The word "sabellian" is spelled with two "l"s, despite the fact that it is pronounced with only one. This is due to the word's origins in Latin, in which the letters "b" and "l" were often doubled. In IPA phonetic transcription, "sabellian" is pronounced as [səˈbɛliən], with the emphasis on the second syllable. This word refers to a philosophical doctrine developed by the Sabellian heresy in early Christianity, which held that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were not distinct persons, but rather different modes of a single divine being.
Sabellian is an adjective that describes something related to or characteristic of the Sabellian language or people. This term refers to the ancient Italic languages spoken by the Sabellian peoples, who were an ancient group inhabiting central and southern Italy. The term is also used to describe the Italic tribes that spoke these languages.
The Sabellian languages belong to the larger Italic branch of the Indo-European family of languages. They were spoken during ancient times, primarily from the 1st millennium BC until the 1st millennium AD. Some well-known Sabellian languages include Oscan, Umbrian, and South Picene, among others.
The Sabellian people played a significant role in the history of ancient Italy, particularly during the Roman Republic and Roman Empire periods. They were mainly located in central and southern regions, including modern-day regions such as Campania, Apulia, Sabina, Samnium, and others. The Sabellian languages have left traces in ancient inscriptions, texts, and place names, providing valuable insights into the cultures and languages of this ancient people.
In summary, the term "sabellian" refers to the languages, peoples, or characteristics associated with the Sabellian language or ancient Sabellian tribes that inhabited central and southern Italy.
• A follower of Sabellius, a philosopher in the third century, who taught that there is only one person in the Godhead, and that the Son and Holy Spirit are only different attributes, emanations, or functions of God the Father.
• Pert. to Sabellius and his doctrines.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Sabellian" comes from the Sabellian language, which was an ancient Indo-European language spoken by the Sabellian peoples in central Italy during the first millennium BC. The exact etymology of the word "Sabellian" is not clear, but it is believed to derive from the name of the Sabine people, one of the Sabellian tribes. The Sabines were an ancient Italic people who inhabited the region of modern-day central Italy, and their language became known as Sabellian.