Hello:
I am an older adult who is starting to learn (more accurately, try to learn) Attic Greek. I am using the textbook by Dr. Mastronarde and am a little stuck with a word: ιερά. With the alpha ending, I at first thought it was a feminine gender. But then I reread that it means “offerings,” so now I am wondering if it is a neuter plural? If it is, would the singular be neuter?
Sorry for the basic question. I am new at this.
Lukas
Welcome!
Properly, it’s an adjective: ἱερός, ἱερά (long alpha), ἱερόν. In the plural, that would be ἱεροί, ἱεραί, ἱερά (short alpha).
However, the neuter plural of this adjective is often treated as a substantive (noun): ἱερά, meaning “offerings.”
The same thing is done with the neuter singular, ἱερόν, but that means something else – usually “holy place.”
The LSJ has a list of the different ways this adjective as a substantive in its entry for ἱερός (see section III).
What is the LSJ? Besides that, ευχαριστώ! The information is very helpful.
Lukas
Liddell Scott and Jones Greek Lexicon, available in multiple locations on line.