The Stories of Favouring. Genesis 4, 4-5

Abstract

However faithful it may appear, any translation is the result of the translator’s interpretation of the source-text, influenced by various elements present in the broad circumstances of that particular translating activity. In some cases, this fact alters or adds a new layer of meaning to the original text. The present paper explores the case under Gen. 4, 4-5, where, by introducing a linguistic variation – namely dw'ron, -ou (toV) / qusiva, -a" (hJ) (in kaiV ejpiV toi`" dwvroi", v. 4, and kaiV ejpiV tai`" qusivai", v. 5) – instead of the monotony displayed by the Hebrew text – מִנְחָה [min·khä'] (in וְאֶל־מִנְחָתֽוֹ / Engl. ‘and to his offering’) –, the Greek Septuagint provides the reader with the possibility of condemning Cain before he commits the crime.

Keywords

• bible studies. textual alteration. mosaic theology. hebrew-greek translation. biblical exegesis.