SAHIDIC Meaning and
Definition
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Sahidic is an adjective that refers to the Sahidic dialect, a late form of the Coptic language. Coptic is a descendant of the ancient Egyptian language and was spoken in Egypt during the early Christian era. Sahidic specifically pertains to the dialect of Coptic that was used in the Nile Valley region of Upper Egypt, known as the Thebaid.
The Sahidic dialect emerged as one of the more prominent and influential forms of Coptic, alongside other dialects like Bohairic (used in Lower Egypt) and Akhmimic (used in the city of Akhmim). Sahidic Coptic was known for its complexity and rich linguistic features, contributing to its importance in the field of Egyptology.
This dialect became the standard written form of Coptic and was widely used in religious texts, such as biblical translations, theological treatises, and liturgical materials. Many early Christian manuscripts, including fragments of the Nag Hammadi Library, were written in Sahidic Coptic.
Today, Sahidic Coptic is of great interest to linguists, historians, and scholars of ancient Egypt and early Christianity. The study of Sahidic provides valuable insights into the language, culture, and texts of the early Christian communities in Egypt, shedding light on their beliefs, practices, and interactions with other religious traditions of the time.
Common Misspellings for SAHIDIC
Etymology of SAHIDIC
The word "Sahidic" refers to Sahidic Coptic, which is a dialect of the Coptic language. "Sahidic" is derived from the Arabic word "sa'id", which means "upper" or "southern". This term was coined because the Sahidic dialect was primarily spoken in the southern part of Egypt, particularly around the region of Thebes (now Luxor).
