How Do You Spell SABBATEAN?

Pronunciation: [sˌabe͡ɪtˈi͡ən] (IPA)

Sabbatean, spelled /sæbəteɪən/ in IPA phonetics, refers to a follower of the 17th-century Jewish messianic figure, Sabbatai Zevi. The word is derived from the name of the movement's leader, Sabbatai Zevi, and is pronounced with a stress on the second syllable. The spelling reflects the pronunciation, with the "a" in the second syllable pronounced as a long "a" sound. The term is commonly used in Jewish and academic circles to describe disciples of Zevi who believed in his claims to be the Messiah.

SABBATEAN Meaning and Definition

1. Sabbatean refers to a follower, adherent, or believer of Sabbateanism, a religious and spiritual movement that emerged in the 17th century. The term originated from Sabbatai Zevi, a self-proclaimed messiah born in 1626 in modern-day Turkey.

   The Sabbatean movement was initially rooted in Jewish mystical traditions, particularly Kabbalah. Sabbatai Zevi gained a significant following, as his charisma and claimed connection to divine revelation attracted many adherents. He proclaimed himself to be the long-awaited Jewish messiah and began to challenge traditional Jewish laws and customs.

   Sabbateans, therefore, encompass those who subscribed to Sabbatai Zevi's teachings and believed in his messianic role. As Sabbateanism gained prominence, some Sabbateans embraced radical and controversial beliefs, including antinomianism, which rejected traditional moral and ethical codes.

   Over time, Sabbateanism evolved and splintered into various subgroups, each interpreting Sabbatai Zevi's teachings differently. Some Sabbateans continued to staunchly follow Sabbatai's messianic claims, while others adopted a more covert approach, blending into mainstream society yet secretly maintaining Sabbatean beliefs.

   Given their diverse interpretations and practices, Sabbateans can be categorized into different sects or movements, such as Frankists or Dönmeh. These groups often retained elements of Sabbatai Zevi's teachings but may have also incorporated other philosophical or religious influences.

   Overall, the term "Sabbatean" encompasses a wide range of followers and believers who subscribed to the teachings of Sabbatai Zevi and played a significant role in the history of Jewish religious movements in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Etymology of SABBATEAN

The word "Sabbatean" refers to a follower or believer in the teachings of Sabbatai Zevi, a 17th-century Jewish mystic who proclaimed himself the Jewish Messiah. The etymology of the word is derived from Sabbatai Zevi's name.

Sabbatai Zevi was born in Smyrna, modern-day Izmir, Turkey, in 1626. He gained popularity as a preacher and charismatic figure, amassing a large number of followers who believed he was the long-awaited Messiah. However, his messianic claims posed a challenge to the established religious authorities at the time.

Sabbatai Zevi's teachings and movement, known as Sabbateanism, spread throughout the Jewish communities in the Ottoman Empire and beyond. Followers of Sabbatai Zevi were referred to as Sabbateans.