Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Paul Zellmer <zellmer AT cag.pworld.net.ph>]

Doug Kasten asked me for my opinion about the translation of
WaYYiNNfG`U in Josh 8:15.  He listed several translations, all of
which translated this niphal form as "let themselves be driven
back."  This is the only occurrence in the Tanakh of this word in
the niphal.  His question had to do with the "let themselves."  The
lexicons I looked in had this self-volition included in the niphal
meaning of the stem, either explicitly (as does Holladay) or
implicitly (as does BDB).

I realize the niphal is often used to bring out the tolerative
concept.  I also realize that the story at least implies that
concept.  But is there really any basis to make this concept part of
the lexical meaning of the root in the niphal?  What, other than
this isolated instance which could be only context driven, is the
justification for the lexicographers' decision in this case?

Paul

--
Paul and Dee Zellmer, Jimmy Guingab, Geoffrey Beltran
Ibanag Translation Project
Cabagan, Philippines

zellmer AT faith.edu.ph