BES20 21

Siglum: BES20 21
Transliteration: l m{l}{k} bn zgr bn s²rb w rʿy b{q}l
Translation: By {Mlk} son of Zgr son of S²rb and he pastured on {fresh herbage}

Interpretation

Commentary: m{l}{k}: The reading of the supposed l and k of this name is made difficult by a thick stroke that runs from the semi-circle of the k to the l. If one looks closely at this stroke, it is possible to see a mark at the bottom that resembles the fork of a h. One would argue that it is much more likely that this is the stroke one would expect from a k which incidentally looks as though it is covering part of another letter. The reading of the second letter as l, is supported by the final letter of the inscription which is a similar shape. m{l}{k} bn zgr bn s²rb: This genealogy has previously been attested four times at the time of writing (QZMJ 526, KRS 494; 567; 848). b{q}l: The supposed q is very unclear. It seems to be a thick line with a circular shape in the middle, which resembles either a q or a d.

Inscriptions recorded during the Badia Epigraphic Survey 2020 and published here

Site: Wādī al-Mismā al-Šarqī, c. 52 km north-west of Al-Ruwayšid, Al-Mafraq Governorate, Jordan