First check if LXX renderings have a linguistic cause, only then think about theology.

What is it about?

I argue that we should not too quickly conclude that certain LXX renderings were inspired by the translator's theology. We must first check if his rendering can be seen as a solution that had to solve a translational problem (a transformation). A look at the literal rendering that was not chosen often helps to locate the problem. A literal translation could have clashed with grammar, naturalness, good style, logic/coherence, communicative purpose and target culture of the translator's target audience. The number of ideologically inspired renderings that remains after this filter is applied, is very slight.

Featured Image

Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash

Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Unexpected Greek renderings of Hebrew passages are often ascribed to the translator's ideology or as references to contemporary history. This paper outlines a method to find out whether a rendering had a linguistic cause or originated through the translator's world view.