The Qur'an is a text deeply rooted in the Arabic language, but like many historical and religious texts, it also incorporates words from other languages and cultures. One such instance is the use of the word Injeel for "Gospel," borrowed from Greek, rather than the native Semitic word Bashir, which means "good news" or "good tidings." This choice has intrigued scholars and theologians alike, raising the question: why did the Qur'an opt for Injeel instead of Bashir?
Understanding the Terms: Injeel and Bashir
In the Qur'an, two key words are used in relation to the concept of "good news" or "gospel": Injeel and Bashir.
Bashir (بَشِير) is an Arabic word that directly translates to "bearer of good news." It is used in the Qur'an as a general term for good tidings or positive announcements, such as the promise of paradise or salvation.
Injeel (إِنجِيل) is derived from the Greek word Evangelion (εὐαγγέλιον), which also means "good news" or "gospel." In the Qur'an, Injeel specifically refers to the revelation given to Jesus (Isa), the teachings of Christ that were central to the Christian faith.
The question is why the Qur'an used a Greek-derived word like Injeel, when it had access to Bashir, a Semitic word rooted in the same linguistic family as Arabic and Hebrew. To understand this choice, it's important to explore the linguistic and historical contexts.
The Semitic Roots: Bashir and Besorah
The word Bashir has deep roots in Semitic languages, with parallels in Hebrew and Syriac.
In Hebrew, the term Besorah (בְּשׂוֹרָה) carries the same meaning of "good news" or "tidings." The root of this word, בָּשַׂר (basar), signifies bringing joyful news or announcements.
In Syriac, a closely related Semitic language, the term Sbrta (ܣܒ݂ܰܪܬ݂ܳܐ) is used in a similar way. In the Syriac Peshitta (a translation of the Bible into Syriac), Sbrta refers to the "good news" that Jesus preached.
However, when it comes to the New Testament in Syriac, another term appears—ewangeliyon (ܐܶܘܰܢܓ݁ܶܠܺܝܳܘܢ), a borrowing from the Greek Evangelion. Interestingly, Jesus himself, in the Syriac New Testament, is reported to use Sbrta when referring to his teachings, while Paul’s writings later incorporate ewangeliyon, likely reflecting the doctrinal shift as Christianity spread into Greek-speaking regions.
The Qur'anic Context: Injeel as a Specific Revelation
In the Qur'an, Bashir is used in a general sense, often in the context of bringing good news to humanity or proclaiming messages of hope. For example, prophets are described as bringing good tidings to those who believe.
On the other hand, Injeel is used specifically to denote the revelation given to Jesus. The use of Injeel seems to signal a specific reference to the Gospel as a distinct, recognized body of teachings from Jesus, rather than just general good news. This distinction mirrors the linguistic shifts seen in early Christian texts, where the more general Sbrta was replaced by the borrowed ewangeliyon to denote the formalized Gospel and its associated doctrines.
Linguistic Borrowings: A Common Practice
The Qur'an’s use of Injeel reflects a broader pattern of linguistic borrowing. Just as the Syriac New Testament borrowed ewangeliyon from Greek, the Qur'an borrowed Injeel to refer to the teachings of Jesus. This practice of borrowing terms for religious and cultural concepts was not uncommon, especially as languages intersected and religious ideas spread across diverse regions.
The Greek term Evangelion had already gained widespread recognition as the formal word for the Christian Gospel. By the time of the Qur'anic revelation, this term had become deeply associated with the teachings of Jesus. Using the well-known term Injeel helped clearly distinguish the specific Gospel revelation given to Jesus, rather than confusing it with the more general Bashir, which could apply to any prophetic message of good news.
Why Not Bashir?
While both Bashir and Injeel convey the concept of good news, the Qur'an’s use of Injeel serves to highlight the specificity of the revelation given to Jesus. Bashir is a broader term, used across various contexts to describe the general announcements of hope and salvation by all prophets. Injeel, on the other hand, refers to a specific religious text and a specific period in religious history—namely, the Gospel as revealed to Jesus.
Additionally, using a term like Injeel may have helped underscore the continuity of prophetic revelations while also distinguishing the unique role of Jesus within the Qur’anic narrative.
Conclusion: The Theological and Linguistic Significance of Injeel
The Qur'an’s use of Injeel instead of the more Semitic Bashir reflects both a theological and linguistic decision. By borrowing the term from Greek, the Qur'an aligns itself with a well-established tradition, recognizing the Gospel as a specific revelation while also distinguishing it from the broader messages of "good news" delivered by earlier prophets. This choice speaks to the interconnectedness of language, culture, and theology in the development of religious texts, showing how terms borrowed from other languages can acquire precise meanings within specific religious contexts.
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