Evaluating ἐπαξιόω in P. Oxy. Hels. 26

Semantic Analysis and Methodological Challenges in Papyrological Texts from Roman Egypt

Authors

• Irene Chioni Ghent University https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6672-9694

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71390/arctos.161428

Keywords:

semantic analysis, papyrology, request formula, prefixation, documentary text

Abstract

This contribution evaluates the reconstructed request verb ἐπαξιόω as it appears in the request formula of P. Oxy. Hels. 26, emphasizing the difficulties of reconstructing fragmentary texts—particularly when unusual linguistic features are involved. The analysis is grounded in the semantic analysis of the verb and in the role of ἐπι- in the formation of prefixed verbs. The study proposes a dual semantic development of the prefixed form, reflecting the evolution of ἀξιόω from an abstract meaning to a more concrete usage. In its abstract sense, the prefix ἐπι- indicate a continuous evaluation; in its concrete usage, it may express the accumulation of the request—aligning with the rhetorical aims of the text and exemplifying the writer’s skilled command of the language. As for the reconstruction itself, the conclusion is that the reading ἐπαξιόω should at the very least be marked as doubtful, due to both paleographic and linguistic concerns.

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