A donation list from Elephantine: Judaean and Non-Judaean onomastic characteristics from the Persian period in Egypt

Abstract

This study uses quantitative methods in the analysis and comparison of 195 names on a donation list from the Nile island of Elephantine, dated to 400 bce, with Judaean names from the end of the First Temple period. The goal is to shed more light on the origin of the individuals named on the list and their relationship, if any, to Judaeans. The onomastic analysis is based on the distributions of name types, theophoric elements and prefixed/suffixed theophoric elements, as well as on the most popular roots in names and the prevalence of names common to the donors and Judaeans. The results revealed several Judaean onomastic characteristics in Elephantine that help support the claim that the origin of these Elephantine donors is Judaean. At the same time, other onomastic characteristics which differ from those in Judah may be attributed to the influence of the surrounding multi-cultural society, as well as the time gap between the donors and Judaeans.