2241: טבע: Nature, Coins, and Drowning Feb 2, 2020

In Semitic languages, there is a connection between nature and money, or specifically coins. In Aramaic for instance, טבע as a root can mean both 'nature' and 'coins' in the sense of 'impressed stamp'. Indeed, it might be said that the ultimate sense is 'press down' and 'set characteristic' since this root also can mean 'sink' or 'drown'. These senses are held in Hebrew טבע and Arabic Arabic طَبْع‎ (tab). Consider too that in English, 'nature' has a physical aspect to it, but can also describe something innate character.