The book of Revelation in its ancient form of writing called Koine Greek has a verse in chapter 21 which ought to be closely examined in relation today’s world as a very stark warning but with good understanding of what it meant when it was written. (https://biblehub.com/interlinear/revelation/21-8.htm )
In the Koine Greek it reads:
τοῖς δὲ δειλοῖς καὶ ⸀ἀπίστοις καὶ ἐβδελυγμένοις καὶ φονεῦσι καὶ πόρνοις καὶ φαρμάκοις καὶ εἰδωλολάτραις καὶ πᾶσι τοῖς ψευδέσιν τὸ μέρος αὐτῶν ἐν τῇ λίμνῃ τῇ καιομένῃ πυρὶ καὶ θείῳ, ὅ ἐστιν ὁ θάνατος ὁδεύτερος.
Translation to English by Google Translate (which detects the language as Greek and does an impressive job of translating it):
“ but to the cowardly, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and harlots, and druggists, and idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake of burning fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
We need to understand the word translated as “druggists”. I highlighted it in the original: φαρμάκοις
If we render it in English letters it is pharmakois. This is the word used today in modern words terms as pharmacist, pharmacology, Big Pharma. What did it mean at the time of the Book of Revelation? I put some questions to Chat GPT to try to delve into its original meaning at the time, the time of ancient classical Rome. I then asked it to form a prompt that would frame the question well and this prompt was the question it gave me to ask ( https://chat.openai.com/share/ee27508f-77e3-48c8-b3a4-55d914765d52 ): “Compare and contrast the roles and practices of ancient Roman physicians ('medicus') and Greek physicians ('iatros'), including their methods of treatment, use of medicinal substances, and the influence of pharmacists ('φαρμάκοις') on their healthcare systems. Highlight any overlaps and key differences in their approaches to medicine and patient care.” On asking this question, here below is its response:
Chat GPT:
“Ancient Roman physicians ('medicus') and Greek physicians ('iatros') both played essential roles in healthcare, but their practices and approaches to medicine exhibited some key differences:
Education and Training:
Roman Medicus:
Roman physicians often had diverse backgrounds and could include both freeborn citizens and slaves. Their education was less standardized compared to the Greeks, and they learned through apprenticeships or personal experience.
Greek Iatros:
Greek physicians, in contrast, had a more structured education. They attended medical schools, such as the one in Kos founded by Hippocrates, where they were trained in anatomy, diagnosis, and treatment.
Treatment Methods:
Roman Medicus:
Roman physicians focused on practical, often surgical treatments. They employed techniques like bloodletting, wound care, and setting broken bones. Their approach was more interventionist.
Greek Iatros:
Greek physicians emphasized the holistic approach to healthcare. They believed in the balance of bodily humors, and treatment often involved dietary changes, herbal remedies, and a focus on maintaining balance and harmony within the body.
Use of Medicinal Substances:
Roman Medicus:
Romans used a wide range of medicinal substances, including herbs, minerals, and animal products. They were known for their elaborate pharmacopoeias.
Greek Iatros:
Greek physicians also used medicinal substances but were more cautious and systematic in their approach. The writings of Hippocrates, for example, discussed the use of herbs and the importance of observing the patient's symptoms before prescribing treatments.
Influence of Pharmacists ('φαρμάκοις'):
Roman Medicus:
Roman physicians often worked closely with pharmacists ('pharmacopolae'), who prepared and dispensed medicines based on the physician's instructions. The role of pharmacists was significant in the Roman healthcare system.
Greek Iatros:
Greek physicians had a more direct role in preparing medicines and often made their own remedies or closely supervised their preparation.
Overlaps:
Both Roman and Greek physicians recognized the importance of patient observation and maintaining records of symptoms and treatments.Both systems incorporated a combination of empirical knowledge and theoretical principles.
In summary, while there were overlaps in the roles of Roman and Greek physicians, their approaches to medicine and patient care differed in terms of education, treatment methods, the use of medicinal substances, and the role of pharmacists. Roman medicine leaned towards practical interventions, while Greek medicine emphasized holistic approaches and balance within the body. These distinctions reflect the broader cultural and historical contexts of the Roman and Greek civilizations.”
