Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Robert Newman" <rob AT designceramics.co.uk>]

Hello Isaac,
Interesting Etymological summary.

I don't follow how on the basis of this you can conclude:
"MXOLAL of Isaiah 53:5 is certainly not 'pierced'."

Even from your etymological comments it is clear that the word can refer to 
an act that opens up some cavity.

Many translations of Isaiah 53:5 have 'wounded' and with this the LXX agrees. 
The context of 53:5 points to an act of violence or aggression (this one is 
crushed, chastised and subject to blows). Another verse in close proximity 
that seems to have a comparable context is Isaiah 51:9 where the word is 
translated 'pierced' by many translations including JPS, ASV, RSV, NJB.

It just seems to me that your etymological comments actually support the idea 
of a piercing wound at 53:5, could it not refer to 'a deep (not external) 
wound that opens up a cavity' (though this may to some degree close up as the 
weapon /instrument is removed, it will remain until such time it may heal)?

Whatever the case, and whatever translation one might prefer, 'pierced' seems 
to me to be a legitimate translation option along with others.

Regards
Robert Newman