Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Steve Miller" <smille10 AT sbcglobal.net>]

Thanks Bruce for a good question, and David for a stimulating answer.

I think both "qasher" and "ataph" as used here are technical terms for
desirable and undesirable qualities in cattle. They are more specific than
"strong" and "feeble". The use of these words indicates that Jacob knew what
he was doing, that he was highly skilled at animal husbandry.

If the intended meaning was "strong" and "feeble", there are better Hebrew
words that could have been used.

The exact qualities meant by qasher and ataph are harder to discern because
this is the only place they are used in such a way. The exact qualities are
probably not so important. 

Based on "qasher" meaning "bind together" or "conspire", I think it refers
to cattle that stick close to the group. "Ataph", from its meaning of "turn
aside", could refer here to cattle that wander away from the group, which
would make them easy prey for wolves and extra work for the shepherd. 

Alternatively, "qasher" could mean having tight muscle tone, but there is
not a good relatively opposite meaning that I see for "ataph".

Another argument against "strong" and "feeble" is that the main purpose of
these cattle is not to pull heavy loads but to produce milk and wool.

I think it is kind of humorous that Jacob would do such a thing to Laban, to
leave him with cattle that are inherently disposed to be a headache to the
shepherd.

Sincerely,
-Steve Miller
Detroit
www.voiceInWilderness.info
But the Lord answered and said to her, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and
troubled about many things;  But there is need of one thing, for Mary has
chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.  (Luke
10:41-42)

 

> From: David Kolinsky
> Sent: Sunday, 21 June 2009 3:27 PM
> 
> To Bruce,
> 
> Regarding your statement:
> "In these verses, qashar and ataph are translated generally as "stronger"
> and
> "weaker". Although ataph could be close to the mark, I've got my doubts
> about the meaning given to qasher, because no other use of this word in
> the
> Hebrew Scriptures appears to support it."
> 
> You should know that my opinions have never been recognized as valid on
> this
> site but nevertheless:
> 
> As I am sure you know QShR generally means "to bind and tie" and "to bind
> together and conspire."  According to my controversial opinion, it is
> related to other words beginning with QSh such as QShH = "hard, stiff,
> firm,
> strong, difficult, fierce etc;"  QShT = "bow (firm);" QShCh = "to harden"
> and NQSh = "to seize (grab firmly)"
> 
> It is also related to QSR in Arabic "(be firm with >) force, compel,
> coerce,
> subjugate, subdue."
> 
> I think the best English translation for the use in Genesis that you are
> referring to is "hardy" which makes use of a similar linquistic analogy /
> metaphor in which "hard / firm" means "strong."
> 
> Regards,
> David Kolinsky
> Monterey, CA, USA
> 
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