Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Peter Kirk <peterkirk AT qaya.org>]

On 25/10/2005 15:15, Karl Randolph wrote:

> Peter:
>
> Even if assuming that Randall Buth is correct on Greek 
> pronunciation, the pronunciations preserved in the LXX, 
> New Testament (genealogies in Matthew and Luke, as 
> well as transliterated names), Josephus and possibly 
> others, not only disagree with each other, but all of them 
> with the Masoretes. The New Testament, particularly in 
> the Byzantine tradition, even shows regional differences 
> in its transliterations. Did you not see the chart that Dr. 
> Hoffman provided for us? I found it interesting.
>
>  
Joel Hoffman's interesting chart of a rather small number of names was 
inadequate to show any clear patterns of relationship between the LXX 
and MT forms of these names. Considerably more names would be needed to 
show that there are patterns rather than chaos and randomness. The 
different forms found in other Greek authorities tend to increase the 
apparent chaos and randomness - although I am not saying that no 
patterns would emerge from a long and detailed study. This is 
irrespective of how much weight we give to Dr Buth's conclusions.

The New Testament does indeed show variations in Greek spelling between 
different MSS. I guess the same is true of the LXX. As far as I know it 
has not been demonstrated that these are regional variations rather than 
diachronic change with time. And I don't see how these differences can 
be related to Hebrew.

--
Peter Kirk
peter AT qaya.org (personal)
peterkirk AT qaya.org (work)
http://www.qaya.org/