Understanding the Book of Job: 11Q10, the Peshitta and the Rabbinic Targum. Illustrations from a synoptic analysis of Job 37-39

This synoptic analysis of verses from Job chapters 37-39 in 11Q10, the Peshitta version (PJob) and the rabbinic targum (RJob) aims to identify the translators’ methods for handling the Hebrew text (HT) and to assess the apparent skills and knowledge brought by them to their task. Additionally, the s...

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Main Author: Gold, S
Other Authors: van Boxel, P
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: 2007
Subjects:
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author Gold, S
author2 van Boxel, P
author_facet van Boxel, P
Gold, S
author_sort Gold, S
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description This synoptic analysis of verses from Job chapters 37-39 in 11Q10, the Peshitta version (PJob) and the rabbinic targum (RJob) aims to identify the translators’ methods for handling the Hebrew text (HT) and to assess the apparent skills and knowledge brought by them to their task. Additionally, the study engages with recent discussion which challenges the nature of 11Q10 as targum. To this end, PJob and RJob provide accepted models of ‘translation’ and ‘targum’ alongside which to assess 11Q10. The following translation methods are identified, described, compared and contrasted in the three versions: selection,extension, alternative translation, expansion, substitution, adjustment of the consonantal HT, adjustment of the Hebrew word order or division, omission, and conjecture. PJob is confirmed as an attempt to transpose the difficult Hebrew of Job into Syriac. RJob is confirmed as a conservative translation with clear underpinnings in allusion to scripture and to rabbinic traditions attested elsewhere. Significant observations are made regarding an interpretative quality in 11Q10, and new light is cast on its richness and subtlety as an allusive translation. It is proposed that the translation displays deep knowledge of scripture and skill in applying this knowledge. It is further proposed that careful comparison with methods which have been identified in Onqelos is warranted. 11Q10 is identified as an important early witness to scripturally-based motifs which are also found in other intertestamental and rabbinic sources. It is argued that 11Q10’s nature suggests that its purpose was not simply to translate but to understand and subtly explicate the HT, and that it was intended for use alongside it, not as a replacement. The study refutes the categorization of 11Q10 as ‘translation’ rather than ‘targum’, and agrees with its orginal editors that its value lies in its unique witness to the early nature of targum.
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spelling oxford-uuid:039b549f-3491-4f98-869a-33eba9d04f5a2024-12-01T09:35:04ZUnderstanding the Book of Job: 11Q10, the Peshitta and the Rabbinic Targum. Illustrations from a synoptic analysis of Job 37-39Thesishttp://purl.org/coar/resource_type/c_db06uuid:039b549f-3491-4f98-869a-33eba9d04f5aReligions of antiquityBiblical HebrewRabbinic AramaicEarly JudaismBiblical studiesPeshitta SyriacQumran AramaicEnglishOxford University Research Archive - Valet2007Gold, Svan Boxel, PThis synoptic analysis of verses from Job chapters 37-39 in 11Q10, the Peshitta version (PJob) and the rabbinic targum (RJob) aims to identify the translators’ methods for handling the Hebrew text (HT) and to assess the apparent skills and knowledge brought by them to their task. Additionally, the study engages with recent discussion which challenges the nature of 11Q10 as targum. To this end, PJob and RJob provide accepted models of ‘translation’ and ‘targum’ alongside which to assess 11Q10. The following translation methods are identified, described, compared and contrasted in the three versions: selection,extension, alternative translation, expansion, substitution, adjustment of the consonantal HT, adjustment of the Hebrew word order or division, omission, and conjecture. PJob is confirmed as an attempt to transpose the difficult Hebrew of Job into Syriac. RJob is confirmed as a conservative translation with clear underpinnings in allusion to scripture and to rabbinic traditions attested elsewhere. Significant observations are made regarding an interpretative quality in 11Q10, and new light is cast on its richness and subtlety as an allusive translation. It is proposed that the translation displays deep knowledge of scripture and skill in applying this knowledge. It is further proposed that careful comparison with methods which have been identified in Onqelos is warranted. 11Q10 is identified as an important early witness to scripturally-based motifs which are also found in other intertestamental and rabbinic sources. It is argued that 11Q10’s nature suggests that its purpose was not simply to translate but to understand and subtly explicate the HT, and that it was intended for use alongside it, not as a replacement. The study refutes the categorization of 11Q10 as ‘translation’ rather than ‘targum’, and agrees with its orginal editors that its value lies in its unique witness to the early nature of targum.
spellingShingle Religions of antiquity
Biblical Hebrew
Rabbinic Aramaic
Early Judaism
Biblical studies
Peshitta Syriac
Qumran Aramaic
Gold, S
Understanding the Book of Job: 11Q10, the Peshitta and the Rabbinic Targum. Illustrations from a synoptic analysis of Job 37-39
title Understanding the Book of Job: 11Q10, the Peshitta and the Rabbinic Targum. Illustrations from a synoptic analysis of Job 37-39
title_full Understanding the Book of Job: 11Q10, the Peshitta and the Rabbinic Targum. Illustrations from a synoptic analysis of Job 37-39
title_fullStr Understanding the Book of Job: 11Q10, the Peshitta and the Rabbinic Targum. Illustrations from a synoptic analysis of Job 37-39
title_full_unstemmed Understanding the Book of Job: 11Q10, the Peshitta and the Rabbinic Targum. Illustrations from a synoptic analysis of Job 37-39
title_short Understanding the Book of Job: 11Q10, the Peshitta and the Rabbinic Targum. Illustrations from a synoptic analysis of Job 37-39
title_sort understanding the book of job 11q10 the peshitta and the rabbinic targum illustrations from a synoptic analysis of job 37 39
topic Religions of antiquity
Biblical Hebrew
Rabbinic Aramaic
Early Judaism
Biblical studies
Peshitta Syriac
Qumran Aramaic
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