To: Bryan Rocine <596547 AT ican.net>, Hebrew List <b-hebrew AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
Subject: Re: Gen 4:1, X + qatal (Lee, Bryan, Peter, Randall)
Date: Mon, 08 Feb 1999 09:19:35 -0500
Bryan Rocine wrote:
>
> forward. However, I think only one, Jon 1:4, is a clear example of an
> X-qatal which moves forward the story time. We are therefore still able to
> interpret the others as simultaneous, etc.
Dear Bryan,
I would have to disagree. Jonah 1:4 is just like all the other X-Qatals.
The
X-qatal clause is background, showing the origin or cause of the storm. The
x-qatal
is simultaneous with the storm.
" When Yahweh hurled a great wind on the sea, a great tempest arose on the
sea." The
verse could be translated this way: "A great tempest came on the sea, when
Yahweh
hurled a great wind on the sea ...." The hurling of wind and the coming of
the tempest
are one and the same event, viewed from two perspectives. The X-qatal is a
subordinate clause. Subordinate clauses often present new information, but
cannot
advance the story.
--
Lee R. Martin
Pastor, Prospect Church of God, Cleveland, Tennessee
Instructor in Hebrew and Old Testament
Church of God Theological Seminary http://www.earth.vol.com/~lmartin/