To: general_re
My "really old" dictionary (last copyright 1946) is very clear about the fact that Shem is a word of Greek origin, (also Latin Sem). "A member of a race of mankind (corresponding inexactly to the peoples said in Gen x. to be descended from Shem, son of Noah) comprising the Hebrews and kindrid peoples, as the Arabians, Assyrians, etc". My newer dictionary doesn't mention anything except anti-Jewish.
To: widowithfoursons
My newer dictionary doesn't mention anything except anti-Jewish. That's because "anti-semitic" really only means "anti-Jewish" in common usage any more. Anyway, what do they say about the etymology of the word "semite"? Probably that it's a variant of the earlier "shemite", which it is ;)
15 posted on
05/04/2003 8:53:28 AM PDT by
general_re
(Ask me about my vow of silence!)
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