Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Rodney K. Duke" <dukerk AT appstate.edu>]

> Subject: Meaning of ger
> From: "Matthew Anstey" <manstey AT portal.ca>
> Date: Wed, 7 Jul 1999 17:04:00 -0700
> X-Message-Number: 6
>
> Gday all,
>
> Just wondering what people thought was a good word to use for ger for its
> usual meanings. We want to try to avoid "resident aliens," "aliens," or
> "strangers" if possible. What does NJPS use? The current revisors of the NIV
> are removing the word "alien" from the translation altogether, and we too
> are looking a better word. What do people think of these possibilities:

I think "sojourner" covers the range of meanings for ger better than the 
options that you have
suggested..

>
>         1. immigrant

The strongest of the six you give, but it does imply permanence which is not 
always the case with
ger.  It works fairly well for the ger in Israel, because the ger voluntarily 
takes on some of the
covenant responsibilities.

>
>         2. outsider
>         3. foreigner

These are better translations for other Hebrew words

>
>         4. refugee
>         5. person in exile

These terms work OK with the Hebrews as gerim in Egypt but miss the emphasis 
for the gerim in
Israel.

>
>         6. migrant

Implies a lack of permanence, more like bedouin mobility.

>
>
> Thanks for your input once again.
>
> With regards,
> Matthew Anstey

--
Rodney K. Duke
Dept. of Phil. & Rel., Appalachian State Univ., Boone, NC 28608
(O) 828-262-3091, (FAX) 828-262-6619, dukerk AT appstate.edu