Outside of Eden Cain in the Ancient Versions of Genesis 4.1-16 [Paperback]

This study is an examination of the principal ancient translations of Gen. 4.1-16 in the Hebrew Bible. The goal is to understand the translation techniques adopted by the translators, to what extent external influences may have affected their work, and how each version communicates its message through its literary form. In addition to the versional renderings of the Hebrew text, this inquiry also takes into account various ancient Jewish and Christian interpretations of the Cain narrative. The primary focus of the work is on the diverse exegetical tendencies of Hebrew Bible translation in the ancient world and on how these interpretations were transmitted in particular cultural milieus.

Revd Dr. Mark W. Scarlatagraduated from Cambridge University, UK, and is currently lecturer in Old Testament at St. Mellitus College, London, UK.

ABBREVIATIONS

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 THE ART OF TRANSLATION IN THE ANCIENT WORLD
1.2 THE VERSIONS
1.3 HISTORICAL AND LITERARY CRITICISM1.4 METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS1.5 LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY
1.6 CONCLUSION
2. GENESIS 4.1: SON OF ADAM OR SEED OF SATAN?
3. GENESIS 4.3-6: CULTIC TRANSGRESSION, MORAL FAILURE AND THE PATHOS OF REJECTION
4. GENESIS 4.7: SIN COUCHING AT THE DOOR: THE CHOICE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL
5. GENESIS 4.8: FILLING IN THE GAPS: CREATING THE CONTEXT FOR FRATRICIDE
6. GENESIS 4.9-12: TRIAL AND PUNISHMENT: THE WANDERING MURDERER
7. GENESIS 4.13-14: THE PLEA: BEARING ONE'S SIN 8. GENESIS 4.15-16: A SIGN OF MERCY, A SIGN OF JUSTICE
9. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY