Substituting Anthropomorphisms? God’s Mouth in Num 20:24 and the Possibility of a Different Vorlage
(2024) Vetus Testamentum — Vol. 1, n° 1, p. 1-20 (2024)
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- Abstract
- With the theological dimensions of the Septuagint (LXX) gaining interest, this paper focuses on anthropomorphisms—instances attributing human-like traits to God—as a noteworthy element of LXX-theology, where the avoidance of such attributions is considered indicative of a more transcendent conception of God. The article exam- ines the anthropomorphism of God’s “mouth” in the Pentateuch, particularly the unique translation in Num 20:24. Doing so, the study reveals a discrepancy in trans- lating the human and divine “mouth,” employing more literal equivalents for the former and less-literal equivalents for the latter, contributing to the characterization of LXX-Numbers as anti-anthropomorphic. The examination of Num 20:24, where a different Vorlage is posited, underscores the importance of meticulous analysis in understanding the Greek translation of anthropomorphisms, and suggests the need for nuanced assessments.
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De Doncker, E. (2024). Substituting Anthropomorphisms? God’s Mouth in Num 20:24 and the Possibility of a Different Vorlage. Vetus Testamentum, 1(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1163/15685330-bja10163 (Original work published 2024)