Revelations

[lisamarie]

I have a question for Paul. I hope you can answer.

In Revelations, most biblical translations refer to the Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. In the ancient language, it would have been the Al and the Tau, am I correct? Al meaning strength or leader and Tau meaning covenant.

'I am the Al and the Tau.'
'I am the Leader and the Covenant.'

Having read about the significance of the Tau through studying St. Francis of Assisi, I had to check some bibles. It refers to Esekiel chapter 9. I have a copy of Lammsa's book at home, it says "mark." The NIV says mark, the NAB says X, the Jerusalem says cross. Only the Douay Rheims bible says that God had his angel put a Tau on the foreheads of those to be spared his wrath. Tau being covenant.

I think the tau is of exceptional significance in both Revelations and Ezekiel because it signifies a covenant AND because it is the shape of a cross. The cross of our salvation.

Am I way off base?
Thanks!
Lisa Marie

[lisamarie]

The Hebrew Tanak says "mark" but in the Study Tanak it has a footnote that references the word is actual "tau" the last letter of the ancient Hebrew alphabet but that it has been rendered "mark" so the reader will understand. Personally, I think to say "mark with a Tau" would be better.

[Paul Younan]

Hi Lisa,

Sorry for the delayed response. <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s -->

Yes, in the Semitic languages the first and last letters are Aleph and Tau. Aleph literally means "ox", but generally signifies strength. I suppose it could mean "leader" in the sense of being the "first" of the letters, but not literally.

"Tau" does indeed mean "mark" and makes your observation concerning the sign of the Cross very interesting, indeed....even to someone who doesn't consider the book of Revelation to be inspired scripture. <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s -->

Take care.

[ograabe]

Of course, the correct name of the 26th book of the New Testament is REVELATION since it is singular and refers to the Revelation of John.

Otto

[ograabe]

Correction: REVELATION is the 27th book of the New Testament.

Otto

[Claude.r.gu??rillot]

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

This is my first message to this forum.
I just want to recall you that in the archa??c hebraic alphabet, the tau was formed with a cross.
If somebody knows anything about the aramean Gospel fo Matthews, I would be happy to read him.

In Chrust's love,

Claude