Biblical Criticism & History Forum - earlywritings.com

I've been spending a lot of time trying to figure out the meaning of the name of the Clement's Book στρωματεὺς. I've read Stefano Valente's massive study on the terminology. I've read Pollux's Onomastica. No one seems to figure out what στρωματεὺς really means other than it has something to do with "covering(s)." The solution I think is that Clement became known as "the Stromatist" in the way a "grapheus" is a writer.

839. AGENCY
a. The primary suffixes τα_, τηρ, τορ, τρο, ευ, denoting the agent or

1. τα_ (nom. -τή-ς): κρι-τή-ς judge (κρί_νω decide, κρι-), κλέπ-τη-ς thief (κλέπ- steal), ποιη-τή-ς poet, i.e. maker (ποιέ-ω make), αὐλη-τή-ς flute-pl<*> (αὐλέ-ω play the flute), μαθ-η-τή-ς pupil (μανθάνω learn, μαθ-ε-), ἱκ-έ- suppliant (ἱκ-νέ-ομαι come, ἱκ-).

2. τηρ (nom. -τήρ): δο-τήρ giver (δί-δω-μι give, δο-, δω-), σω-τήρ saviour (σῳ save).

3. τορ (nom. -τωρ): ῥή-τωρ orator (ἐρέω shall say, ἐρ-, ῥε-), εἴ-ρη-κα h<*> spoken, κτίσ-τωρ founder (κτίζω found, κτιδ-), σημάντωρ comman<*> poet. (σημαίνω give a signal, σημαν-).

4. τρο (nom. -τρό-ς): ἰ_α_-τρό-ς physician (ἰ_ά_-ομαι heal).

5. ευ (nom. -εύ-ς): γραφ-εύ-ς writer (γράφ-ω write), τοκ-εύ-ς father (τί<*> beget, τεκ-).

The "bed-clothes-er"? "the bedder"? Having a hard time figuring this out. Any REASONABLE thoughts would be welcomed.

I imagine if you put the Greek suffix at the end of "bullshit" μαλακίες whether μαλακεὺς would be "bullshitter."

ἱερεὺς "holy man" ἱππεὺς "horseman" αλιεύς "fisherman" ὑπογραφεὺς also σχαφεῖον ‘a digging-tool,’ while derived from σχαφεύς ‘a digger,’ could be connected with the abstract σχαφή ‘ digging.’ κῆπος garden κηπεὺς gardener. συλλογεὺς "gatherer." υἱδεὺς "grandson = son's son"συγγραφεὺς "historian." φόνος "to kill" φονεὺς "killer." ἀροτρεὺς "ploughman," innkeeping (πανδοκείαν)/the innkeeper (πανδοκεὺς).

σκαλεὺς means both the instrument (hoe) and the person that uses it (hoer). Xenophon https://books.google.com/books?id=2v8xA ... 22&f=false. I think this is getting closer to solving the mysteries. I must mean something like pyjamas.

Another one. AM´PHORA (ἀμφορεύς, old form ἀμφιφορεύς, Horn. Il. 23.107; Od. 2.290, &c.; Schol. in Apollon. 4.1187; Simon. in Anth. Pal. 13.19).
1. A large vessel, which derived its name from its being made with a handle on each side of the neck (from ἀμφί, on both sides, and (φέρω, to carry), whence also it was called diota, that is, a vessel with two ears (δλωτος, δίωτος στάμνος or κάδισκος, Plat. Hipp. Maj. p. 288 D; Ath. xi. p. 473 c; Moeris, s. v. ἀμφορέα; Hor. Carm. 9, 8). The form and size varied, but it was generally made tall and narrow. and terminating in a point, which could be let into a stand (ἐγγυθήκη). So ἀμφορεύς "that which is carried on both sides."

There seems to be things i.e. σκαλεὺς which are both the "thing" and the "person/agent."

I think I figured it out.

"Κλήμης ὁ στρωματεὺς" means "Clement the Protector." στρωμα ("cover") + τεὺς (agent noun suffix)

In Latin "protector" literally means "coverer." prōtegō (“cover") +‎ -tor (agent noun suffix).

It's not a normal use of the word. But its the kind of etymological word play Clement delights in.

The analogy Clement uses in Book 1 for the nut being "covered" by its shell is perfect for this argument. Pajamas in effect "cover" and "protect" the person (another of Clement's word plays). That Clement read Latin - "Clement read Latin, even though he mostly draws on Greek sources (Protr. iv.46.4)." https://books.google.com/books?id=gtQGE ... 22&f=false The identification of "bed clothes" as protectors or offering protection is common in various Latin languages. In Catalan to shelter abrigall bed-clothes abrigar 'to shelter, protect (from wind, cold, etc.)” https://books.google.com/books?id=S4BdD ... in&f=false

Here's the best explanation of stromata I've seen (not surprisingly by a native Greek speaker) https://helios-eie.ekt.gr/EIE/bitstream ... 0Jstor.pdf

For instance, the word περίστρωμα in its singular form apparently refers to a bed cover, but in the plural refers to carpets or hangings.10 The polysemy found in ancient Greek words used for furniture and textiles may be due to the fact that ancient Greek, as with many other languages, was slow to adapt to changes in material culture and, instead of creating new words, expanded the meaning of already existing ones. In linguistics this is known as a referential cause of semantic changes. At the same time, versatility also played a major role, as will be discussed below ... Specific references note that expensive garments might double as tapestries hung on the walls, the ceiling or between columns.57 Owing to the way Greek textiles were made, versatility was a basic characteristic: a rectangular piece of cloth could be used as a personal garment, a bed cover or a decorative hanging, as described in Homer58 and Aristophanes.59 Smell plays an important part in the experience of textiles and it is of course something that cannot be captured through the visual evidence: bed clothes are described as 'sweet smelling' (ῥοδόπνοα στρώματα) and were apparently perfumed with herbal ingredients such as rose leaves.60 Citrons placed among garments are known to have protected them from moths and apparently left a distinctive perfume on the textiles.

In Gaelic Cumbac means "protection," "a veil or covering ; cumbac leapta means "bed-clothes." https://books.google.com/books?id=FI9JA ... es&f=false

‘Clement the Stromatist’: is it a role he is alluding to?

J. M. F. Heath, Clement of Alexandria and the Shaping of Christian Literary Practice: Miscellany and the Transformation of Greco-Roman Writing[2020], pp.133-4:

Several meanings may be inferred. I think of Clement (c.175 AD) as a slave (Therapeut or δούλου) who spreads out sheets on the straw dining couches recalls or alludes to the meaning of those attendants in Philo's DVC (69-78) c.15 AD, who resided (at the Judaic college) in an agricultural setting. The discourses were as coverlets to the Logos itself, meta-symbolically. Here too we often obsess about 'the covering' -- ahem -- this appeals most, to me.

'Clement the Variegationist' (Clement the Miscellanist) is another possibility, though 'Clement the Orderly' as the servant responsible for arranging such and sundry (i.e. sheets, cushions, etc.) -- miscellany -- at the Symposium, where such philosophical/theosophical topics were freely discussed, would also work. The implication of a 'gatherer of miscellanies' and an 'arranger of divers themes' is understood here.

Also, I suspect something like a grain 'gleaner' here. Stromata 1.18- "The Stromateis will contain the truth, mixed up with, or hidden in the dogmas of philosophy, as the kernel is in the husk. For, in my opinion, it is fitting that the seeds of truth be kept for the husbandmen of faith, and no others. I am not oblivious of what is babbled by some, who in their ignorance are frightened at every noise, and say that we ought to occupy ourselves with what is most necessary, and which contains the faith; and that we should pass over what is beyond and superfluous, which wears out and detains us to no purpose, in things which conduce nothing to the great end." A lowly hand separating the wheat from the chaff, as it were, and one who does the necessary odd-jobs, piece-work on the farm.

For each soul has its own proper nutriment; some growing by knowledge and science, and others feeding on the Hellenic philosophy, the whole of which, like nuts, is not eatable (εἰσὶ γὰρ καὶ ψυχαὶ ἰδίας ἔχουσαι τροφάς, αἳ μὲν κατ' ἐπίγνωσιν καὶ ἐπιστήμην αὔξουσαι, αἳ δὲ κατὰ τὴν Ἑλληνικὴν νεμόμεναι φιλοσοφίαν, ἧς καθάπερ καὶ τῶν καρύων οὐ τὸ πᾶν ἐδώδιμον (1.1.7.3 - 4)

For, like farmers who irrigate the land beforehand, so we also water with the liquid stream of Greek learning what in it is earthy; so that it may receive the spiritual seed cast into it, and may be capable of easily nourishing it. The Stromata will contain (Περιέξουσι) the truth mixed up (ἀναμεμιγμένην) in the dogmas of philosophy, or rather covered over (ἐγκεκαλυμμένην) and hidden (ἐπικεκρυμμένην) exactly (καθάπερ) as the edible part (ἐδώδιμον) of the nut (καρύου) in the shell (λεπύρῳ). For, in my opinion, it is fitting that the seeds of truth be kept (= φυλάσσω) for the husbandmen of faith (τῆς ἀληθείας τὰ σπέρματα μόνοις φυλάσσεσθαι τοῖς τῆς πίστεως γεωργοῖς), and no others. I am not oblivious of what is babbled by some, who in their ignorance are frightened at every noise, and say that we ought to occupy ourselves with what is most necessary, and which contains the faith; and that we should pass over what is beyond and superfluous, which wears out and detains us to no purpose, in things which conduce nothing to the great end. Others think that philosophy was introduced into life by an evil influence, for the ruin of men, by an evil inventor. But I shall show, throughout the whole of these Stromata, that evil has an evil nature, and can never turn out the producer of aught that is good; indicating that philosophy is in a sense a work of Divine Providence.

And if one say that it is written, "There is nothing secret which shall not be revealed, nor hidden which shall not be disclosed," let him also hear from us, that to him who hears secretly, even what is secret shall be manifested, this is what was predicted by this oracle (ὅτι τῷ κρυπτῶς ἐπαίοντι τὸ κρυπτὸν φανερωθήσεσθαι διὰ τοῦδε προεθέσπισεν τοῦ λογίου). And to him who is able secretly to observe what is delivered to him. that which is veiled shall be disclosed as truth (καὶ τῷ παρακεκαλυμμένως τὰ παραδιδόμενα οἵῳ τε παραλαμβάνειν δηλωθήσεται τὸ κεκαλυμμένον ὡς ἡ ἀλήθεια); and what is hidden to the many, shall appear manifest to the few (καὶ τὸ τοῖς πολλοῖς κρυπτόν, τοῦτο τοῖς ὀλίγοις φανερὸν γενήσεται). For why do not all know the truth? why is not righteousness loved, if righteousness belongs to all? But the mysteries are delivered mystically, that what is spoken may be in the mouth of the speaker; rather not in his voice, but in his understanding (ἀλλὰ γὰρ τὰ μυστήρια μυστικῶς παραδίδοται, ἵνα ᾖ ἐν στόματι
λαλοῦντος καὶ ᾧ λαλεῖται, μᾶλλον δὲ οὐκ ἐν φωνῇ, ἀλλ' ἐν τῷ νοεῖσθαι). "God gave to the Church, some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." (1.1.13.2 - 5)

'Clement the Variegationist'

It's a title of a book. If you've written a book with a title you know that you want it to hit people. It's like. "Let it Be." "You Can't Always Get What You Want." "My Humps." You know.

I don't think στρωματεὺς can mean any of the things suggested. εὺς is the suffix for an agent. But στρωμα means "a cover(ing)." There were covers that had variable colors and so stromata were known to be colorful. But above all else it was a cover. So στρωματεὺς" (= στρωμα+ τεὺς) must mean "coverer." A bed-cloth was "one (i.e. a garment) which covered."

It means protector in English or literally "coverer" of which the Latin "protector" meant "one who covers" and then came into the English language as "protector."

Variety!

(Your "Humps"?)