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Title: The Use of נחל in Deuteronomy 32:8
Subtitle: G.R. Driver and the Dictionary of Classical Hebrew
Author(s): DUNIYA, Reuben E.
Journal: Semitica
Volume: 62    Date: 2020   
Pages: 129-136
DOI: 10.2143/SE.62.0.3288855

Abstract :
Using modern methods of semantic analysis, this article examines G.R. Driver’s note in Vetus Testamentum 2 (1952) wherein he proposed that נחל as used in Deut. 32:8 referred to sifting the nations against the prevailing understanding of this word. His proposal has been perpetuated through standard reference works of biblical scholarship today – particularly the nine-volume Dictionary of Classical Hebrew, and the Deuteronomy volume of the Word Biblical Commentary. The analysis in this article concludes that Driver’s identification of the parallelism (that נחל and פרד are parallels that should be read together) in the text should be upheld while his conclusion whereby he reads נחל in the sense of 'sifting' need not be retained.



À l’aide de méthodes modernes d’analyse sémantique, cet article revient sur la suggestion de G. R. Driver selon laquelle נחל en Deut 32,8 évoque le passage des nations au crible. Sa proposition a été retenue par des ouvrages de référence tels que le Dictionary of Classical Hebrew ou le volume du Word Biblical Commentary consacré au Deutéronome. La présente étude conclut que l’identification par Driver d’un parallélisme entre נחל et פרד doit être maintenue sans qu’il soit besoin d’attribuer à נחל le sens proposé par Driver.

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