Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Gerry Folbre <gerry AT wetmountainvalley.us>]

James Christian asked: "Any thoughts about how to best translate this in 
good idiomatic English?"


(I sent this post earlier, but I am not certain if I did so correctly; 
Thus, I try again.)

My research has lead me to the point of view that the exposition of much 
of the Tanakh, (attempting to force the Kethib Biblical Hebrew Text to 
fit into the idiomatic vernacular of another language), has inspired a 
tradition of forcing the source Hebrew Text to conform with the dominant 
theological and dogmatic positions of a given culture in stead of 
allowing the source Hebrew Text speak to us of its ancient author and 
the ancient culture in which he or she had lived.

Only after the translator of the Kethib Hebrew Text has become familiar 
and comfortable with the entire context of the literal (word-for-word, 
bound morpheme inclusive, a.k.a. “interpres translation”), of the source 
Hebrew Text narrative under consideration should the translator attempt 
an exposition of the source Hebrew Text.

Together we can “interpres translate” the Genesis 1 thru 2:3 Creation 
Account and then begin discussing how best to expound the source Hebrew 
Text into “good idiomatic English.”

I would very much like to embark on such an endeavor.

Gerry Folbre