The Value of Knowing Biblical Languages

[Praxeas]

It seems to me that this subject goes beyond checking a Hebrew dictionary. I'll check the twot....

Hebrew Word: saris
Strong's Cross Reference: 5631
Definition: official eunuch. (ASV, RSV similarly.)

The noun, meaning "(court) official, " has its origin in the Akkadian title sa resi (sarri) "the one of the (king's) head." The meaning "eunuch" arose with the practice of utilizing castrated men in key positions in the various nations of the ancient near east (e.g. in Persia, Est_2:3ff; Est_4:4ff).

The Hebrew word is clearly related to the name of the Akkadian royal official (2Ki_18:17). Accordingly, saris is not to be translated "eunuch" unless context or other evidence demands it. Thus, since thorough study fall s to uncover conclusive evidence for the employment of eunuchs as officials in ancient Egypt, the reason why the Egyptian officers in the Joseph narritive were called by this term is probably that in all three cases (Gen_37:36; Gen_39:1; Gen_40:2, Gen_40:7) these men were special officials of Pharaoh.

It can be doubted that Israel would have inaugurated the employment of eunuchs. Such men would have been excluded from the congregation by Mosaic Law (Lev_22:24; Deu_23:2). It has been argued that they may have been introduced by Jezebel (cf. 1Ki_22:9) and maintained by subsequent kings (2Ki_8:6; 2Ki_9:32) in positions in close contact with women. If so, the Lord's promise through Isaiah (Isa_56:3-5) is most apropos.

No certain evidence exists that Daniel and his three friends were made eunuchs (2Ki_20:17-18; Dan 1).

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

It seems to me that this subject goes beyond checking a Hebrew dictionary. I'll check the twot....

The Hebrew word is clearly related to the name of the Akkadian royal official (2Ki_18:17). Accordingly, saris is not to be translated "eunuch" unless context or other evidence demands it. Thus, since thorough study fall s to uncover conclusive evidence for the employment of eunuchs as officials in ancient Egypt, the reason why the Egyptian officers in the Joseph narritive were called by this term is probably that in all three cases (Gen_37:36; Gen_39:1; Gen_40:2, Gen_40:7) these men were special officials of Pharaoh.

That would make sense. I just couldn't understand why she would have married him and thus I asked if the marriage was arranged or what? lol

[Trouvere]

Praxeas friend I did not think to even check the twot.I am excited about having it to work with though.I was hoping Brother Klein would come on and post.He is reading it though.
You however are an exception as a christian.Many people don't even bother to study
unless they are preaching that night.

[Trouvere]

We kind of got off on a tangent about early historical practices on this thread.
Back to the main subject.
There is great value in knowing the original Biblical languages. It takes effort on your part but just knowing the idioms of the time really helps you relate to the passages better.

Has anyone else put time into study of Greek or Hebrew or Aramaic?

[Baron1710]

"Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s - The word סריס saris, translated officer, signifies a eunuch; and lest any person should imagine that because this Potiphar had a wife, therefore it is absurd to suppose him to have been a eunuch, let such persons know that it is not uncommon in the east for eunuchs to have wives, nay, some of them have even a harem or seraglio where they keep many women, though it does not appear that they have any progeny; and probably discontent on this ground might have contributed as much to the unfaithfulness of Potiphar’s wife, as that less principled motive through which it is commonly believed she acted."

Note on Genesis 37:36 on the same phrase.
Adam Clark.

[Michael The Disciple]

Their is much value in knowing the original languages. Our English version is of course a translation of them. Funny tho when one teaches the importance of the name of God in Hebrew or the original name of Jesus you usually are met with "we dont speak Hebrew" we speak English.

[marylinda1]

Originally Posted by Trouvere

I didn't want to overstep any boundries.If you think its okay then give the link.I am sure all the men on here will cringe.lol.

Uh, I'm 1/3 way through it. I won't be linking it. LOL!

One plus, the men do not experience male pattern baldness, even if his genes call for it. Hahahhahahaa!

[Pressing-On]

This is the link discussed. It's not that big of a deal for an adult studying history.

http://www.rotten.com/library/sex/castration/eunuch/