PRONUNCIATION OF SCRIPTURE PROPER NAMES

accent in favour of names in which the first element is some form of the Divine name. The accent, he says, rests in such cases on this first element. It may be doubtful if this reason is the one con-sciously adopted in regard to these names. Jo'hanan seems to us uimatural, and for Jehon'adab we prefer the explanation given in the former part of this paragraph.

(4) Professor Stevenson is doubtless right in saying that the established pronunciation of familiar names determines that of others in the same form that are less familiar. Dan'iel and Is'rael are the key to one class of such names, unless, as he points out, Penu'el be accented on the second syllable, and determine other words in — ^uel. Phil'ippi (accent on the first) is due to the analogy of Philip, and Ene'as 'to the analogy of Virgil's hero.'

These may serve as examples of the kind of difficulty which surrounds the subject, and the extent to which individual judgment may be exercised. There are general principles which may be adopted and usually observed, though perfect consistency in their application may not be attainable or desirable. Let the reader ascertain in all doubtful cases the form and pronunciation of the naine in the original,* and compare it with those suggested by the best authorities within his reach. He will then be able to follow the method which most commends itself to his ear and judgment. Though the student may not always adopt the pronunciation given in Professor Stevenson's list, nothing but good can result from a careful pondering of his explanations. Let us be sure that, though we are told that 'De minimis non curat lex,' it is worth our while to be as careful as we can even about 'little things.'

Alexander Stewart.

* These are given in all cases by Professor Stevenson in Roman letters, according to a system of transliterationwhich he explains in his mtroduction. They are thus made accessible to English readers.