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b-hebrew - Re: [b-hebrew] Psalm 8:5

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  • From: Steve Puluka <steve AT puluka.com>
  • To: Philip <philipengmann AT yahoo.com>, <b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Psalm 8:5
  • Date: Thu, 10 May 2007 18:50:43 -0400

on 5/10/07 4:06 PM, Philip at philipengmann AT yahoo.com wrote:

> In MT Psalm 8:5, (L) two synonyms are used: ENOWSH and ADAM.
>
> Why did David use these synonyms, instead of repeating one word, say ADAM?
>
> What was David trying to say by varying the terms?
>
> How are these synonyms different from each other if at all?
>
> I would be interested in your views.

I think this is likely simply poetic effect. Parallelism is a common
feature of Hebrew poetry in scripture. I'd hesitate to read too much into
the shifting terms.

An excellent discussion of these features is found in Alter's work. I found
his explanations most helpful.

Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Poetry. New York: Basic Books, Inc.,
1985.

Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Narrative. New York: Basic Books, 1981.


Steve Puluka
1249 Biltmore Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15216
412.344.6523
steve AT puluka.com
http://www.puluka.com





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