/massatt(i)-/, (DEUS)ma-sa-ti-
‘divine law (?)’
- Language
- Hieroglyphic Luwian
- Grammar
- subst, c.
- ID
- 2059
1. Individual Anatolian Languages
1.1 Hieroglyphic Luwian
/massatt(i)-/, (DEUS)ma-sa-ti-
‘divine law (?)’1.1.1Transmission
This hapax is attested in a single inscription from Karkamiš, dating to the 8th century BCE.
[A.P.]
1.1.2Forms
|
acc. sg. |
/massattin/ |
(DEUS)ma-sa-ti-na? |
1.1.3Graphic Features
1.1.3.1Phonological Interpretation
The phonological interpretation of this word is relatively secure insofar as its connection with the word family around /massan(i)-/ ‘god’ can be assumed as a basis. Yet, e.g. Sasseville 2021a:97 suggests a more cautious approach with proposing /mast(i)-/ besides the form preferred here, which is possible, but the shorter form is deemed less likely here in the face of the transparent morphology of the word.
The word involves use of the logogram DEUS (sign *360) for a determinative, which further underlines the close relationship with /massan(i)-/ ‘god’, where this sign abounds.
[AH.B.]
1.1.4Meaning
That the meaning of this lexeme belongs into the sphere of the divine has long been clear to scholars because of the presence of the logographic determinative DEUS , see e.g. Hawkins 2000a:183. The meaning ‘divine law’ is suggested tentatively by Yakubovich 2017e and can be regarded as adequate for the context of attestation at KARKAMIŠ A5a, §4: NEG2-pa-wa/i (DEUS)ma-sa-ti-na? tu-pi-há, approx. /naba=wa massattin tubiha/, ‘Nor did I strike divine law (?)’ (cf. Hawkins 2000a:182). Discovery of further textual evidence may result in a reappraisal.
[AH.B.]
1.1.5Stem
A common gender noun, this word appears to be derived with the suffix /-aT(i)-/, which builds secondary nouns, cf. e.g. Yakubovich 2015b:6.2. The putative base would hence be an unattested */massa(/i)-/, which might have also served as the basis for the well-attested noun /massan(i)-/ ‘god’ and its family.
[AH.B.]