Nielsen’s Nook


Translation and Commentary on The Martyrdom of Polycarp §5.2

Translation

2 While praying he had become entranced [1] three days before his arrest and he saw his pillow [2] being consumed upon the fire. After he turned to those who were with him, he said, "Burning me alive is required."


[1] lit. ?? ??????? ???????.

[2] ????????????? has been translated as pillow and etymologically appears to be a pillow for the head (??????). However, Ezekiel 13:18(20) uses the word as something that is sewn upon elbows. ???? ???? ????????????? ???????????? ??? ????? ?????? ?????? - Woe! To those women who sew pillows upon every arm's elbow (author's translation). ???????????? in the LXX apparently translates the Hebrew ???????, which may be rendered "cushion, bolster, pillow" or as BDB further suggests "bands." Perhaps, in the case of Polycarp this pillow is one used for the knees while praying.