Biblical Hebrew Forum

[ben.crick AT argonet.co.uk (Ben Crick)]

On Fri 17 Mar 2006 (16:00:58), kwrandolph AT email.com wrote:
> In 1 Kings 21:10, 13, the traditional understanding 
> is that BRK refers to blessing. In both cases it is  pointed as a Piel.
> 
> If this is the accusation by which Naboth is 
> condemned, it does not make sense, in that this is 
> what a citizen is supposed to do. From the context, 
> I understand that this is the supposed fault that 
> Naboth did that earned him his death sentence. Or 
> do I miss something?

 The usual explanation is that BRK is used as a euphemism for "curse",
 so that the accuser or the reporter would not himself be charged
 with the offence of Blasphemy. 'LH or 'RR or NQB or QLL would have
 been the original word. The use of the Piel is to emphasize the
 enormity of the offence. BRK is normally used in the Piel to
 express a strong, intensive blessing.

 You'll find BRK in this sense also in Job 1:5, 11 and 2:5, 9.

 Shalom

 Ben
-- 
 Revd Ben Crick, BA CF                                       ZFC Hf
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