The negative of this word

אִיזֶבֶל

might, without any great forcing of the literal sense, imply "the undefiled," Αμιαυτος; and this conjecture is supported by comparing 2 Kings, ix. 37. with the same verse in the Targum of Jonathan. They are as follows: (Heb.):

וִהָיְתָ נִבְלַת אִיזֶבֶל כְּרמֶן עַל־פְנֵי הַשׂרֶה

In the Targum thus:

וּתִהֵי נִבֵילתָּא רְאִיזֶבֶל כְּזֶבֶל מְבַרַּר עַל אַפֵּי תַקְלָא׃

It is quite clear that the Targumists intended here a strong allusion to the original meaning of Jezebel's name; viz. that she who was named "the undefiled" should become as "defilement." I am not sure whether a disquisition of this kind may be considered irrelevant to your work; but as the idea seems not an improbable one to some whose judgment I value, I venture to send it.

E.C.H.


SOCINIAN BOAST.