Greek Loanwords in Targum Sheni: An analysis of the Greek loanwords in Targum Sheni

The occurrence of Greek loanwords in the second Targum to Esther (Targum Sheni) is one of the arguments for dating the text in the Byzantine Empire. Up until now these Greek loanwords have not been fully analyzed. The present research, following the methodology of Aaron Butt’s study on Greek loanwords in Syriac, analyzes the origin and integration of the Greek loanwords to find whether these can be used in dating Targum Sheni. The supposed Greek loanwords will prove to be not always originating from Greek, but also from Latin. Two major category for the loanwords can be distinguished: gem stones and administration. The first category consists of Wanderwörter and are not suitable for dating the text. The second category consists of both Latin and Greek loanwords which points at a Greco-Roman administration, such as in the Byzantine Empire. Lastly, a few reasons for borrowing the loanwords are distinguished. Loanwords are either used simply because of necessity, or because it...Show moreThe occurrence of Greek loanwords in the second Targum to Esther (Targum Sheni) is one of the arguments for dating the text in the Byzantine Empire. Up until now these Greek loanwords have not been fully analyzed. The present research, following the methodology of Aaron Butt’s study on Greek loanwords in Syriac, analyzes the origin and integration of the Greek loanwords to find whether these can be used in dating Targum Sheni. The supposed Greek loanwords will prove to be not always originating from Greek, but also from Latin. Two major category for the loanwords can be distinguished: gem stones and administration. The first category consists of Wanderwörter and are not suitable for dating the text. The second category consists of both Latin and Greek loanwords which points at a Greco-Roman administration, such as in the Byzantine Empire. Lastly, a few reasons for borrowing the loanwords are distinguished. Loanwords are either used simply because of necessity, or because it transposes the story form the original Persian background, to the contemporary background of the audience. All in all, especially the combination between Greek and Latin loanwords can indeed support the argument for the dating in the Byzantine Empire.Show less

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Greek Loanwords in Targum Sheni: An analysis of the Greek loanwords in Targum Sheni