Folia Theologica 18. (2007)
László Boda: Whether John the Baptist Could Have Been Educated at Qumran? - Johs and Bannus
66 L. BODA In case of Bannus is probable the exile. If an exile is in question, he is assumed to come from West; in fact, the exiles from Palestina were sent to West, for example to South-France (cf. Herodes Archelaos). d) The "name" supports the version of exile and poses a new question to the researcher. The name "Bannus" is not a Jewish name. The root of the word is: "Bann-" - a juristic term recalling the medieval Latin, with frank mediation (e.g. "Bannusrecht" in German and "banishment" in English); although it is not included in the classic Latin. According to Peter Stotz of Switzerland, it is a "Gallo-Romanian" word which means prohibition and exile as well. Its versions are: "bannum", "bannus", "bannitio"22. This name clearly excludes that the Master came from among the "Sons of Zadok, the Priests". Probably, he was an exile and fell within the cast of "immigrants". His Latin-like name could be some assumed name to refer to the state of "exile". His high-level knowledge, however, could not have achieved much success at the monastery within the frame of the lowest "cast". On the other hand, as a self-dependent hermit, he could remain in contact with the Essenian centre and could have disciples. It seems that certain hermits did not visit the monastery regularly. Otherwise, the historical experience shows that, in the cloistered life, there are always people who require more strict way of life and, therefore, leave the monastic order. Drawing conclusions from this ascetic hermit's way of life to the transitory manner of living of John the Baptist, this appears to be the most probable solution. The key text of this is as in the Gospel of Luke as follows: "And the child grew and become strong in spirit; and he lived in the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel". During this 7 to 10 years, however, the teaching of John in the desert could not differ noticeably from that of Qumran, especially as for Isaiah and the prophets. It is specifically referred to by the text of Isaiah: "A voice cries in the wilderness: prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight" (Luke 3,4). The Last Judgement and in a wider sense, the eschatology are also be included. It is assumed that it is for this rea22 The typical applying of the research-method of the “enigmatical areas” of history is thequestion: what can be from a name solved?
