The phenomenon of «holiness»: from primeval sources to ancient Jews

Author(s):  S.S. Kochergin, Tula State Leo Tolstoy Pedagogical University, Tula, Russia, sovaminervi@yandex.ru

Issue:  Volume 46, № 3

Rubric:  Topical issues of world history

Annotation:  The article is devoted to the ancient origins of the concept of «Holiness» in the Middle East region. The author relates the genesis of this phenomenon with emergence and development of cults of fertility since XI–X Millennium BC from Natufian, Jericho, Yarmukian, Ghassulian and several other archeological cultures. In the sequel Sumerian «ku3» terminology, which introduces into kingdom of divinity, is considered. Further the meaning of Akkadian words, is considered based on the root qdš/ellu, which is focused on «holiness-purity». After that, similar words from the Canaanite languages (Ugaritic and Phoenician) are listed, also Phoenician Pyrgi tablets are mentioned. The relation with the Hebrew language is only indicated. The author builds the idea of cultural and linguistic continuity, focusing on the history of the genesis of the Jewish nation and their religion, the pagan Canaanite cults of Baal, El, Astarte, Anat and further to Yahweh. Among other things, the overview of the phenomenon of sacred sexual rites in relation with fertility cults is given, which also discovers a connection with the concept of «holiness» under study

Keywords:  holiness, Sumer, Akkad, Canaan, Ugarit, the Jews, paganism, sacred sex

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