Language:
English
Year of publication:
2021
Titel der Quelle:
Journal of Northwest Semitic Languages
Angaben zur Quelle:
47,2 (2021) 1-19
Keywords:
Bible. Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
Ships in the Bible
;
Hebrew language, Biblical Syntax
;
Hapax legomenon
Abstract:
Job 40:31 is comprised of six Hebrew words, two of which are hapax legomena: and . Both lexemes are nearly universally understood as pointed projectiles used to impale Leviathan. This interpretation is aided by the fact that these nouns are prefixed by the preposition, suggesting that Leviathan’s (40:31a) and (40:31b) function as the direct objects of the transitive verb and that and are implements with which Leviathan is filled. This essay argues against this interpretation on two counts. First, when Biblical Hebrew wishes to express instrumentation of Piel, it prefers to do so via the adverbial accusative. The syntax of Job 40:31, then, indicates that Leviathan is not filled with something, but that Leviathan fills something. Second, building on the work of Kinnier-Wilson, as well as an appeal to the textual witnesses, the lexemes and are best understood as terms for a boat with which Leviathan’s head and hide are filled.
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