Comments on: Dating all over again

By: Chris Brady

Chris Brady — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:39:59 +0000

Alex Samely has a nice concise definition: “Targum is an Aramaic narrative paraphrase of the biblical text in exegetical dependence on its wording.” (A. Samely, The Interpretation of Speech in the Pentateuchal Targums (TSAJ, 27; Tübingen: J.C.B. Mohr, 1992), p. 180.) In slightly more accessible language, I would say it is a unique kind of translation that often incorporates interpretive material even while presenting a word-for-word representation of the original Hebrew base text. For example, from TgRuth 1:4-5, the biblical text reads (NRSV) 3 But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. 4 These took Moabite wives; the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. When they had lived there about ten years, The Targum adds explanatory material while still representing equivalents for the Hebrew text, in its appropriate order. (The portions in italics are additions over the MT.) 3 Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died and she was left a widow and her two sons orphans. 4 They transgressed the decree of the Memra of the Lord and they took for themselves foreign wives from the house of Moab. The name of one was Orpah and the name of the second was Ruth, the daughter of Eglon, the king of Moab. And they dwelt there for a time of about ten years.

By: John

John — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:54:05 +0000

Hi Chris

We are all looking forward to September 11, 2010 here. It should be a good game. I hope it is not our 9-11.

Would you please provide a concise definition of “targum.” I am planning to write a paraphrase with brief commentary on the Sermon on the Mount for Sunday’s sermon and make reference to the Targumim to introduce it. I hope I used that word right. I don’t want to say anything stupid in my lesson.

Thanks a lot.

John

By: Delirious

Delirious — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 17:04:57 +0000

Oh, I just read your profile! I am very impressed with your studies and background. Being LDS, I have a fondness for Jewish history and religion. My daughter (the same stubborn one I mentioned above) spent a summer at the BYU Jerusalem center. It was a great experience for her. She learned so much about the religions and history of Jerusalem. She was able to tour many historical sites in the region (including Egypt, Jordan… can’t remember where else)

By: Delirious

Delirious — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 17:00:45 +0000

I know EXACTLY what you mean! My daughter is now 22, and I still struggle with this! Some days she thinks I’m okay, and other days I’m unbearable to her. I would have thought she would have outgrown this by now, but it’s still a tightrope that I walk. My boys aren’t quite as difficult, although they do get embarrassed by their parents at times. I think raising teenagers is much like training dogs. Before anyone yells at me for the comparison, let me explain. If your dog is excited and jumping, you don’t want to act excited and jump around too; it only feeds the fire. You have to remain calm, and teach the dog that it isn’t proper behavior. Kids are the same. If we start yelling and ranting when they are misbehaving, it only adds fuel to the fire. They react much better to a calm energy. With some of my kids I have had to just let them know my expectations, then walk out of the room. The more I butt heads with them, the more they dig their heels in. But if they know the consequences, there is no need to argue and fight.
Sorry to write a book….you hit upon a hot topic for me!