamite

  • Name: Chedorlaomer (כְּדָרְלָעֹמֶר)
  • Reference: Genesis 14:1
  • Language Context: Elamite names appear in Genesis during the time of Abraham's conflict with kings from the east.

15. Ugaritic

  • Name: Baal (בַּעַל)
  • Reference: Judges 2:13
  • Language Context: Ugaritic was the language of the city of Ugarit and is part of the Canaanite group of languages. Baal was both a name and title associated with various deities.

16. Philistine

  • Name: Goliath (גָּלְיָת)
  • Reference: 1 Samuel 17:4
  • Language Context: The Philistine language is not well documented, but personal names, such as Goliath's, reflect their Indo-European roots.

17. Hurrian

  • Name: Togarmah (תֹּגַרְמָה)
  • Reference: Genesis 10:3
  • Language Context: Hurrian is a non-Semitic language spoken in parts of the ancient Near East, with influences seen in personal and place names in the Bible.

18. Assyrian (Neo-Assyrian)

  • Name: Sennacherib (סַנְחֵרִיב)
  • Reference: 2 Kings 19:36
  • Language Context: Assyrian names, written in Akkadian, appear in biblical narratives related to the Assyrian empire.

19. Babylonian (Neo-Babylonian)

  • Name: Nebuchadnezzar (נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּר)
  • Reference: Daniel 1:1
  • Language Context: Babylonian names, also in Akkadian, are prominent in the books of Daniel and Kings.

20. Lydian

  • Name: Artemas (Ἀρτεμᾶς)
  • Reference: Titus 3:12
  • Language Context: Lydian, an Anatolian language, influenced Greek, and names like Artemas reflect cultural exchanges in Asia Minor.

21. Arabian

  • Name: Amasa (עֲמָשָׂא)
  • Reference: 2 Samuel 17:25
  • Language Context: Arabian influence is reflected in some names, particularly during later periods when trade and travel brought Arab cultures into contact with Israel.

22. Median

  • Name: Darius (דָּרְיָוֶשׁ)
  • Reference: Daniel 6:1
  • Language Context: The Medes were an Indo-Iranian people, and Median names appear in the Bible, particularly in the context of the Persian Empire.

23. Parthian

  • Name: Tiridates (Τιριδάτης)
  • Reference: Acts 2:9 (refers to Parthians being present at Pentecost)
  • Language Context: The Parthian language, an Eastern Iranian language, is reflected in names from the regions under Parthian control.

24. Luwian

  • Name: Tarshish (תַּרְשִׁישׁ)
  • Reference: Genesis 10:4
  • Language Context: Luwian, an Indo-European language of ancient Anatolia, is likely related to some personal or place names, such as Tarshish, a maritime location referenced in the Bible.

25. Syro-Hittite (Luwian-Aramaic)

  • Name: Ben-Hadad (בֶּן-הֲדַד)
  • Reference: 1 Kings 20:1
  • Language Context: This reflects a mix of Hittite and Aramaic elements, showing the fusion of cultures in northern Syria and Anatolia.

26. Ethiopian (Ge'ez)

  • Name: Candace (Κανδάκη)
  • Reference: Acts 8:27
  • Language Context: Ethiopian names, particularly those of queens, appear in the New Testament due to Ethiopian connections with the ancient Near East.

27. Nabataean

  • Name: Aretas (Ἀρέτας)
  • Reference: 2 Corinthians 11:32
  • Language Context: The Nabataeans were an Arab people whose names appear in the New Testament during the Roman period.

28. Thracian

  • Name: Zenas (Ζηνᾶς)
  • Reference: Titus 3:13
  • Language Context: Thracian, an Indo-European language spoken in southeastern Europe, influenced some names found in the New Testament.

29. Libyan (Berber)

  • Name: Simon of Cyrene (Σίμων ὁ Κυρηναῖος)
  • Reference: Matthew 27:32
  • Language Context: Cyrene was a region in modern-day Libya, and its inhabitants likely spoke a mix of Greek and Libyan (Berber) languages.

30. Phoenician (Punic)

  • Name: Hiram (חִירָם)
  • Reference: 1 Kings 5:1
  • Language Context: The Phoenician language, a Semitic language closely related to Hebrew, influenced personal names such as Hiram, the king of Tyre.

31. Hebrew (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Judith (יְהוּדִית)
  • Reference: Judith 1:1
  • Language Context: Although set in a Hellenistic context, Judith's name is of Hebrew origin, meaning "Jewess" or "woman of Judah."

32. Greek (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Eleazar (Ἐλεάζαρ)
  • Reference: 2 Maccabees 6:18
  • Language Context: Eleazar is a Hebrew name, but its presence in the Greek-language book of Maccabees reflects the Greek influence during the Hellenistic period.

33. Persian (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Artaxerxes (Ἀρταξέρξης)
  • Reference: 1 Esdras 2:15
  • Language Context: The Persian kings and their names appear in Deuterocanonical books like 1 Esdras, reflecting the political influence of Persia on Israel.

34. Aramaic (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Tobit (טוֹבִי)
  • Reference: Tobit 1:1
  • Language Context: Tobit is an Aramaic name meaning "God is my good." The book of Tobit, though written in Greek, contains many Aramaic elements.

35. Egyptian (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Ptolemy (Πτολεμαῖος)
  • Reference: 1 Maccabees 10:57
  • Language Context: Ptolemaic names are frequently mentioned in 1 and 2 Maccabees due to the interaction with the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt.

36. Babylonian (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Belshazzar (בֵּלְשַׁאצַּר)
  • Reference: Baruch 1:11
  • Language Context: Babylonian names like Belshazzar appear in the context of the Babylonian exile, even within the Deuterocanonical texts.

37. Syrian (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Nicanor (Νικάνωρ)
  • Reference: 1 Maccabees 7:26
  • Language Context: Nicanor was a Greek general serving under the Seleucid Empire, which controlled Syria during the Maccabean period.

38. Phoenician (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Holofernes (Ὀλοφέρνης)
  • Reference: Judith 2:4
  • Language Context: Holofernes, a general in the Assyrian army in the book of Judith, may carry a Phoenician name, given the strong Phoenician influence in the region.

39. Edomite (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Antipater (Ἀντίπατρος)
  • Reference: 1 Maccabees 14:22
  • Language Context: Antipater was an Edomite governor mentioned in 1 Maccabees, reflecting Edom's political influence during the Hasmonean period.

40. Median (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Astyages (Ἀστυάγης)
  • Reference: Judith 1:1
  • Language Context: Astyages, a Median king, appears in the book of Judith, indicating the Median influence in biblical narratives.

41. Lydian (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Lysias (Λυσίας)
  • Reference: 2 Maccabees 11:13
  • Language Context: Lysias, a governor of the Seleucid Empire, reflects the Greek influence in the region, though his name may carry some Anatolian (Lydian) connotations.

42. Latin (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Publius (Πούβλιος)
  • Reference: Acts 28:7 (Deuterocanonical works are often grouped with Acts)
  • Language Context: Roman names, including Publius, are significant in the later portions of the Bible, especially when dealing with interactions between Jews and Romans.

43. Parthian (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Mithridates (Μιθριδάτης)
  • Reference: 1 Esdras 2:11
  • Language Context: Mithridates is a Parthian or Persian name, showing the influence of these eastern empires.

44. Thracian (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Philopator (Φιλοπάτωρ)
  • Reference: 2 Maccabees 4:21
  • Language Context: Philopator, meaning "lover of his father," was a common title in the Hellenistic world, especially for kings of Thracian or Macedonian descent.

45. Chaldean (from the Deuterocanon)

  • Name: Nabuchodonosor (Ναβουχοδονόσορ)
  • Reference: Judith 1:7
  • Language Context: Nabuchodonosor (Nebuchadnezzar) is another variation of the Babylonian king's name as used in the Greek versions of the Deuterocanonical texts.

46. Ituraean

  • Name: Lysanias (Λυσανίας)
  • Reference: Luke 3:1 (closely associated with Deuterocanon in expanded canon contexts)
  • Language Context: Ituraeans, an Arab people from northern Palestine, were governed by individuals like Lysanias, whose name reflects Hellenistic influence.

47. Seleucid (Hellenistic Greek)

  • Name: Demetrius (Δημήτριος)
  • Reference: 1 Maccabees 10:67
  • Language Context: Demetrius was a king of the Seleucid Empire, and many names from the Hellenistic period are represented in the books of Maccabees.

48. Scythian

  • Name: Anacharis (Αναχάρης)
  • Reference: Colossians 3:11 (in Deuterocanonical context as expanded)
  • Language Context: Scythians were a nomadic Indo-European people, and their names reflect their Eurasian origins, although their influence is indirect in biblical texts.

49. Illyrian

  • Name: Soter (Σωτήρ)
  • Reference: 2 Maccabees 7:6
  • Language Context: Illyrians were a group of tribes in the Balkans, and the name Soter, meaning "savior," may reflect Greek influence but was also used by rulers of Illyrian descent.

50. Samnite

  • Name: Nola (Νόλα)
  • Reference: 2 Maccabees 8:10
  • Language Context: The Samnites were an Italic tribe, and names like Nola show Roman and Italic influence in the later periods of biblical history.

Do not assume this list is exhaustive. For rough time periods, I use Tanakh, Deuterocanonicals, and New Testament.

 

QUESTION: In Biblical times what was the basic structure of a typical Hebrew name?

ANSWER: from ChatGPT:

In biblical times, Hebrew names generally followed a simple structure with deep theological and cultural significance. Most Hebrew names conveyed a specific meaning, often reflecting circumstances of birth, family heritage, or religious beliefs. The basic structure of a typical Hebrew name often included the following elements:

1. Root Meaning (Verb or Noun-Based)

-            Most Hebrew names are derived from verbs or nouns, conveying action or character traits. Hebrew names often describe personal characteristics, desired virtues, or circumstances surrounding the birth of the child.

Examples:

-            David (דָּוִד) – Meaning "beloved" (root: דּוֹד, "love").

-            Miriam (מִרְיָם) – The meaning is debated, but one possibility is "rebellion" (from מֶרִי, "rebellion").

2. Theophoric Element (Divine Component)

-            Many Hebrew names include a theophoric element, referring to God's name. These names express a relationship to, or the actions of, God. There are two primary ways this appears:

  • Yahweh (YHWH): The divine name of God, often abbreviated as **Yah** (יָה).
  • El (אֵל): A more generic term for God used in compound names.

Examples:

-            Isaiah (יְשַׁעְיָהוּ) – "Yahweh is salvation" (from יְשַׁע, "to save," and יָהוּ, "Yahweh").

-            Daniel (דָּנִיֵּאל) – "God is my judge" (from דִּין, "judge," and אֵל, "God").

3. Patronymics or Kinship Indicators

-            Some names were constructed to reflect family relationships, especially indicating the father’s name or role.

-            Bar- (בַּר) or Ben- (בֵּן) were common prefixes meaning "son of."

-            Bat- (בַּת) was used for daughters in later periods, though not as common in the biblical narrative.

Examples:

-            Bartholomew (בַּר-תַּלְמַי) – "Son of Talmai."

-            Ben-Ammi (בֶּן-עַמִּי) – "Son of my people."

4. Descriptive Adjectives or Phrases

-            Many Hebrew names incorporated adjectives or descriptive phrases that conveyed something about the individual’s characteristics, life circumstances, or prophetic purpose.

Examples:**

-            Solomon (שְׁלֹמֹה) – "Peaceful" (from שָׁלוֹם, "peace").

-            Eliezer (אֱלִיעֶזֶר) – "God is my help" (from עֵזֶר, "help," and אֵל, "God").

5. Composite Names

-            Some names are compound names combining a verb or noun with a theophoric element, resulting in an action or description involving God.

Examples:

-            Jonathan (יוֹנָתָן) – "Yahweh has given" (from נָתַן, "to give," and יָה, "Yahweh").

-            Joshua (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ) – "Yahweh is salvation" (from יָשַׁע, "to save," and יָה, "Yahweh").

6. Shortened or Contracted Forms

-            Names often appear in shortened forms, especially when referring to theophoric names. These abbreviated forms were used for convenience or due to linguistic changes over time.

Examples:

-            Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ) – A shortened form of Yehoshua (Joshua).

-            Eliyahu (אֵלִיָּהוּ) shortened to Elijah.

Conclusion

In summary, a typical Hebrew name in biblical times was often composed of a verb/noun root (describing action, character, or circumstance) and might include a theophoric element referring to God (such as Yahweh or El). Some names reflected family lineage through patronymics, and many were compound names with rich religious or cultural significance.

 

QUESTION: In Second temple times what was the basic structure of a typical Greek name?

ANSWER: from ChatGPT:

In Second Temple times, as Hellenistic influence spread throughout the Jewish world following the conquests of Alexander the Great, Greek names became common, particularly among Jews who lived in the Diaspora or those interacting with Greek culture. Greek names had a distinct structure, often reflecting Greek linguistic traditions, social customs, and mythological or philosophical references. The basic structure of a typical Greek name during this period included the following elements:

1. Single or Double-Element Structure

  • Greek names often consisted of one or two elements combined to form a compound name. These elements typically conveyed attributes or ideas of virtue, strength, or beauty.
  • Many names were built around verbs, adjectives, or nouns indicating a particular quality or relationship to a concept or person.

Examples:

  • Demetrius (Δημήτριος) – From Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, meaning "belonging to Demeter."
  • Sophia (Σοφία) – Meaning "wisdom."

2. Theophoric Names (Referring to Greek Gods)

  • Many Greek names contained a theophoric element, referring to the name of a Greek deity or invoking divine qualities. This practice was common in the Greek world, where a connection to the gods was highly valued.
  • Names often included references to deities such as Zeus, Apollo, or Dionysus.

Examples:

  • Dionysius (Διονύσιος) – "Of Dionysus," the god of wine and revelry.
  • Apollonius (Ἀπολλώνιος) – "Of Apollo," the god of prophecy and healing.

3. Descriptive Adjectives or Virtues

  • Many Greek names contained adjectives or terms that signified positive attributes such as strength, beauty, virtue, or wisdom. These names emphasized character qualities that were highly esteemed in Greek society.

Examples:

  • Callimachus (Καλλίμαχος) – "Beautiful fighter" (from καλός, "beautiful" and μάχη, "fight").
  • Euphemia (Εὐφημία) – "Well-spoken" or "of good repute" (from εὖ, "well" and φήμη, "fame").

4. Patronymics (Father’s Name or Ancestral Connection)

  • Just like in Hebrew culture, patronymics were common in Greek names, indicating a person's father’s name or lineage. This was often indicated by the suffix -ides or -ides (for sons) or -ine (for daughters).

Examples:

  • Heraclides (Ἡρακλείδης) – "Son of Heracles."
  • Aristides (Ἀριστείδης) – "Son of Aristos."

5. Use of Prefixes Indicating Good or Favorable Conditions

  • Many Greek names included prefixes like eu- (εὖ), meaning "good" or "well," to denote positive attributes. These names reflected Greek values of beauty, nobility, or success.

Examples:

  • Eumenes (Εὐμένης) – "Well-disposed" or "benevolent."
  • Euphorion (Εὐφορίων) – "Well-born" or "bringing prosperity."

6. Suffixes Denoting Abstract Qualities or Relationships

  • Greek names often used specific suffixes to denote a relationship to a concept or quality. The most common suffixes included -ios (-ιος), -on (-ων), -es (-ης), and -as (-ας).
  • The -ios and -on endings were frequently used to form proper nouns and names, particularly when connected to attributes or divine beings.

Examples:

  • Nikolaos (Νικόλαος) – "Victory of the people" (from νίκη, "victory," and λαός, "people").
  • Pythagoras (Πυθαγόρας) – "Of Pythia" (an epithet of Apollo, relating to the oracle at Delphi).

7. Hellenized Versions of Non-Greek Names

  • With the spread of Hellenism, many Jews and other non-Greeks Hellenized their names, adopting Greek forms or equivalents of their original names. This practice was common among Jews, especially in urban centers of the Greek-speaking world.
  • For example, Jewish names were often adapted into Greek forms while retaining their Hebrew meanings.

Examples:

  • Jason (Ἰάσων) – The Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ), meaning "Yahweh is salvation."
  • Alexander (Ἀλέξανδρος) – This name became popular in Jewish circles, especially in regions influenced by Hellenistic culture.

8. Names with Political or Heroic Connotations

  • Greek names often reflected heroic figures from mythology, politics, or history. Many names referenced famous figures like Heracles, Achilles, or Alexander to convey strength or leadership.

Examples:

  • Achilles (Ἀχιλλεύς) – A reference to the legendary Greek hero of the Trojan War.
  • Herodotus (Ἡρόδοτος) – "Gift of Hera" (from the goddess Hera).

Conclusion

The basic structure of a typical Greek name in Second Temple times was often built around virtue, theophoric elements, and family connections. These names frequently referenced qualities like strength, wisdom, or beauty, and invoked gods or mythological figures to express cultural values. Jews living in Hellenistic regions often adopted Greek names or adapted their Hebrew names to fit Greek conventions, demonstrating the widespread influence of Greek culture during this period.

 

QUESTION: In New Testament times what was the basic structure of a typical Roman name?

ANSWER: from ChatGPT:

In New Testament times, the structure of a typical Roman name was highly formalized and followed a three-part system known as the tria nomina, reflecting social status, family heritage, and citizenship. This system, used primarily by Roman citizens, consisted of the following elements:

1. Praenomen (First Name)

  • The praenomen was the personal name or given name, used to distinguish individuals within a family. However, only a limited number of praenomina were commonly used, so many people within a family or clan shared the same one.
  • Praenomina were often abbreviated in writing (e.g., Gaius as "C." or Marcus as "M.") and were used informally or in close relationships.

Examples of Praenomina:

  • Gaius (C.)
  • Marcus (M.)
  • Lucius (L.)
  • Quintus (Q.)
  • Titus (T.)

2. Nomen (Clan or Family Name)

  • The nomen was the gens or family name that indicated which extended family or clan the person belonged to. The gens was an important part of Roman identity, and many individuals were identified primarily by their nomen rather than their praenomen.
  • The nomen typically ended in -ius for males and -ia for females. It was often derived from an ancestor’s name or geographical region.

Examples of Nomina:

  • Julius (Iulius) – As in Gaius Julius Caesar.
  • Cornelius – As in Publius Cornelius Scipio.
  • Antonius – As in Marcus Antonius (Mark Antony).
  • Claudius – As in Tiberius Claudius Nero.

3. Cognomen (Surname or Branch of the Family)

  • The cognomen was a surname that initially distinguished different branches within a gens. Over time, the cognomen became hereditary, distinguishing specific family lines or houses within a clan.
  • It was originally a nickname based on physical traits, character, or achievements but became more formalized over time. The cognomen could also reflect honorific titles gained through military or political achievement.

Examples of Cognomina:

  • Caesar – As in Gaius Julius Caesar, meaning "hairy" (a nickname that became a family cognomen).
  • Scipio – As in Publius Cornelius Scipio, meaning "staff" or "stick."
  • Cicero – As in Marcus Tullius Cicero, meaning "chickpea" (likely a family nickname).
  • Nero – As in Tiberius Claudius Nero, meaning "strong" or "vigorous."

4. Agnomen (Honorary Title or Additional Cognomen)

  • In some cases, a fourth name, called an agnomen, was added. The agnomen was typically an honorary title or a second cognomen given to honor a person's achievements, particularly in military or political contexts. It could reflect victories, adoption, or another significant event in the person's life.

Examples of Agnomina:

  • Africanus – As in Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus, awarded for his victories in Africa during the Second Punic War.
  • Germanicus – As in Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus, for victories in Germania.

5. Additional Designations (Titles, Epithets, or Roman Citizenship)

  • Some individuals, especially freedmen or those outside of the Roman aristocracy, might also adopt additional names indicating their status, adoption, or origin.
  • For freedmen, their former master’s nomen was often adopted, while they kept their own cognomen.

Example:

  • A freedman might have a name like Gaius Julius Felix, with Gaius Julius being the former master’s gens and Felix being his personal cognomen.

Example of a Full Roman Name:

  • Gaius Julius Caesar (C. Iulius Caesar):
    • Gaius: Praenomen (personal name).
    • Julius: Nomen (clan name indicating he belonged to the gens Julia).
    • Caesar: Cognomen (surname that became hereditary in his family, possibly meaning "hairy").
    • Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus:
      • Publius: Praenomen.
      • Cornelius: Nomen (indicating he belonged to the gens Cornelia).
      • Scipio: Cognomen (distinguishing his branch of the Cornelian gens).
      • Africanus: Agnomen, given in honor of his victory in Africa.

Roman Names in the New Testament Context:

In the New Testament, individuals with Roman names appear frequently, reflecting the social and political influence of the Roman Empire. Some notable figures include:

  • Pontius Pilate – The Roman prefect who presided over the trial of Jesus.
  • Tiberius Caesar – The Roman emperor mentioned in Luke 3:1.
  • Cornelius – A Roman centurion and the first Gentile convert to Christianity (Acts 10).

Conclusion

The basic structure of a typical Roman name during the New Testament period followed the formalized system of praenomen, nomen, and cognomen. This tria nomina was primarily used by Roman citizens and reflected their familial, social, and political status. The names often conveyed lineage, achievements, and honors, and for freedmen or non-citizens, they signaled their transition into Roman society.

 

QUESTION: Is the name of Joshua technically Joshua or Joshua ben Nun?

SOFTWARE: I asked this question of Perplexity:

ANSWER: from Perplexity:

The name of Joshua is technically both Joshua and Joshua ben Nun, depending on the context:

1. His personal name is Joshua (in Hebrew, יְהוֹשֻׁעַ Yehoshua), which means "Yahweh is salvation".

2. He is often referred to as "Joshua ben Nun" (יהושע בן נון Yehoshua Bin Nun), which means "Joshua son of Nun". This fuller name includes his patronymic, identifying him as the son of Nun.

In biblical and historical contexts, it's common to refer to him using both forms:

-            Joshua: When referring to him individually or in general contexts.

-            Joshua ben Nun: When a more formal or complete identification is needed, or to distinguish him from other individuals named Joshua.

It's worth noting that his name went through changes:

1. He was originally named Hoshea (הוֹשֵׁעַ Hoshea).

2. Moses later changed his name to Joshua (יְהוֹשֻׁעַ Yehoshua).

The use of "ben Nun" (son of Nun) helps to uniquely identify this particular Joshua, who was Moses' successor and led the Israelites into Canaan.[1]

Note the web page used in this answer, Biblical names in their native languages - Wikipedia, is one you may wiah to save either as a Favorite or as a Shortcut.

 

QUESTION: Why did some Hebrews in New Testament times have both a Hebrew (or Aramaic) name and a Greek name?

ANSWER: from Perplexity:

In New Testament times, many Hebrews had both a Hebrew (or Aramaic) name and a Greek name for several reasons:

1. Cultural adaptation: The wider world in which Jews lived was predominantly Greek-speaking. Having a Greek name allowed for easier interaction with non-Jewish populations.

2. Bilingualism: Many Jews in Judaea spoke Aramaic and were taught Hebrew, but Greek was the common language of the wider world. Having two names reflected this linguistic duality.

3. Practical convenience: Greek names were often easier for non-Jews to pronounce and remember, facilitating business and social interactions.

4. Political reality: The region was under Roman rule, and Greek was the lingua franca. A Greek name could be advantageous in dealing with authorities.

5. Hellenistic influence: There was significant Greek cultural influence in the region, and adopting Greek names was part of this broader cultural exchange.

6. Biblical precedent: There were earlier examples of Jews adopting non-Hebrew names, such as Esther (Persian) in the Old Testament.

7. Missionary purposes: For early Christian evangelists like Paul, using a Greek name could help in spreading their message to a broader audience.

This practice is evident in the New Testament, where individuals are sometimes referred to by both their Hebrew/Aramaic and Greek names. For example, Simon (Greek) was also known as Simeon (Hebrew), and Saul (Hebrew) was also called Paul (Greek).[2]

 


[1] https://ohr.edu/9390 and https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/joshua/ and https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/joshua and https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/129625/jewish/Joshua.htm and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biblical_names_in_their_native_languages

[2] https://www.thebiblejourney.org/biblejourney1/21-the-romanojewish-world-of-the-new-testament/jewish-greek-names/

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