Dr. Dr., how you miss the point; but don't let that stop you.

Submitted by Zzazzeefrazzee (United States), Apr 17, 2008 at 16:08

DrRJP,

Why you may think that the name was never translated, it is inconsistent with the fact that translations of these texts do in fact, exist. Yes, one can say that Adonai was "substituted" for YHVH, but it is understood that this was in reference to recitation, not transcription. Others have sad that it was the acronym for the phrase "Ehyeh Asher Ehye". Yet other scholars describe how the taboos about never saying the name came much later. My point is very specifically about the actual written translation.

It may be your BELIEF that tells you that it cannot be translated, but that in no way reflects historical precedent. Unfortunately, while the Greek word for the Shemhamforesh was Tetragrammaton, I do believe that you will not find that particular term use in lieu of it in any of the Greek translations whether it be the Septuagint or New Testament. Kyrios is used, and it would appear to be translated from Adonai, used in lieu of YHVH. My point is this- if YHVH had been so frightfully important to these translators- why were the letters never TRANSLITERATED? We use YHVH in Latin script, and I know preciely what is meant by that. Many have become accustomed to writing the name of "God" as "G-d" with reference to this - a kind of substitution of the taboo. Wouldn't this approach better maintain faithfulness to the original text?

It is certainly possible to transliterate these letter into Greek as well as Syriac, which is in turn derived from Aramaic. Jewish communities referring to the Greek may have adhered to the taboo, whereas Christians, it would seem, did not. It would therefore appear, that strict literalism as advocated by yourself was no causa prima on the part of many translators.

The fact that Syriac texts also reflect this only underscores my point. "Anyone who wants to say, "Yahweh," would be wise to keep his or her mouth shut rather than reveal one's ignorance of the Jewish religion." Your taking offense is little more than sanctimonious pietism as well. As the saying goes, people living in glasss houses should not throw stones. We're all adults here, so let's behave as much. But please DrRJP, don't let that stop you.

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