GR 1132          ALEO

H 0137            י ל ע

Concept of root : grind

Hebrew word

pronunciation

English meanings

י ל ע

‛eĺ

pestle

Related English words

none

Comparison between European words and Hebrew

Languages

Words

Pronunciation

English meanings

Similarity in roots

Hebrew

י ל ע

‛eli

pestle

‛e l i

Greek

αλεω

aleo

frantumate, grind

 a l e

 

 

Proto-Semitic *ELA --- *ALE-O Indo-European

 

 

We see what seems simple and straighforward as a similarity, be it with one of those many brief roots that are also seen in modern languages. A common origin seems possible, but there is too litle information to formulate a conclusion. .

 

 

Note:
  • Proto-Semitic. This Hebrew word is a hapax legomenon in the Bible. It is presumed that it has been derived from the verb " 'alà "= "to ascend, go up, raise". Yet among the many derived meanings of this verb one looks in vain for anything akin to the activity for which a pestle is used. But Akkadian uses the same root with the same meaning in the word "elīt(urtsi) = pestle ( of mortar ): "elīt= pestle". So it is still possible that Proto-Semitic used this same root with the same initial E in the word "elīt = pestle, with a basic root : "*ע ל ה".

 

Note:
  • Greek. Greek has an unrelated similar verb "aleo, aleuo" meaning "to avoid, escape, get out of the way (tr. and intr.)".

 

 

 
Created: Tuesday 6 November 2007 at 22.30.54 Updated: 01/10/2012 at 9.39.35