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I’m not really certain how to respond to this
discussion. It is my
understanding that
most languages start off with a lot of inconsistencies in
spelling. Spelling becomes
solidified after a seminal
work of literature and or a dictionary present a standard for the
language. Before
Webster’s dictionary, for example, you might find the spelling aetaernall,
for eternal. Disregarding regional differences between America and
Great
Britain, such as color verses colour, you still find some
variation in spelling
is normal. As I understand
it the
Masoretes were attempting to indicate the pronunciation of vowels
as they
understood how the words were pronounced at that time. How many common words in
English have a
variety of acceptable pronunciations? If we only consider the
pronunciation of
vowels the, aunt, and either come to mind immediately. Can we really ascertain that
the Masoretes
were wrong in their pronunciation? Another question that I have to raise is Karl’s
comment, “Even
if the Masoretic points are 99% accurate, that averages out to one
mistake
every three to four verses.” I think that statement argues against
Karl’s
point. Do you really think
that critical
readers would not notices one mistake every three to four verses? I won’t say that the vowel
pointing is
perfect but could someone please pick a chapter and show me where
there are
that many apparent errors in transmission? Personally, I place the vowel points and the
other markings
in the Hebrew text on the same level I would comments by any
student of the
scripture. They might be
in error but
they are worth considering. Having said that, I also consider how
other
variations might alter the interpretation of the text. Sincerely, Michael Abernathy |
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