On Wednesday, the University College London and King’s College London hosted Dr. Mark Geller to present for the Ancient Near Eastern Language in Contact 2020 eLecture series. About 100 people logged on to listen to Dr. Geller speak about healing incantations and prayers.
Dr. Geller gave an interesting presentation that focused on connections between incantation texts from Aramaic and Akkadian origins. He looked at incantations that appeared first in cuneiform tablets and later in an Aramaic text from Iraq. The examples provided by Geller had in common a botanical ingredient, a plant apparently useful for what we would describe as a medicinal application.
Geller’s lecture points to substantial evidence for multiple references to the plant in various texts expressing incantations for healing. This invariably led to a post-lecture discussion about the meaning of ‘incantation.’ Geller’s introduction tied incantations to the practiced discipline of magic in the ancient world. His presentation provided evidence that such a belief system was widespread, crossing boundaries between space, language, and time.
Clearly, the boundary between science and magic in these ancient incantations was nominal. The idea that a particular herb or shrub could be applied as a paste or even ingested was insignificant without the accompanying script to urge healing. Since incantations are often considered religious, there may be a minimal distinction between a prayer and a magical incantation.
Geller did not extend his presentation to Hebrew Bible texts, but I cannot help but think about the Psalter, which is filled with poetic prayers, many of which ask for healing and restoration. In Psalm 119, the psalmist makes a petition that compares sweet words with honey, a food with known healing properties. Is Psalm 119.103 an example of adjoining an herbal remedy with an incantation? “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (NRSV). This would also resonate with Proverbs 16.24, which says, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (NRSV) Here is easy confirmation that healing words and healing foods go together in ancient prayers.
The implications of combining medicinal treatments with a practice of prayer are relevant in our world today. Many religious orders encourage medical treatment alongside the spiritual petition. In the ancient world, one could not do without the other. It is, at least, food for thought.
About this event
ANELC is a joint King’s College London–UCL series. This is the first year it is running as an online eLecture series. Read about #ANELC presentations. Also, read about other academic conferences.
Dr. Erica Mongé-Greer is a writer, biblical scholar, and consultant passionate about the intersections of faith, ethics, and storytelling. With over a decade of experience in higher education, she brings deep insight into scripture, theology, and the narratives that shape our understanding of justice and identity. Through her writing, teaching, and consulting, she helps others engage with biblical texts, develop their own voices, and navigate the world of publishing with clarity and purpose. She is the founder of Retreat Write Repeat, a space dedicated to fostering community and creativity for writers. Follow her work at scholarlywanderlust.com.
