From: Shoshanna Walker <rosewalk AT concentric.net>
To: <b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [b-hebrew] Meaning of prepositions
Date: Sun, 16 Apr 2006 10:44:15 -0500
Doesn't Bachar Lanu mean "He chose FOR us"?
Shoshanna
Most grammarians are of the opinion that Hebrew prepositions have
widely varying meanings. That opinion is convenient for exegetical
translators. Is it, however, true?
I submit that the idea of fluctuating meaning of prepositions often
comes from inaccurate translations.
Take, for example, bahar lanu. Preposition l, if anything, is
directional, thus dative. In the translation, he chose us, the
omitted preposition is, however, accusative.
The sense of bhr is, thrust in the direction. Directional preposition
l perfectly fits that sense. There are derivative meanings, to cut
through, divide, choose, and prefer.
The phrase bahar lanu should be perhaps translated, he was attracted
to us. Besides preserving the correct preposition, that translation
better relates the dynamic sense of the Hebrew phrase.
Shall we discuss some cases of the ostensibly non-standard or rather
non-etymological meaning of prepositions, and see whether such cases
really depend on inaccurate translation?