[Greek] ὑγιαίνω (hygiainō), [Latin] salvam, [Latin] sanae: to be in harmony, to be healthy, to be well, to be accurate, to be in agreement with, to have balance; Lk.5:31, Lk.7:10, Lk.15:27, 1Tim.1:10, 1Tim. 6:3, 2Tim.1:13, 2Tim4:3, Tit.1:9,13, Tit.2:1,2, 3Jn. 2
Pythagoras referred to the heavens as a cosmos (good order) perfect and adorned with numbers.
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, essentially meaning to be healthy, pertains to mental health, rational thought, truth (and reliability), and balance. Best wishes for health for others become a Hellenistic greeting in letters. Health becomes a highly esteemed value. Hygeia was the Greek goddess of health. Homer’s Illiad 8.512 states, “Even as I proclaim, of counsel, good and sound for this present, be this enough.” Plato’s Phaedo 69b states, “True virtue exists only with wisdom, whether pleasures and fears and all other things of that sort are taken away.” Soundness of judgment also becomes a very important value.
Balance: Balance plays an important role in the harmony between body/soul, physical health, political sphere, and the universe. Basically, bodily and spirit belong together. Health is maintained by the balance of the physical qualities. Sickness occurs when these qualities are unbalanced. Pythagoras’ concept of harmony involves the political sphere (communes sharing possessions). He also referred to the heavens as a cosmos perfect and adorned with numbers. This becomes a precursor to the idea that the world (and universe) can be understood through mathematics.
Old Testament: Interestingly, this term is related to the Hebrew shalom. Shalom can mean peace, completeness, safeness, health, satisfaction, friend, and blessing. The Old Testament was influenced by both Palestinian Judaism and Hellenistic Judaism. In Hellenistic Judaism, health was highly valued as a divine gift. Josephus and Philo of Alexandria were both influenced by Hellenism. Josephus uses this term primarily for rational thought and action. Philo of Alexandria follows the Stoic understanding in that a healthy body is defined by a healthy soul. A healthy soul (thoughts) will overpower passion and sickness. Virtue follows the health of the soul. Likewise sickness follows the vice of the soul. You shall go to your fathers in peace (Gen.15:15). He said to them, ‘Is it well with him?’(Gen.43:27). Jethro replied, ‘Go in peace.’ (Exo.4:18). Fear not, beloved, you are safe. (Deut.10:19). Peace be with you, my brother, and with your family (1Kgs.25:6). He who reveres the commandments will be rewarded (Prov.13:13). And I come back safe to my father’s house (Gen.8:21). And all those people will go home satisfied (Exo.18:23).
New Testament: This term essentially means to be healthy and to be accurate. Jesus makes references to sinners who are spiritually sick. Jesus show Himself to be the Victor over sin and suffering by His deeds. At His Word health is restored visibly. This power to heal is transmitted to the Apostles. The welcoming father celebrates his son being back home safe and sound. A greeting (in letters) wishing one good health becomes an established literary device in the Hellenistic tradition. The pastoral letters (Timothy and Titus) stress the importance of adhering to and following sound doctrine (from faith and Jesus Christ). One must not only take notice of but also admonish those who espouse false teachings.
Scripture:
“The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has returned and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’” Lk.15:27
The father is overjoyed for the return of his son.
“Holding fast to the true message as taught so the will be able to exhort with sound doctrine and refute opponents.” Tit.1:9
This scripture makes reference to be in agreement with doctrine. Sound doctrine is needed to correct perverted doctrine.
“Beloved, I hope you are prospering in every respect and are in good health, just as your soul is prospering.” 3 Jn. 2
This greeting wish the other good help becomes greeting (literary device) in the Hellenistic tradition. Hellenist Greek highly valued a healthy body and soul.
Conclusion:
Hygiene, hygienic, hygienist, salve, salvation, sanity, sane
It was interesting to discover how being healthy took on many aspects in Greek Hellenism. Seeking good health (body and soul) was a highly held ideal. Even mental health (rational thought) becomes important. Harmony and balance becomes very much integrated with physical health, the political sphere, and the cosmos. Pythagoras introduces the idea that numbers provide the necessary foundation (stability) for the universe. This helps to shed some light on the importance of numbers (and formulas) for the building blocks of astrophysics and cosmology.
It is significant to note the Hellenistic influences about health appear in Sirach. From Sirach, God has created the physician whose works come through the means of healing given by God. Health is part of life, which is a divine gift. Sin and sickness are still interconnected.
It was very important to follow the sound teachings of Jesus and Paul. Luke, Paul, and John each were influenced by the Hellenistic traditions. Luke himself was a physician. Jesus is also presented as a physician who is sent to heal the spiritually sick (sinners).
It also interesting to note that the word ‘sound’ can relate to physical health, mental health, order, judgment, sanity, doctrine, agreement, stability, and balance. This term originally took on a more cosmic scale. But in more recent times, this term has become more narrowly related to personal (and dental) cleanliness.
[Latin] salve!: Be Well!