ABSTRACT
In this final chapter we shall try to draw together some general conclusions on the nature, origin and function of sacred languages and texts, relating, where appropriate, aspects of the situation in the first Christian centuries to modern developments. The first and probably the most obvious theme running through our study is simply the central importance of language in the history of religions. Basic to virtually all the cases we have discussed is a belief in the power of words. Common to many traditions, as we have seen, are stories about creation by the word. In these the creator is depicted as issuing commands which are instantly obeyed. God said, ‘Let there be light’ and there was light (Gen. 1:3). The Egyptians had a similar tradition about their creator God Ptah (ANET 5). The rabbis noticed a correspondence between the ‘Ten Words of Creation’ in the Genesis story and the ‘Ten Commandments’ given at Sinai, while the first Christians believed the words of Jesus had a divine creator’s authority: ‘He said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” and the wind ceased and there was a great calm’ (Mark 4:39).
