"According to the jews:" Identified (and identifying) ‘jewish’ elements in the greek magical papyri

Abstract

Given the composite nature of the PGM formularies, no one theory or model will explain every element, or even most elements. The same is true with this small selection of examples that label themselves Jewish or Hebrew. Two examples, IV 3007-86 and V 96-172, at least allow for the possibility that the versions were deliberately tailored for Jewish or Christian consumers, but Jews or Christians with a religious style that would not be approved by 'boundary keepers'93 of either tradition. One example, XII 201-69, includes the Jews among the enlightened peoples of the world who can appreciate the universal God. Three examples, V 459-89, XIII 81-86, and XIII 975-78 may attempt to invoke Jewish magic, or what they think of as Jewish magic, from the outside, for various reasons. Keywords: Christian consumers; God; Jewish magic; PGM formularies