Greetings...
Once again....
I do love this topic, and had left it because, as so many others, it turned into an argument, and then total disrespect.
I do give thanks to Negus Amlak for bringing back this reasoning to a level of discovery and learning.
True, that the Greek etymology is "flesh eater", or "eater of flesh", however, while the Greeks like to claim originality, the Kemetian definition well predates the the Greek and is much closer to the true intention of the sarcophagus. Let I cut and paste for a moment:
"A sarcophagus was also usually provided to hold the coffin in the tomb. The Greek etymology of "sarcophagus" is "flesh eater". However, this is not really the Egyptian interpretation. In their ancient language, the sarcophagus might be called neb ankh (possessor of life). There are several other words for coffins and sarcophagi, but perhaps the most relevant to this discussion are wet and suhet. We do not precisely understand the meaning of wet, though it appears to be derived from the words for "mummy bandage" and to embalm. The Egyptians were (and continue to be) attracted to word play, so it is likely no coincidence that another word, wetet, which would have sounded similar, meant "to beget". In other words, from the coffin the deceased will be reborn. This pun is strengthened by the word suhet, used for "inner coffins" or perhaps "mummy board". This is also the word for "egg", from which new life emerges (and hence its association with Easter)."
And so we have the "Processor of Life" as the focal point of life's transition point. Surely His Majesty was aware of this, just as He was aware of all pre Christian origins of modern Christian trodition.
To answer Negus Amlak's question of the Amharic or Ge'ez etymology, the best I've come up with yet is the Amharic word "Howult" (that's just a phonetic interpretation of the the word said to me), and also "yäresa saT'n". I have, however, come up with some other Amharic words for "coffin" that I can't pronounce yet but see in Amharic script. So in days to come I hope to get the etymology. I do hope that others will add any new perspectives they may have.
SELAM
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