Diss. Univ. Bern, 1897.

Zugl.: Diss. phil. Univ. Bern, 1895.

M.A. / The exegetical traditions as reflected in Targum Jonathan (TJ) may assist with the renewal and supplementation of the historical connection between the Second Temple period and the age of formative Judaism. In this, translation techniques play a decisive factor. The aim of this research study is to seek to identify translation techniques used in TJ to the Prophets, and to systematically explore how these techniques were applied by the Targumist in his translation of the book of Malachi from the Hebrew into Aramaic. In this comparative study between the Masoretic text (MT) of the book Malachi and its rendering in TJ, translation techniques as identified by past researchers on other parts of TJ to the Prophets, are noted and applied to the context of TJ Malachi specific. In the same, the consistency of the Targumist’s application of these translation techniques in Malachi is investigated. The focus is also on enigmatic passages in MT Malachi as identified by modern scholars. The aim is to ascertain whether perspectives of the Targumist as translator and theologian can shed further light on how the MT of Malachi was propagated to be understood, either in distinction from modern scholarly, or similar. The argument is that ancient texts did not exist in isolation but always in relation or reaction to other texts/translations and it therefore may be taken that other texts/translations can supply additional insight into the understanding and interpretation of a source text. It is shown that TJ discloses the hypothesis of its translators through deviations from the source text in the same tendency as other translations of the Hebrew Scriptures. Further, the literal style of TJ Malachi reveals the limits of the translator’s freedom, but through the use of explanations and expansions, targumic theology is revealed. An attempt is made to categorise distinct translation techniques in TJ Malachi where the focus is on how the Targumist made use of them to interpret and resolve inherent incongruities in the MT. In the same, the study seeks to find a link between these and other obscurities surrounding TJ such as its stages of composition, dating, theology, dependency on other ancient witnesses of the Old Testament as well as its life-setting.

This synoptic analysis of verses from Job chapters 37-39 in 11Q10, the Peshitta version (PJob) and the rabbinic targum (RJob) aims to identify the translators’ methods for handling the Hebrew text (HT) and to assess the apparent skills and knowledge brought by them to their task. Additionally, the study engages with recent discussion which challenges the nature of 11Q10 as targum. To this end, PJob and RJob provide accepted models of ‘translation’ and ‘targum’ alongside which to assess 11Q10. The following translation methods are identified, described, compared and contrasted in the three versions: selection,extension, alternative translation, expansion, substitution, adjustment of the consonantal HT, adjustment of the Hebrew word order or division, omission, and conjecture. PJob is confirmed as an attempt to transpose the difficult Hebrew of Job into Syriac. RJob is confirmed as a conservative translation with clear underpinnings in allusion to scripture and to rabbinic traditions attested elsewhere. Significant observations are made regarding an interpretative quality in 11Q10, and new light is cast on its richness and subtlety as an allusive translation. It is proposed that the translation displays deep knowledge of scripture and skill in applying this knowledge. It is further proposed that careful comparison with methods which have been identified in Onqelos is warranted. 11Q10 is identified as an important early witness to scripturally-based motifs which are also found in other intertestamental and rabbinic sources. It is argued that 11Q10’s nature suggests that its purpose was not simply to translate but to understand and subtly explicate the HT, and that it was intended for use alongside it, not as a replacement. The study refutes the categorization of 11Q10 as ‘translation’ rather than ‘targum’, and agrees with its orginal editors that its value lies in its unique witness to the early nature of targum.

M.A. (Semitic Languages) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Cette thèse intéresse la critique textuelle et concerne le chapitre 58 du Livre d’Isaïe. Ce chapitre du Trito-Isaïe se caractérise notamment par des termes rares et un thème unique dans le corpus isaïen, à savoir celui du jeûne. Notre étude porte sur six témoins textuels représentés par le texte hébreu (1QIsaa et TM), la Septante et les traditions textuelles de la Vetus latina, la Vulgate et enfin le Targum. Composée de quatre chapitres, sur la base d’une structure thématique qui rappelle le plaidoyer prophétique, la thèse intègre une approche statistique, une analyse syntaxique, l’étude des champs lexicaux et enfin les perspectives théologiques propres à chaque témoin textuel. Ainsi, chaque témoin textuel reflète une autre étape de la pensée théologique, de même qu’un contexte socio-politique différent. Le texte hébreu fait appel à des termes rares, parfois difficiles à expliquer. Les traductions anciennes se heurtent non seulement aux exigences rédactionnelles propres à chaque langue, mais témoignent aussi de choix rédactionnels. Si la Vulgate montre une grande fidélité au texte hébreu, la Septante s’en écarte notablement. Le rédacteur alexandrin fait preuve d’une réelle originalité en modifiant la rhétorique du texte hébreu, en introduisant des figures de style, mais aussi en simplifiant le vocabulaire. Quant au rédacteur targumique, il introduit des modifications significatives pour éviter de prêter à Dieu des caractères anthropomorphiques ou lorsque sa toute-puissance pourrait être prise en défaut. Il accentue également le caractère explicatif du texte par l’introduction de syntagmes. Enfin, chaque traducteur introduit des perspectives théologiques qui lui sont propres. / This thesis deals with textual criticism and is dedicated to chapter 58 of the Book of Isaiah. This chapter of the Trito-Isaiah is particularly characterized by infrequent words and a topic present only in these verses: the theme of the fast. Our study deals with six textual witnesses represented by the Hebrew text (1QIsaa and MT), the Septuagint and the textual traditions of the Old Latin, the Vulgate and the Targum. Based on four chapters with a thematic structure which recalls the prophetic plea, this thesis involves a statistical approach, a syntactical analysis, the study of lexical fields, and finally theological tendencies specific to each textual witness. Thus, each textual tradition reflects another step of the theological thinking and also a different socio political context. The Hebrew text contains rare terms, sometimes difficult to explain. The ancient traditions meet with editorial requirements specific to each language, and also reveal editorial options. If the Vulgate shows a great fidelity to the Hebrew text, the Septuagint is quite different. The Alexandrian redactor demonstrates a real editorial originality by changing the rhetoric of the Hebrew text, introducing stylistic device and simplifying the vocabulary. The targumic redactor, for his part, introduces significant modifications, either to avoid giving the Lord anthropomorphic characters or when his omnipotence could be put into question. He also emphasizes the explicative nature of the text with syntagma insertions. Finally, each translator introduces his own theological perspectives.

1 SUMMARY: Magie, mystika a liturgie: židovská tradice v amuletech pozdní antiky Magic, Mysticism and Liturgy: Jewish Tradition in Amulets of Late Antiquity Marek Vinklát This dissertation thesis focuses on a phenomenon of Aramaic magic bowl, or Aramaic incantation bowls, amulets originating in Mesopotamia of Late Antiquity. It is a first Czech monograph on this topic and also a bold attempt to translate texts of these already published bowls to the Czech language. After the introduction, which elucidates the means of selection and translation of sixteen presented bowls, author discusses the history of research on these peculiar amulets. Many past and modern scholars are presented here with their theories, attitudes and publications. A special part of this second chapter is dedicated to the problem of black antiquities market and illegal trade with Aramaic magic bowls. The first chapter is dealing with a possible connection of bowls and Hekhalot literature, which is also briefly introduced and described. Author analyzes and translates five Aramaic magic bowls and compares their preciously unique content with relevant macroforms of Hekhalot literature. As was stated by another scholars, the Aramaic magic bowls were written by people, who knew the Hekhalot literature and, possibly, were cherishing it. Next...

Asfår Asāṭīr, le « Livre des Légendes », est une réécriture araméenne du Pentateuque samaritain basée sur le targum, centrée sur Adam, Noé, Abraham et Moïse, et conclue par deux apocalypses. Sa langue est un précieux témoin de l’araméen samaritain tardif des Xè-XIè s. Ses nombreuses traditions haggadiques proviennent d’anciennes sources samaritaines, ou sont liées à la littérature juive et aux Histoires musulmanes des Prophètes ; elles révèlent un état encore fluctuant de la religion samaritaine. Beaucoup furent reçues comme canoniques par les Samaritains, qui attribuèrent l’œuvre, anonyme, à Moïse. Cette étude se propose d’établir une édition critique du texte araméen et une traduction tenant compte de ses commentaires arabes et hébreux, afin de rendre cette œuvre accessible à tout chercheur français ou européen. / Asfår Asāṭīr, the "Book of Legends", is an Aramaic rewriting of the Samaritan Pentateuch focused on Adam, Noah, Abraham and Moses, and whose framework is the Targum; it ends with two Apocalypses. Its language is a rare witness of Late Samaritan Aramaic, in the 10th and 11th centuries. The text brings together traditions from ancient Samaritan sources, or related to Jewish literature and to Muslim stories of the Prophets. It shows that Samaritan religion was still in flux in the early Middle Age. Many of its haggadic traditions became canonical among Samaritans who attributed this text to Moses.This study proposes to establish a critical edition of the Aramaic text and to provide a translation taking into account its Arabic and Hebrew commentaries, so as to make this work accessible to all French or European researchers.

This thesis examines the citation of Ps 68(67).19 in Eph 4.8. Following an introduction that introduces the problem of the altered wording in the citation in Eph 4.8, chapter 2 comprises a History of Research that is organised around the possible sources for the author’s citation in Eph 4.8. One of several conclusions made is that the proclivity of NT scholars to attribute the source text to particular Jewish traditions has contributed to overlooking the import of Ps 68(67).19 within a normal pattern of christological reading of the Psalms in early Christianity. Following these opening chapters, the thesis is divided broadly into Part One and Part Two. The first is deconstructive in nature; the second is constructive. Part One examines textual traditions of Ps 68(67).19 within Justin Martyr, the Peshitta Psalter, and Targum Psalms. Each of these sources share the reading ‘give’ rather than ‘receive’, raising the question of the relationship between these traditions and Eph 4.8. Chapter 3 examines Justin’s Dialogue with Trypho, which contains two citations of Ps 68(67).19 that strongly resemble Ephesians. Nevertheless, as nearly all interpreters acknowledge, Justin never refers directly to ‘Paul’ or ‘Pauline’ letters in any of his writings. Is the parallel wording of Justin’s citations evidence for an early Christian tradition that was also available to Ephesians? I argue that although unmentioned by name, a reasonable case can be made that Justin is familiar with the Pauline corpus, including Eph 4.8. Chapter 4 considers the evidence of Peshitta Psalms, which agrees with the reading of Eph 4.8 in a strand of its copyist tradition. After examining scholarly construals of the Peshitta MS tradition, I consider direct evidence for the influence of Eph 4.8 upon some Peshitta MSS as intimated by Theodore of Mopsuestia. Chapter 5 examines Targum Psalms, focusing on translation techniques and the targumist’s tendency to add, alter, or modify his source in various ways. I argue that when the targumist’s techniques and tendencies are taken into consideration, the targum’s reading ‘give’ is better understood as a typical targumic insertion. The proclivity of many scholars to link Targum Psalms to Eph 4.8 is a classic example of ‘parallelomania’. Part Two turns to make a constructive case for the citation found in Eph 4.8. Chapter 6 is a close examination of the author of Ephesians’ approach to literary borrowing. I consider both his citations from the Jewish scriptures and his use of Colossians as evidence. Chapter 7 examines how early Christians read the biblical Psalms as prophecies. Following a survey of Jewish readings of the Psalms, this chapter surveys how early Christians read the Psalms in light of the death and resurrection- exaltation of Christ. Drawing insights from this, chapter 8 turns to consider the phrases ‘he ascended . . . he gave gifts’ in Eph 4.8. I argue that an ambiguity of the addressee in the text of Ps 68(67).19 allowed for the application of this text to Christ. Moreover, the ‘ascent’ language could easily be applied to the resurrection- exaltation and this association naturally led to the language of gift-giving in Eph 4.8. Chapter 9 considers how the citation of Ps 68(67).19 fits into the context of Ephesians 4, focusing on several important factors such as the language of descent in Eph 4.9–10. Part One and Part Two are followed by a short conclusion that summarises the thesis and draws out several conclusions and implications based upon this study.

La problématique de la thèse est : la détermination de la méthode de traduction de la Septante et du Targoum d’Ésaïe. La recherche s’est faite dans les limites d’Ésaïe 15-17 : l’Oracle sur Moab, et l’Oracle sur Damas. Nous avons procédé au traitement de la problématique présentée ci-dessus en trois étapes progressives: (1). Étudier le contexte littéraire du texte choisi dans sa langue source (LS), i.e. le texte massorétique (TM) et dans ses deux langues cibles (LC); c’est, en fait, élaborer une étude générale sur les documents sources : la Septante, le Targoum, et le livre d’Ésaïe. Ceci consiste d’extraire les données scientifiques et généralement acceptées par les spécialistes en vu de poser des fondements solides au traitement du corps de la problématique. (2). Faire l’exégèse du texte biblique choisi. Ceci est indispensable pour l’examen d’une traduction : il faut tout d’abord « comprendre » le texte biblique dont la traduction est à examiner. (3). Examiner les deux traductions du texte biblique choisi. C’est, en fait, le corps du sujet, et le sommet de la recherche. C’est cette partie qui nous donne « la thèse » à établir et à soutenir, i.e., les principes de traduction appliqués. L’examen des deux traductions du texte d’Es 15-17 s’est fait à la base des langues originales : hébreu, grec et araméen. Il comprend les tâches suivantes : 1. Traduire le texte massorétique (TM) en français et comparer cette traduction avec les autres traductions disponibles. 2. Souligner les écarts et entre la langue source (TS) et la langue cible (TC) et tenter de découvrir les raisons qui ont conduit à produire ces écarts en essayant de déterminer l’agenda idéologique du traducteur. 3. Déterminer les types, méthodes, et principes de traduction. L’examen de ces deux anciennes traductions nous a permis de conclure le suivant : 1. La traduction de la Septante est généralement une traduction littérale au sens positif ; le traducteur a transmis le sens de la LS à la LC tout en gardant les convenances linguistiques de celle-ci. Les écarts trouvés proviennent surtout de deux lectures et/ou compréhensions différentes de la Vorlage faites par le traducteur grec et les Massorètes. Les écarts provenant de l’agenda idéologique du traducteur sont peu nombreux. 2., La traduction du Targoum est parfois littérale, parfois interprétative ; celle-ci est adoptée quand le sens du TS est peu clair ou il contient des mots difficiles. Le traducteur araméen a soumis la traduction de certains termes à son idéologie : David, traduit par Messie, la Parole de Dieu par Mamreh, et « Dieu » par Shékinah, etc. 3. Nous n’avons pas trouvé d’effet de la traduction targoumique sur la traduction de la Septante et vice versa. Les principes et méthodes de traductions de chacune de ces deux traductions sont différents. / The goal of the thesis is the determination of the method of translation of the Septuagint and the Targum of Isaiah. The research was conducted within the limits of Isaiah 15-17: The Burden of Moab, and the Burden of Damascus. We proceeded to treat the above mentioned subject in three progressive steps: 1. Studying the literary context of the selected text in its source language (SL), i.e. the Masoretic text (MT), and in its target languages (TL) ; This is, in fact, developing a comprehensive study on the source documents: the Septuagint, the Targum, and the book of Isaiah. This study aims at extracting the generally accepted scientific data by specialists, in order to lay down a solid foundation for the treatment of the body of the topic. 2. Making an exegesis of the selected biblical text. This is a prerequisite to examine and evaluate a translation: first we must "understand" the biblical text whose translation is to be examined. 3. Examining the two translations of the selected biblical text. It is, in fact, the subject's body, and the top of the research. This is the part that gives us the "thesis" to establish and defend, i.e., the applied principles of translation. The examination of the two translations of the text of Es 15-17 has been done on the basis of the original languages: Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. It includes the following tasks: 1. Translate the MT to French and compare this translation with other available translations. 2. Highlight the differences between the source text (ST) and the target text (TT) and try to discover the reasons that led to occurrence of these differences, trying to determine the ideological agenda of the translator. 3. Determine the types, methods, and principles of translation. The examination of these two ancient translations allowed me to conclude the following: 1. The translation of the Septuagint is usually a literal translation in the positive sense; the translator conveyed the sense of SL to the TT while keeping linguistic propriety thereof. The differences found are mostly from two different reading and / or understanding of the Vorlage done by the Greek translator and the Masoretes. The differences coming from the ideological agenda of the translator are few. 2. The translation of the Targum is sometimes literal, sometimes interpretative; this last type of translation is adopted when the ST is unclear or contains difficult words. The Aramaic translator has submitted the translation of certain terms to his ideology: “David” was translated to “Messiah”, “the Word of God” to "Mamreh” and "God" to Shekinah", etc. 3. We did not find any effect of the Targum’s translation on the Septuagint’s and vice versa. The principles and methods of translation of each of these two translations are different.