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Document Details : Title: Softening a Malicious Report Subtitle: Genesis 37:2, a Grievous Censure, and the Old Greek's Restraint Author(s): RABEL, Magnus Journal: Journal of Septuagint and Cognate Studies Volume: 57 Date: 2024 Pages: 47-58 DOI: 10.2143/JSCS.57.0.3294333 Abstract : Translating Genesis 37:2 adequately has always been notoriously difficult. As some recent interpreters have argued, it is probably best to speak of a malicious report against his brothers that Joseph brings to his father. In the context of the general Old Greek tendency to portray Joseph as better and more important, this verse is significantly toned down. The malicious report becomes a grievous censure. Other changes in this verse also support this tendency. Thus, the exposition (Gen 37:2-4) of the Joseph story in the Old Greek does not present an arrogant Joseph, but an increasingly positive son. A look at more recent Greek translations (Aquila, Symmachus, and Theodotion) reveals the lively discussion in ancient Judaism around the question of Joseph being good or bad; that is, worthy of imitation or rejection. |
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