Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Lewis Reich" <lbr AT sprynet.com>]

One reason to favor the traditional, adversarial, understanding of the phrase 
is the preceding phrase "pereh adam", which I think connotes a wild, 
uncivilized nature; an uncivilized man engaging in cooperative trade seems 
incongruous.

Lewis Reich

-----Original Message-----
From: b-hebrew-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org 
[mailto:b-hebrew-bounces AT lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Nir cohen - Prof. 
Mat.
Sent: Friday, February 11, 2011 12:51 PM
To: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [b-hebrew] gen 16:12

a curiousity: "yad kol bo", accidentally or not, permutes the same 
6 letters of "yado bakol". 

nir cohen


>>> Hi everybody.

I would like to start a discussion about Gen16:12, particularly the part which
is traditionally translated "His hand will be against everyone, and everyone's
hand will be against him." - יָדֹ֣ו בַכֹּ֔ל וְיַ֥ד כֹּ֖ל

There is a view held by some that this portion could just as easily been
regarded as striking one's hand against another in trade (cf. Prov 22:26a).
This view draws support from the generally positive blessing to which Hagar
reacts extremely positively. In this view, the portion could just as well be
translated "He will trade with everybody, and everybody with him." (cf.
http://arabchurch.wordpress.com/additional-readings/additional-readings-2/)

I tried digging into as much material as I could lay hands on (pardon the
pun), but most commentators either do not discuss the Hebrew, or cursorily
show the traditional interpretation.

Is this alternative interpretation correct? Care to discuss? (Note: I am
asking because I am involved in translation work for an upcoming scripture
project.)

B Chan                
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