Reordering an Aramaic ostracon that may mention Passover?

ARAMAIC EPIGRAPHY: Reading Berlin P. 10679 Inside Out

Gad Barnea

Tel Aviv
Journal of the Institute of Archaeology of Tel Aviv University

Pages 85-106 | Published online: 12 Jul 2025 https://doi.org/10.1080/03344355.2025.2479279

Abstract

Ostracon Berlin P. 10679 (TADAE D7.24) was first published in 1908 and has since attracted attention mostly due to its use of the term (b)psḥʾ—cognate with the Hebrew psḥ known from the Hebrew Bible in relation to the Passover. The text itself has generally been considered opaque and unclear. However, as shown in this article, the ostracon has thus far been read in the wrong order. It should be read convex-to-concave (cv > cc) rather than concave-to-convex (cc > cv)—a conclusion based upon philological and epigraphic analyses. The new interpretation provides a much improved reading, adding greater clarity and consistency to the text. The article cautions against presupposing a cc > cv flow of writing on ostraca and suggests that other confusing cases could benefit from a reevaluation. Unfortunately, the term (b)psḥʾ remains as obscure in the newly assembled context as it has always been.

Not to be confused with the Elephantine "Passover Papyrus,"—which does not actually have the word "Passover" in the surviving text.

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