Word question

[Bishoy Habib]

Hello! 

I wonder what the word المحتبي means here. This is taken from a 13th or 14th c manuscript of the commentary on the gospel of Mark by Ibn Al-Tayyb. My best guess of the literal meaning is: sitting cross-legged. I  would appreciate any insights from people who interact with texts from this time. 

Thank you,

Bishoy Habib

[Balaeilangroudi, Ali]

Dear Bishoy,

It should be المجتبی. The evangelist Mark was sometimes referred to with this epithet.

Best,
Ali

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From: nas...@googlegroups.com <nas...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Bishoy Habib <bisho...@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2025 8:54:29 PM
To: North American Society for Christian Arabic Studies
Subject: [nascas] Word question

 

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[Bishoy Habib]

Dear Ali, 

Thank you for the clarification. The dictionary says that it means "the chosen one". Do you know what the epithet meant for people at the time? I  mean was it a general title for holy people or saints or it has a special connection with Mark?

Peace,

Bishoy

[Balaeilangroudi, Ali]

Dear Bishoy,

Most welcome! I am not the best person in the list to answer this question but as far as I know, yes, the term meant (and still means) "the chosen one." Comparing المجتبی with corresponding titles for the other evangelists, the case seems to be a result of the impact of Muslim terminology on Christian literature, as Matthew was titled المصطفی and Luke المرتضی by some Christian authors. The case of the Evangelist John is somewhat different as he was referred to as الحبیب, among other titles, which comes from John 20:2.

Best wishes,
Ali B. Langroudi

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From: nas...@googlegroups.com <nas...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Bishoy Habib <bisho...@gmail.com>

Sent: Monday, March 17, 2025 3:06:47 PM

To: North American Society for Christian Arabic Studies

Subject: Re: [nascas] Word question

 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/nascas/2726152c-0325-477f-9026-f6d3115d3379n%40googlegroups.com.

[Bishoy Habib]

Dear Ali, 

What you said is very helpful for my purposes. Most appreciated. 

Peace,

Bishoy