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b-hebrew - Re: [b-hebrew] Ps. 104:12 - (P)YM

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  • From: "George F. Somsel" <gfsomsel AT juno.com>
  • To: peterkirk AT qaya.org
  • Cc: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Ps. 104:12 - (P)YM
  • Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2004 08:29:46 -0400

On Mon, 21 Jun 2004 04:25:51 -0700 Peter Kirk <peterkirk AT qaya.org>
writes:
> >
> Your suggestion doesn't seem to have gone down well, but in support
> of it:
>
> 3) `ophayim, the form in the text with the alef ignored or treated
> as a
> mater lectionis, is not a plural but a dual, and so might well refer
> to
> pairs or mating couples of birds. As such this can fit the context
> rather well, although not quite strictly grammatically: birds make
> nests, and pairs of them call to one another, with the implied
> result
> that they mate and produce eggs and young, so fitting the wider
> image of
> fruitfulness. This connotation is lost by "among the branches".
>
____________

Peter,

I would disagree with you on this point. The reading of the ketib makes
very good sense in the context.

Because of them [the springs of vv. 10, 11] the birds of the heaven make
their dwelling,
Between the branches they utter [their] voice.

This is simply an exposition of the benefits accruing from the divine
provision of springs.

gfsomsel




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