Issues in Text and Translation Technique in the gamma-gamma section of 3 Reigns (1 Kings) -- By: Andrzej Szymon Turkanik

Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 55:1 (NA 2004)
Article: Issues in Text and Translation Technique in the gamma-gamma section of 3 Reigns (1 Kings)
Author: Andrzej Szymon Turkanik


Issues in Text and Translation Technique in the gamma-gamma section of 3 Reigns (1 Kings)1

Andrzej Szymon Turkanik

This dissertation is a contribution to the study of the transmission history of the Samuel-Kings corpus, examining the translation technique2 employed by the translator of the gamma-gamma section of 3 Reigns (1 Kgs 2:1221:43). For the most part the translation follows the Hebrew closely. At points, however, one encounters significant differences. Since the two major witnesses, i.e. the Masoretic Text (MT) and the Old Greek (G), differ, it is only proper to ask what the differences can be attributed to. Following the discovery of the DSS,3 the majority of modern scholars assert that the variations are due to a different text tradition (Vorlage) rather than intentional or unintentional changes introduced by the translator. Whether this is the case or some other factors have influenced the text of G, has been the subject of investigation.

This study concentrates on issues of larger additions and omissions in the text as well as substantial verse reordering. The focus is mostly, though not exclusively, on the quantitative variants between MT and G.4 The approach taken is an inductive one: the texts in Hebrew and Greek are compared throughout the corpus of the gamma-gamma section. Careful attention is paid to the issues of potential textual

corruption in both witnesses and this is the point of departure. This is followed by the categorization of the types of differences with their occurrences. Conclusions about the emerging patterns were made only after work on the translation unit was completed in this manner.

Chapter 1 outlines the background to 3 Reigns, the history of research, and describes the methodology and purpose of the exercise as well as discussing the arrangement of the material in categories.

Chapter 2 discusses the translator’s desire for logical consistency. It considers that changes to the text were influenced by G’s desire for logical consistency. It can be observed that G rearranged certain texts which were taken to be out of place, mostly from a chronological perspective. Different techniques were used in order to adjust the material to fit G’s rationale. Larger units as well as parts of verses were moved to other contexts, assumed to be more suitable. This is most likely ...

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