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Two dictionaries for the Aramaic Peshitta - Printable Version

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Two dictionaries for the Aramaic Peshitta - Ivan Pavlovich Ostapyuk - 08-21-2004

Shlama,
Let me express my point of view.
During the Apostolic times therecould be bilingual Christians: native Arameans who spoke both Aramaic and Greek, and native Greeks who spoke both Greek and Aramaic. They could translate the Aramaic Peshitta into Greek. Therefore, we have many Greek versions.
Now, the words of languages have tendancy upon the time to lose meanings, acquire new ones, and get their meanings modified. The modern Aramaic words could have different meanings from the ancient ones. The Greek New Testament explains this ancient meanings of the Aramaic words, the original meanings.
So, the Greek New Testament is very important in the study of the Peshitta language.
But, the best dictionary is the context into what a word was originally put. This context is the best dictionary.
This relates to the Greek text and likewise to the Aramaic text.
As for me, I do not take into account different demaged pieces or small parts, but I prefer something authoritative and full e.g. Codex Sinaiticus.
Also, the loan Greek words of the Peshitta could be good explained in the Greek text.
In conclusion, we have two dictionaries for the Aramaic Peshitta:
1) The Greek New Testament text
2) The very context of the Aramaic Peshitta

Shlama.