RT Article
T1 Ancient Versions and Enigmatic Valleys: Mēšār and Vallis as Equivalents for ʾēlōn and the “Valley of Hebron”
JF Textus
VO 31
IS 1/2
SP 136
OP 158
A1 Polak, Frank 1943-
LA English
PB The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
YR 2022
UL https://www.ixtheo.de/Record/1816755648
AB This paper concerns the rendering of Hebrew “terebinth” as “valley,” and the mention of a “valley” near Hebron in a plus. In the Targums, the Vulgate and Aquila the “terebinths” of Moreh and Mamre (Gen 12:6; 18:1; Deut 11:30) are represented by a term meaning “valley.” According to the standard analysis this rendering avoids the association of these precincts with non-monotheistic cults. However, this theory fails to explain the use of the term “valley.” Midrashic comments point to anti-Samaritan polemics, based on Deut 11:30, where “terebinth” and “plain,” Arabah, meet. Furthermore, a plus of the Septuagint and the Samaritan mentions “the valley of Hebron” (Gen 23:2; cf. the gloss, 37:14). These constellations are related to a particular sensitivity for the status of the Mamre region in the Persian era and beyond as it belongs to Idumaea, and its religious practice includes non-monotheistic cults.
K1 bibel genesis 23,2
K1 bibel genesis 37,14
K1 Mamre
K1 Shechem
K1 Vulgate
K1 Idumaea
K1 Aquila
K1 Samaritan Pentateuch
K1 Septuagint
K1 Targum
DO 10.1163/2589255X-bja10029