Comments on: Gibbets and gallows, redux

By: ElShaddai Edwards

ElShaddai Edwards — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:45:25 +0000

Yes, Brent clarified that the underlying word being translated as “gallows” was not in 2:23, but is in 5.14 and 7.10 as you mentioned. It is, however, in the Hebrew version, which caused my confusion. That said, I’ve been enjoying reading both versions and comparing the differences, as well as the additions in the Greek.

I don’t use online LXX tools [...]

I suppose it helps to read Greek…

By: Peter Kirk

Peter Kirk — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 22:23:48 +0000

The NRSV translation of Esther (Greek) has “gallows” at 5:14 and 7:10, but not 2:23. The translation from the Hebrew has “gallows” at all three places.

I don’t use online LXX tools, but a printed Rahlfs LXX and some LXX tools which come with a special Bible package for translators.

By: ElShaddai Edwards

ElShaddai Edwards — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:48:55 +0000

Thanks, Peter. I’ll double-check my REB Apocrypha when I get home tonight, but I’m pretty sure they’re using “gallows” even in 5.14 and 7.10 in the LXX version.

Out of curiosity, are you aware of any online LXX Greek tools other than what the NET Bible has on their site? I have the NETS translation PDFs, but that’s obviously English only.

By: Peter Kirk

Peter Kirk — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:41:21 +0000

The NT word xylon (ξύλον) is used twice in the LXX of Esther 5:14, for the 50 cubit high wooden whatever Haman’s wife suggested and for what Haman actually set up. Similarly in 7:9,10. So you were right the first time, but about a different verse.

By: ElShaddai Edwards

ElShaddai Edwards — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:07:36 +0000

Yes, you’re correct, Brent. Looking again, here’s the REB translation of the Greek text:

The king interrogated the two eunuchs and had them hanged, and he ordered that the service Mardochaeus had rendered should be recorded in his honour in the royal archives.

I’m not sure why I thought “gallows” was in the LXX… oh well.

Regardless, the main question remains as to why the NEB/REB translated the Heb. ‘ets as “gibbet” in Deuteronomy and “gallows” in Esther, especially within the same context. Without an answer, one might be forced to conclude that the OT text was being fit to the NT translation.

By: Brent

Brent — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:48:31 +0000

Hi, Elshaddai. Thanks for the link. I do not know why, because I am not a Greek scholar, but the LXX did not translate the Hebrew word for “gallows.” Perhaps the word “hanged” was considered sufficient. Below are two English translation of the LXX and you can see that the word was not part of the LXX:

And the king examined the two eunuchs, and hanged them. And the king gave orders to make a note for a memorial in the royal records of the good offices of Mordecai, as a commendation.

So the king interrogated the two eunuchs and hanged them. Then the king ordered to make an entry as a memorial in the royal archive in commendation of Mardochaios’s loyalty.