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b-hebrew - Re: [b-hebrew] Greek Translation of Isaiah (was hellenization)

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  • From: TedBro AT aol.com
  • To: tensorpath AT gmail.com, George.Athas AT moore.edu.au
  • Cc: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Greek Translation of Isaiah (was hellenization)
  • Date: Sun, 17 Oct 2010 16:50:51 EDT


Wikipedia definition of "hellenization" (below), for what it's worth....
"Hellenization (or Hellenisation) is a term used to describe the spread of
ancient Greek culture, and, to a lesser extent, language. It is mainly
used to describe the spread of _Hellenistic civilization_
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_civilization) during the
_Hellenistic period_
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenistic_period) following the campaigns of
_Alexander the Great_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Great) of
_Macedon_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macedon) . The result of
Hellenization
was that elements of Greek origin combined in various forms and degrees with
local elements, which is known as _Hellenism_
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellenism) . _Persian culture_
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_culture) had a decisive impact upon
the emergence of Hellenism. In modern times
hellenization has been associated with adoption of modern Greek culture
and the ethnic and cultural homogenization of Greece."
The terms does not rightly apply to the loss of nuances of the Hebrew
language by translation into other tongues (as has been suggested on this
list).
However the case has been made that the Gospel of John hellenizes Jesus,
through loss of the eschatology of the prophets, and introduction of the
deified Christ. (Ideas about gods taking flesh and interacting with human is
common in Greek mythology, but absent from Hebrew tradition.) I find the
later use of the term more insightful. (Sorry!)
-Ted Brownstein


In a message dated 10/17/2010 3:27:08 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
tensorpath AT gmail.com writes:

George:

Please permit me to address your last comment concerning the title of this
thread.

i believe the title of the thread ("the hellenization of isaiah")
appropriate.

The hebrew language represents perhaps the highest cultural expression of
the hebrew people. Hebrew puns (for example, but without limitation)
punctuate and flourish across the pages of hebrew text. Translation of the
hebrew into greek (or english or chinese) necessarily involves the loss of
these puns and the corresponding rich cultural fabric of the hebrews; and
the incorporation of the culture of the translated language.

Hence, the septuagint achieves "the hellenization of isaiah."

regards,

fred burlingame






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