Guide
Samaritan Piyyutim
3rd–4th Centuries
By Carol Bakhos
Alongside rabbinic piyyutim, liturgical poetry and hymns developed among the Samaritans (see Samaritans) during the very late antique and early Byzantine periods. Samaritan hymns with known authors are extant from as early as the third century CE. The major early Samaritan liturgical poet was Markah (third–fourth century CE). Both his father, Amram Dare, and his son Naneh also composed piyyutim that remain in the Samaritan liturgy to this day. The hymns are written in Aramaic.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
A Hymn to the Transcendent Creator
"Maker of the World"
Maker of the world Who is to be worshipped and praised. The Maker Who made is not in the likeness of [another] maker.You made new creations out of time in order that You make known that You are the…
Primary Source
A Penitential Prayer
"Look upon Us, Our Lord"
Look upon us, our Lord.We have not whither to turn our face,but to You, for You are merciful.We know that we have sinnedand we regret our sins.Show clemency on us, our Lord,and do not repay our deeds…