RT Article
T1 Softening a Malicious Report: Genesis 37:2, a Grievous Censure, and the Old Greek's Restraint
JF Journal of septuagint and cognate studies
VO 57
SP 47
OP 58
A1 Rabel, Magnus 1996-
LA English
YR 2024
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1935366165
AB Translating Genesis 37:2 adequately has always been notoriously difficult. As some recent interpreters have argued, it is probably best to speak of a malicious report against his brothers that Joseph brings to his father. In the context of the general Old Greek tendency to portray Joseph as better and more important, this verse is significantly toned down. The malicious report becomes a grievous censure. Other changes in this verse also support this tendency. Thus, the exposition (Gen 37:2-4) of the Joseph story in the Old Greek does not present an arrogant Joseph, but an increasingly positive son. A look at more recent Greek translations (Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion) reveals the lively discussion in ancient Judaism around the question of Joseph being good or bad; that is, worthy of imitation or rejection.
DO 10.2143/JSCS.57.0.3294333