Language:
English
Year of publication:
2024
Titel der Quelle:
Harvard Theological Review
Angaben zur Quelle:
117,1 (2024) 21-42
Keywords:
Philo, Language
;
Paul, Language
;
Bible. Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
Bible. Versions
;
Septuagint
;
Bible. Septuagint
;
Language, style
;
Greek language, Biblical Verb
Abstract:
Interpreters unanimously read ἐνευλογηθήσονται in Gen 12:3b LXX as a passive. Good evidence, however, exists to challenge and problematize this conclusion. Recent linguistic studies on the ancient Greek middle voice reveal that aorist and future -θη- forms express a semantically middle domain. When we reexamine the word ἐνευλογέομαι within this light, a better option emerges for seeing its -θη- forms as manifestations of speech actions within this middle domain. In their own unique ways, the LXX as well as Philo, Paul, and Acts further corroborate this alternative. As a result, we may read ἐνευλογηθήσονται in Gen 12:3b LXX as a speech action middle: “to pronounce blessings.” The proposed reading promotes a better understanding of Abraham within Genesis LXX. Rather than a means to an end, Abraham remains at the center of God’s blessing as the earth’s families cry out: “God make me like Abraham!”
DOI:
10.1017/S0017816023000433
URL:
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