I was impressed with his presentation, especially his use of hyperbole when he kept saying "All of the translations mess this or that verse up", when in fact most of them get it correct. Makes you go look them up just to make sure. For example: I found a total of zero translations that use the phrase "favorite son" in Genesis 22:2.
He makes such an important distinction in other scholars' translations by saying "it's not part of their view of the Bible". It's so important that Alter focuses on the Bible as literature. Because even religious teachers won't necessarily give a lot of focus to the Bible as literature; their foremost concern is for the Bible as instructive and practical teaching. So there are many passages foregone in religious attention because they are of no practical value, it's not part of the view the religious see them in
One thing to note about Exodus 32:18 and the use of anot. The first 2 occurrences are in the Qal stem but the third occurrence is in the Piel stem. There's a play on words going on, yes. However, the third occurrence of it in that verse is intended to have a different meaning, hence the different stem.
I appreciate this a lot. Thank you. If there is a similar tomb for the Greek New Testament, I'd love to know about it. I think modern translation sterilze the text.I'd also love to know Mr. Alter's thoughts on the passages referring to "dinosaurs" (tannin/behemoth/dragon)
I read an account of dragons being transported to York in 1600s. It was a very entertaining read. I believe dragons are a thing... as came across quite a few small accounts in 300/500 year old chronicles. But whose to say these stories were not fabricated for legacy status; we will never know. ❤❤ anyways have a great day
Sorry to be offtopic but does any of you know a way to log back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid lost the login password. I appreciate any tips you can offer me.
I find this man's Esau voice and describing the birthright feeding in his Genesis commentary as an 'animal feeding' disgusting. It falls in line with depicting the outsider as crude animals. He certainly has an agenda.
This is due to the word being used to describe Esau’s hunger “is found nowhere else in the Bible, but in rabbinic Hebrew it is reserved for the feeding of animals”, - Robert Alter. He is stating this could simply mean an elevated level of hunger, a level that required a stronger, cruder word.
