From: Gerry Folbre <gerry AT wetmountainvalley.us>
To: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [b-hebrew] Light be made versus Let there be light
Date: Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:15:29 -0600
James Christian asked: "Any thoughts about how to best translate this in
good idiomatic English?"
(I sent this post earlier, but I am not certain if I did so correctly;
Thus, I try again.)
My research has lead me to the point of view that the exposition of much
of the Tanakh, (attempting to force the Kethib Biblical Hebrew Text to
fit into the idiomatic vernacular of another language), has inspired a
tradition of forcing the source Hebrew Text to conform with the dominant
theological and dogmatic positions of a given culture in stead of
allowing the source Hebrew Text speak to us of its ancient author and
the ancient culture in which he or she had lived.
Only after the translator of the Kethib Hebrew Text has become familiar
and comfortable with the entire context of the literal (word-for-word,
bound morpheme inclusive, a.k.a. “interpres translation”), of the source
Hebrew Text narrative under consideration should the translator attempt
an exposition of the source Hebrew Text.
Together we can “interpres translate” the Genesis 1 thru 2:3 Creation
Account and then begin discussing how best to expound the source Hebrew
Text into “good idiomatic English.”
I would very much like to embark on such an endeavor.
Gerry Folbre
[b-hebrew] Light be made versus Let there be light,
Gerry Folbre, 09/30/2009