In Greek phero means "to bear." Etymology-wise, what given name
means "bearer of the anointed one"?
Etymology, Etymology, and more Etymology
as well as grammar, usage, euphemism, slang, jargon, semantics (meaning), linguistics, neologism, idiom, word origin, syntax, dialect, lexicon (vocabulary), diction, pidgin, synonym, antonym, homonym, cant, argot, lingo, and redundancy.
The critically-acclaimed board game
MooT
consists of tough questions about the nuances of the English language.
Answer:
Christopher
The name Christopher was
coined by combining the Greek khristos, the anointed (a
translation of the Hebrew mashiah, messiah), and
pherein, to bear. The St. Christopher of legend was a giant
who helped travellers by carrying them across rivers.
Please note that these are draft questions for the board game MooT.
If you spot an error or disagree with anything I've said here,
please let me know and I'll fix it.
(the Mootguy)
Feedback
How can a man (Christoper) be considered a bearer? Only women bear children.
But men have to bear with women.
x-urleen@yahoo.com
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I had guessed "Jennifer." I see I was wrong, but while we're at it, let me ask what the etymology of Jennifer is, and let me add that we've loved your game for years and want to thank you a thousand times for the hours of joy (and knowledge) you have given us.
-- Zev Shanken
Does anyone know what the etymology of Jennifer is?
x-zev_shanken@yahoo.com
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That was a good one. Giving the Greek root "phero" was a key into the thing. Was there a Christopher who actually carried Christ somewhere?
x-chuckdavis@shaw.ca
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I thought (St.) Christopher carried the holy family across a river as they left Palestine and travelled to Egypt to escape King Herod who wanted to kill the sweet baby Jesus.
He is also the patron saint of travellers.
x-dtalling@telus.net
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Excellent. I have brother named Christopher and I love the meaning of his name and to me it means He is carrying Jesus in his heart. Glory to God
x-bduff@blessedwind.com
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It is worth noting that the Hebrew word "mashiakh" means "the annointed one" and was applied in the Hebrew Bible, notably in the case of King David, but also to anyone else who was anointed.
x-blancar@netvision.net.il
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Just FYI, x-dtalling@telus.net wrote about "... left Palestine and traveled to Egypt to escape King Herod...". Sorry, but it was the other way round. PRE-Jesus, the Jews fled Egypt and travelled to "The holy land" (Palestine). Whether there was a "Christopher" involved or not is a bit of an interesting thought....
x-dean.psaras@gmail.com
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That is my name, I have it known its origin from third grade.
x-jc8ward@cox.net
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Very interesting; I had heard that before, but you confirmed it. Sounds very much like the Egyptian word Pharoh (sp?), who was also an anointed leader and considered a god. But I suppose that's taking it a bit too far. Thanks for the interesting words! I enjoy it. Regards Vicky Schoeman
x-easchoeman@vodamail.co.za
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I certainly wouldn't have gotten it without the clue. Good question for the upcoming holiday!
x-jpopelka@hotmail.com
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First one I've guessed correctly! Either I'm getting intelligenter or you're getting unsmarter.
Both are true, no doubt.
x-jennidorothy@mac.com
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Re: the comment from xdean.psaras@gmail.com: dtalling was right -- the story of "the flight into Egypt" appears in Matthew 2 (although any association with St. Christoppher would be by way of later apocrypha or legends). The story was a very popular subject for medieval and renaissance painters.
x-ian.johnstone@primus.ca
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