Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Calvin Lindstrom <pclindstrom AT yahoo.com>]

For a number of years I have wondered about the translation of TAM  
describing Jacob in Gen. 25:27. In contrast to Esau, a hunter and man  
of the field, Jacob is described as being ISH TAM dwelling in tents.

Is there justification for translating TAM as:
ESV: quiet
NET: even-tempered
NKJV: mild
Tyndale: simple
new JPS: mild

It seems that the translations define the word in an attempt to make  
a contrast with Esau make more sense than to translate the word based  
on how it is used in the rest of the Tanakh. James Jordan comments  
that translating the word TAM as it normally is used puts the story  
of Jacob and Esau into a different perspective than how the story is  
often told.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Calvin Lindstrom
Church of Christian Liberty
Arlington Heights, IL
www.christianliberty.com