Hebraists

/ˈhiːbreɪ.ɪsts/ noun

Definition

Plural of Hebraist; multiple scholars who study Hebrew language, literature, or Jewish culture.

Etymology

Regular plural of 'Hebraist,' formed by adding the suffix '-s' (from Old English 'as'). The term became widespread during the Renaissance when Hebrew scholarship flourished among European intellectuals.

Kelly Says

During the Renaissance, Hebraists were celebrities of the scholarly world—gentiles learning Hebrew were seen as adventurous minds exploring ancient wisdom, which was quite radical at the time.

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