I wonder if the best single English equivalent might be "guardian". In
English, normally only an orphaned child would have a guardian
(commonly a close relative), but in some cultures an orphan's
guardian's responsibilities continue at least until the orphan is
married. This is not so far from the situation in Ruth.
Peter Kirk
______________________________ Reply Separator
_________________________________
Subject: Re: Kinsman-redeemer
Author: gathas AT mail.usyd.edu.au at internet
Date: 25/08/1999 21:17
Matthew Anstey wrote:
> GDay all,
>
> What do people think of the translation of go'el in Ruth as
> kinsman-redeemer? What are the arguments fro and against this, and what are
> other options? Is perhaps "kinsman" a simpler alternative? Thanks for your
> opinions.
A go'el was not just a kinsman, but someone who would act as a legal
representative and/or avenger
for another person. A go'el was legally the equivalent of his kinsman whom he
represented. Thus,
the go'el in Ruth is not just a kinsman (ie, a relative), but a legal
position a
nd
relationship.
This is always what a go'el is, especially in the legal portions of the Torah
an
d
in Job 19:25.
Best regards.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GEORGE ATHAS
Dept of Semitic Studies,
University of Sydney
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Tel Dan Inscription Website is at http://members.xoom.com/gathas/teldan.htm
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