Ancient authors debated proper verbal and non-verbal signs as representations of divinity.
These understanding of signs were based on ideas drawn from language and thus limited due to a
their partial understanding of the multi-functionality of signs. Charles S. Peirce's semiotics
as adapted by anthropological linguists including Michael Silverstein better explains the
contextual linkages (performativity) of ancient religious signs such as divine names. Sign
meaning is always dependent on processes of interpretation and is always open to
reinterpretation. Focusing on these processes permits a more detailed analysis of the ancient
evidence. Examples are drawn from ancient Israelite verbal and non-verbal divine representation
the apostle Paul's linguistic letter spirit model Christian debates about the limits of
language to best represent the deity Josephus' aniconic advertisement of Jewish rites the
multi-layered divine representations in the Dura-Europos synagogue the diverse performativity
of Jewish ascent liturgies and-the single modern example-the role of art at Burning Man.
Divine representation is the basis for ritual efficacy even as sign meaning is a constant
source of contention.
