Omen 32.A.56
Nicole Lundeen, 2021, "Šumma ālu, Omen 32.A.56", Nicla De Zorzi et al., Bestiarium Mesopotamicum, 2018-2021; accessed 10/08/2026 12:08 a.m. at tieromina.acdh-dev.oeaw.ac.at/omens/Omen-32-A-56/tei
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PHILOLOGICAL COMMENTARY
- Both KAL 1 and If a City 2 translate the above apodosis by interpreting ZI to mean ‘loss’.
KAL 1 (16-17, 72 Vs. 56)
Wenn eine Eidechse im Wasser oder im Bier stirbt und dabei gesehen wird: Dieses Haus wird Verlust zu verzeichnen haben.
If a City 2 (183, *32.117’)
If a lizard dies in water or beer and is seen, that house will incur losses.
While ṣītu ‘loss’ is a valid reading for ZI, we follow CAD T, 315 s.v. tebû 5a and translate as above. For the various interpretations of the polyvalent ZI, see in particular the commentary at 32.N.49’, which is a similar omen in meaning and structure. The commentary at 32.A.38 addresses the translation ‘loss’.
The scribes were certainly aware of the multiple readings for ZI. The placement of the subsequent 32.A.57 might have been influenced by ZI’s alternate reading as ṣītu as 32.A.57’s protasis features a similarly-sounding sutu-measurement vessel
The problem with reading ṣītu lies in the verb ZI-šu. It must be the verb tebû ‘to rise up, to revolt, to attack’. If we were to read ZI.BI as ṣītu, the expected verb would be GÁL or È, the second of which in combination with ṣītu can mean ‘loss(es) will occur'. Reading ZI.BI as tībšu also retains the figura etymologica created between ZI.BI ZI-šu. Therefore, just as in 32.N.49’, we read tībšu itebbīšu.
- Both KAL 1 (16-17, Vs. 56) and If a City 2 (182, *32.117’) read the apodosis as É BI ZI.GA ZI-šu. The signs GA and BI are very similar. Examining a photograph of VAT 10176 56, it appears the sign is BI, as in Nineveh 49’. Compare, for example, the sign with the BI in line VAT 10167 49 (32.A.49). The change in the sign’s reading affects the transcription slightly, but not the translation.
- The apodosis of the similar 32.N.49’ includes ana before É BI ‘against that house’, which is not present above. This may be a scribal ellipsis or, as we interpret it, an example of topicalization, literally, ‘that house: an uprising will arise’.
- The thematic of lizards falling into water or beer (vessels) is common among the lizard omens. The commentary at 32.N.49’ includes a list.
