Seeing God? a brief comparison between mt and lxx on exodus 24:10-12

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19141/1809-2454.kerygma.v18.n1.pe1586

Keywords:

Exodus, Biblical analysis, Retroversions

Abstract

This article explores the theological tension surrounding the perception of God in Exodus, comparing the Masoretic Text (MT) with the Septuagint (LXX) translation. Exodus 24:10–12 suggests the possibility of seeing God, while Exodus 33:20 contradicts it, creating a dilemma for interpreters. The LXX translators aimed to mitigate this complexity rather than resolve it outright. Following Emmanuel Tov's methodology, the article provides translations of MT verses alongside their LXX counterparts, with comparative tables highlighting discrepancies and potential retroversions. The analysis aims to identify and assess deviations between the Hebrew and LXX texts, offering insights into interpretive strategies employed by ancient translators to harmonize conflicting passages. Ultimately, while not providing definitive solutions, this study sheds light on the interpretive choices made by the LXX translators and their implications for understanding the text's theological nuances.

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Author Biography

Sergio Festa, Centro Universitário Adventista de São Paulo - UNASP, São Paulo, (Brasil)

Doutorando em teologia pela Andrews University (Estados Unidos). Professor de teologia do Centro Universitário Adventista de São Paulo - UNASP, São Paulo, (Brasil).

References

Biblia Sacra Vulgata: Iuxta Vulgatem Versionem. 3 ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1969.

BROWN, F., DRIVER, S. R., BRIGGS, C. A. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon, 1907.

CHILDS, B. S. The Book of Exodus: A Critical, Theological Commentary. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004.

DOZEMAN, T. B. Commentary on Exodus. Eerdmans Critical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2009.

DURHAM, J. I. Exodus: Word Biblical Commentary 3. Dallas: Word, 1987.

ELLIGER, K., RUDOLPH, W. (eds.). Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia. 5 ed. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1997.

JOBES, K. H., Silva, M. Invitation to the Septuagint. 2 ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2015.

JOÜON, P., MURAOKA, T. A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew. Roma: Pontificio istituto biblico, 2006.

KOEHLER, L., BAUMGARTNER, W., STAMM, J. J. The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament. Leiden: Brill, 2001.

Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Septuagint. Bellingham: Lexham Press, 2012.

LUST, J., EYNIKEL, E., HAUSPIE, K. A Greek-English Lexicon of the Septuagint. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2003.

MURAOKA, T. A Syntax of Septuagint Greek. Leuven: Peeters, 2016.

RAHLFS, A., HANHART, R. (eds). Septuaginta. Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2006.

WALLACE, D. B. Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics: An Exegetical Syntax of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.

WEVERS, J. W. Notes on the Greek Text of Exodus: Septuagint and Cognate Studies 30. Atlanta: Scholars Press, 1990.

WYCKOFF, E. J. When Does Translation Become Exegesis? Exodus 24:9-11 in the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint. The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, v. 74, n. 4, october, 2012.

TOV, E. The Text-Critical Use of the Septuagint in Biblical Research. Winona Lake: Eisenbrauns, 2015.

EMMANUEL, T. Textual Criticism of the Hebrew Bible. 2 ed. Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1992.

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Published

2023-11-10

How to Cite

FESTA, S. Seeing God? a brief comparison between mt and lxx on exodus 24:10-12. Kerygma, Engenheiro Coelho, SP, v. 18, n. 1, p. e1586, 2023. DOI: 10.19141/1809-2454.kerygma.v18.n1.pe1586. Disponível em: https://revistas.unasp.edu.br/kerygma/article/view/1586. Acesso em: 27 jan. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 18 No. 1 (2023): Fluxo contínuo

Section

Dossier on Religious Dynamics in the Biblical Context

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