- SYRIAC (2 Kings 18:26; Ezra 4:7; Daniel 2:4), more correctly rendered
“Aramaic,” including both the Syriac and the Chaldee languages. In the
New Testament there are several Syriac words, such as “Eloi, Eloi, lama
sabachthani?” (Mark 15:34; Matthew 27:46 gives the Hebrews form, “Eli,
Eli”), “Raca” (Matthew 5:22), “Ephphatha” (Mark 7:34), “Maran-atha” (1
Corinthians 16:22).
A Syriac version of the Old Testament, containing all the canonical books,
along with some apocryphal books (called the Peshitto, i.e., simple
translation, and not a paraphrase), was made early in the second century,
and is therefore the first Christian translation of the Old Testament. It was
made directly from the original, and not from the LXX. Version. The New
Testament was also translated from Greek into Syriac about the same time.
It is noticeable that this version does not contain the Second and Third
Epistles of John, 2 Peter, Jude, and the Apocalypse. These were, however,
translated subsequently and placed in the version. (See VERSION.)
- SYROPHENICIAN “a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation” (Mark 7:26),
i.e., a Gentile born in the Phoenician part of Syria. (See PHENICIA.)
When our Lord retired into the borderland of Tyre and Sidon (Matthew
15:21), a Syro-phoenician woman came to him, and earnestly besought
him, in behalf of her daughter, who was grievously afflicted with a demon.
Her faith in him was severely tested by his silence (Matthew 15:23),
refusal (24), and seeming reproach that it was not meet to cast the
children’s bread to dogs (26). But it stood the test, and her petition was
graciously granted, because of the greatness of her faith (28).