This document discusses the inadequacy of translating the Biblical Hebrew noun "vyIa" as the English word "man". It notes that vyIa is primarily a term of affiliation that functions independently of gender. When referring to a class, its gender meaning is muted and it means the class is not solely female. The document examines implications for translation, providing an example from Exodus 5:9 where translating vyIa as "man" inaccurately portrays it as referring to a singular, definite male rather than laborers regardless of gender.
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The (In)adequacy of “Man” as an English Equivalent of the Biblical Hebrew Noun ’ish
1. The (In)adequacy of
Man
as an English Equivalent
of the Biblical Hebrew Noun
vyIa
David E. S. Stein
2. Frequency
vyIa
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3. Frequency
vyIa
2,183 times
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4. Frequency
vyIa
2,183 times
Source: TLOT ( Jenni-Westermann)
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5. Semantics and Pragmatics
vyIa
How does this noun
function
in the Hebrew Bible?
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6. Recent Articles
vyIa
“The Noun vyIa (’iš) in Biblical Hebrew,”
Journal of Hebrew Scriptures 8/1 (2008).
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7. Recent Articles
vyIa
“The Noun vyIa (’iš) in Biblical Hebrew,”
Journal of Hebrew Scriptures 8/1 (2008).
“The Grammar of Social Gender in
Biblical Hebrew,” Hebrew Studies XLIX
(2008): 7–26.
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8. Today’s Question
What are the implications for
TRANSLATION
. . . into English . . .
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9. Today’s Question
What are the implications for
TRANSLATION
into English
with regard to
semantic content?
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10. Summary of Findings about the Noun vyIa
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11. Summary of Findings about the Noun vyIa
1.
2.
3.
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12. Summary of Findings about the Noun vyIa
1. It is primarily a term of affiliation.
2.
3.
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13. As a Term of Affiliation
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14. As a Term of Affiliation
vyIa
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15. As a Term of Affiliation
Dual Reference
vyIa
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16. As a Term of Affiliation
Dual Reference
vyIa
PARTICIPANT
The Situation in Question
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17. As a Term of Affiliation
Dual Reference
Someone who is an vyIa
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18. As a Term of Affiliation
Dual Reference
Someone who is an vyIa
is an vyIa
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19. As a Term of Affiliation
Dual Reference
Someone who is an vyIa
is an vyIa
of
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20. As a Term of Affiliation
Dual Reference
Someone who is an vyIa
is an vyIa
of
somebody or something else.
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21. As a Term of Affiliation
Dual Reference
Someone who is an vyIa
is an vyIa
of
of
somebody or something else.
somebody or something else.
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22. Summary of Findings about the Noun vyIa
1. It is primarily a term of affiliation.
2. Its primary meaning functions independently
of its gender content.
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23. Meaning
Semantic Components
vyIa
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24. Meaning = Affiliation
Semantic Components
vyIa
AN AFFILIATE
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25. Meaning = Affiliation +/– Non-femaleness
Semantic Components
vyIa
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
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26. Meaning = Affiliation +/– Non-femaleness
Semantic Components
vyIa
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
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27. Meaning = Affiliation +/– Non-femaleness
Semantic Components
vyIa
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
AN AFFILIATE FEMALE
hDÚvIa
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28. Meaning = Affiliation +/– Non-femaleness
Semantic Components
vyIa
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
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29. Meaning = Affiliation +/– Non-femaleness
Semantic Components
vyIa vyIa
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
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30. Summary of Findings about the Noun vyIa
1. It is primarily a term of affiliation.
2. Its primary meaning functions independently
of its gender content.
3. When it refers to a class (or genus), its gender
meaning is muted; it means only that the class
(or genus) is not solely female.
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33. Determination and Referential Function
Definite
vyIa
Class, Particular, or Unique
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34. Determination and Referential Function
Definite
vyIa
Class, Particular, or Unique
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35. Meaning = Affiliation
vyIa
AN AFFILIATE
Class, Particular, or Unique
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36. Meaning = Affiliation – Non-femaleness
vyIa
solely
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
Class, Particular, or Unique
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39. Determination and Referential Function
Indefinite
vyIa
Generic or Specific
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40. Determination and Referential Function
Indefinite
vyIa
Generic or Specific
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41. Meaning = Affiliation – Non-femaleness
Indefinite
vyIa
solely
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
Generic or Specific
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42. Context May Constrain the Social Gender
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
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46. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
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47. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
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48. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
“Let heavier work be laid upon
the MyIvÎnSa.”
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49. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
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50. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
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51. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
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52. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
laborers,
1 not female
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53. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
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54. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
Definite
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55. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
Definite
Class, Particular, or Unique
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56. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
NOT FEMALE
Definite
Class, Particular, or Unique
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57. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
solely
NOT FEMALE
Definite
Class, Particular, or Unique
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58. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
solely
NOT FEMALE
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59. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
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60. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
laborers,
1 not female
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61. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
“Let heavier work be laid upon the men.”
—NJPS (1962)
Similarly RSV, NASB, NIV, NKJV,
NET, HCSB, ESV, ISV (alternate)
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 61
62. Does this rendering convey a lack of gender?
Exodus 5:9
“Let heavier work be laid upon the men.”
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63. Does this rendering convey a lack of gender?
Exodus 5:9
“Let heavier work be laid upon the men.”
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 63
64. Does this rendering convey affiliation?
Exodus 5:9
“Let heavier work be laid upon the men.”
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65. Does this rendering convey affiliation?
Exodus 5:9
“Let heavier work be laid upon the men.”
mostly male
work force
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66. Is this rendering accurate?
Exodus 5:9
“Let heavier work be laid upon the men.”
mostly male
work force
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67. The Accuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
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68. The Accuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
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69. The Accuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
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70. The Accuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
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71. The Accuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
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72. Is this rendering accurate?
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
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74. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
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75. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
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76. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
Moreover, the vyIa Moses was
very great in the land of Egypt.
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77. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
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78. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
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79. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyDrVxIm yEnyEoV;b MDoDh NEj_tRa hDwhy NE;tˆ¥yÅw
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
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80. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 80
81. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
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82. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
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83. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 83
84. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
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85. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
special envoy
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86. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
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87. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
Definite
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88. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
Definite
Class, Particular, or Unique
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89. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
NOT FEMALE
Definite
Class, Particular, or Unique
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90. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
n-female
no
special envoy
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91. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
or
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm hD IvIaDh MA…g
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92. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
or
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm hDvIaDh MA…g
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93. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
n-female
no
special envoy
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 93
94. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
Moreover, the man Moses was
very great in the land of Egypt.
—NET Bible (1996)
Similarly RSV, NASB, NKJV, HCSB, ISV
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 94
95. What is this rendering’s gender sense?
Exodus 11:3
Moreover, the man Moses was
very great in the land of Egypt.
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 95
96. Should this rendering convey gender?
Exodus 11:3
Moreover, the man Moses was
very great in the land of Egypt.
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 96
97. Asymmetry in Gender Markers
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 97
98. Asymmetry in Gender Markers
≠
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 98
99. Asymmetry in Gender Markers
Exodus 2:11; 18:7
yîrVbIo_vyIa hR;kAm yîrVxIm vyIa aVrÅ¥yÅw
he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew (ESV)
MwølDvVl …whEoérVl_vyIa …wlSaVvˆ¥yÅw
each of them asked of the other’s well-being (Alter)
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100. Asymmetry in Gender Markers
Exodus 2:11; 18:7
yîrVbIo_vyIa hR;kAm yîrVxIm vyIa aVrÅ¥yÅw
he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew (ESV)
MwølDvVl …whEoérVl_vyIa …wlSaVvˆ¥yÅw
each of them asked of the other’s well-being (Alter)
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 100
101. Asymmetry in Gender Markers
Exodus 2:11; 18:7
yîrVbIo_vyIa hR;kAm yîrVxIm vyIa aVrÅ¥yÅw
man man
he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew (ESV)
MwølDvVl …whEoérVl_vyIa …wlSaVvˆ¥yÅw
man
each of them asked of the other’s well-being (Alter)
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 101
102. Asymmetry in Gender Markers
Exodus 2:11; 18:7
man man
he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew (ESV)
man
each of them asked of the other’s well-being (Alter)
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 102
103. Asymmetry in Gender Markers
Exodus 2:11; 18:7
he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew (ESV)
each of them asked of the other’s well-being (Alter)
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 103
104. Should this rendering convey gender?
Exodus 11:3
Moreover, the man Moses was
very great in the land of Egypt.
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 104
105. Should this rend gender?
:3
Exodus 11
Moreover, the man Moses was
very great in the land of Egypt.
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 105
106. Does this rendering convey affiliation?
Exodus 11:3
Moreover, the man Moses was
very great in the land of Egypt.
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 106
107. Does this rendering convey affiliation?
Exodus 11:3
Moreover, the man Moses was
very great in the land of Egypt.
male human being
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 107
108. The Accuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 108
109. Is this rendering accurate?
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 109
111. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 111
112. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 112
113. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
“If the ox of vyIa
injures the ox of his neighbor . . .”
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 113
114. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 114
115. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 115
116. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 116
117. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 117
118. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 118
119. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 119
120. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
party to a legal proceeding,
regardless of gender
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 120
121. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 121
122. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
Indefinite
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 122
123. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
Indefinite
Generic or Specific
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 123
124. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
NOT FEMALE
Indefinite
Generic or Specific
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 124
125. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
solely
NOT FEMALE
Indefinite
Generic or Specific
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 125
126. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 126
127. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 127
128. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
a wa
hCa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
…whEoér rwøv_tR
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 128
129. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
a wa
hCa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
…whEoér rwøv_tR
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 129
130. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 130
131. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 131
132. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 132
133. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Job 24:3
…whE rwøv_tRa hDnDmVlAa rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 133
134. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 134
135. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
…whEoér rwøv_tRa vyIa_rwøv PO…gˆy_yIkw
party to a legal proceeding,
regardless of gender
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 135
136. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
“If the ox of one man
injures the ox of his neighbor . . .”
—NET Bible (1996)
Similarly RSV, NKJV, ESV
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 136
137. Does this rendering convey a lack of gender?
Exodus 21:35
“If the ox of one man
injures the ox of his neighbor . . .”
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 137
138. Does this rendering convey a lack of gender?
Exodus 21:35
“If the ox of one man
injures the ox of his neighbor . . .”
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 138
139. Does this rendering convey a lack of gender?
Exodus 21:35
“If the ox of one man
injures the ox of his neighbor . . .”
male
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 139
140. Does this rendering convey a lack of gender?
Exodus 21:35
“If the ox of one man
injures the ox of his neighbor . . .”
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 140
141. Does this rendering convey affiliation?
Exodus 21:35
“If the ox of one man
injures the ox of his neighbor . . .”
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 141
142. Does this rendering convey affiliation?
Exodus 21:35
“If the ox of one man
injures the ox of his neighbor . . .”
male human being
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 142
143. Does this rendering convey affiliation?
Exodus 21:35
“If the ox of one man
injures the ox of his neighbor . . .”
male party
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 143
144. The Accuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 144
145. Is this rendering accurate?
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 145
146. The Accuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 146
147. The Accuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 147
148. The Accuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 148
149. The Accuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 149
150. The Accuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 150
151. The Accuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 151
152. The Inaccuracy of “Man”
Exodus Contextual sense Contextual sense Affiliation Gender
Passage ofvyI a of “man” Accuracy Accur a c y
#1 5:9 Laborers Work force Equivalent
1 not female Mostly male Overstat e d
#2 11:3 Special envo y Human bein g Droppe d
Not germane Emphatic male Overstat e d
#3 21:3 5 Party Party Equivalent
Either gende r Male Misstate d
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 152
153. Accurate Rendering as “Man”
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 153
154. Where “Man” Is an Accurate Rendering
As gender neutral
As opposed to woman, or to deity
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 154
155. Accurate Rendering as “Man”: Case 1
Exodus 11:7
hDmEhV;b_dAow vyIaEmVl wønOvVl bRlR;k_XårTjRy aøl
. . . not a dog shall snarl . . . at vyIa or beast.
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 155
156. Accurate Rendering as “Man”: Case 1
Exodus 11:7
hDmEhV;b_dAow vyIaEmVl wønOvVl bRlR;k_XårTjRy aøl
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 156
157. Accurate Rendering as “Man”: Case 1
Exodus 11:7
hDmEhV;b_dAow vyIaEmVl wønOvVl bRlR;k_XårTjRy aøl
not a dog shall snarl . . . at man or beast.
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 157
158. Accurate Rendering as “Man”: Case 2
Exodus 21:28
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 158
159. Accurate Rendering as “Man”: Case 2
Exodus 21:28
tEmÎw hDÚvIa_tRa wøa vyIa_tRa rwøv jÅ…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 159
160. Accurate Rendering as “Man”: Case 2
Exodus 21:28
tEmÎw hDÚvIa_tRa wøa vyIa_tRa rwøv jÅ…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 160
161. Accurate Rendering as “Man”: Case 2
Exodus 21:28
tEmÎw hDÚvIa_tRa wøa vyIa_tRa rwøv jÅ…gˆy_yIkw
when an ox gores an vyIa or woman to death
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 161
162. Accurate Rendering as “Man”: Case 2
Exodus 21:28
tEmÎw hDÚvIa_tRa wøa vyIa_tRa rwøv jÅ…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 162
163. Accurate Rendering as “Man”: Case 2
Exodus 21:28
tEmÎw hDÚvIa_tRa wøa vyIa_tRa rwøv jÅ…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 163
164. Accurate Rendering as “Man”: Case 2
Exodus 21:28
tEmÎw hDÚvIa_tRa wøa vyIa_tRa rwøv jÅ…gˆy_yIkw
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 164
165. Accurate Rendering as “Man”: Case 2
Exodus 21:28
tEmÎw hDÚvIa_tRa wøa vyIa_tRa rwøv jÅ…gˆy_yIkw
. . . rwøÚvAh lAoAb…w . . .
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 165
166. Accurate Rendering as “Man”: Case 2
Exodus 21:28
tEmÎw hDÚvIa_tRa wøa vyIa_tRa rwøv jÅ…gˆy_yIkw
when an ox gores a party,
male or female, to death
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 166
167. Accurate Rendering as “Man”: Case 2
Exodus 21:28
tEmÎw hDÚvIa_tRa wøa vyIa_tRa rwøv jÅ…gˆy_yIkw
when an ox gores a man or woman to death
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 167
168. Where “Man” Is an Accurate Rendering
Frequency
As gender neutral
As opposed to woman, or to deity
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 168
169. Where “Man” Is an Accurate Rendering
Frequency
As gender neutral
As opposed to woman, or to deity
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 169
171. Mistranslation of affiliation—does it matter?
vyIa someone • anyone • each •
one • party • participant •
member • fellow • expert •
husband • householder •
agent • envoy • delegate •
candidate • commissioner •
deputy • leader • laborer •
heir • troop • representative
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 171
172. Mistranslation of affiliation—does it matter?
vyIa someone • anyone • each
one • man • man • man
•
•
man • man • husband •
man • man • man • man •
man • man • man • man •
man • man • man • man •
man • man • man • man •
man • man • man • man
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 172
173. The Difference That Affiliation Makes
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 173
174. The Difference That Affiliation Makes
Gender-Sensitive Functional-Equivalence Translations
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 174
175. The Difference That Affiliation Makes
Gender-Sensitive Functional-Equivalence Translations
Instances of vyIa (singular) in Genesis: 108
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 175
176. The Difference That Affiliation Makes
Gender-Sensitive Functional-Equivalence Translations
Instances of vyIa (singular) in Genesis: 108
Number of English
Translation Equivalents Used
NRSV (1989) 10
TNIV (2005) 7
CJPS (2006) 25
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 176
177. The Difference That Affiliation Makes
Gender-Sensitive Functional-Equivalence Translations
Instances of vyIa (singular) in Genesis: 108
Number of English
Translation Equivalents Used
NRSV (1989) 10
TNIV (2005) 7
CJPS (2006) 25
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 177
179. Overtranslation of gender—does it matter?
Exodus 5:9
“Let heavier work be laid upon the men.”
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 179
180. Overtranslation of gender—does it matter?
Exodus 5:9
“Let heavier work be laid upon the men.”
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 180
181. Overtranslation of gender—does it matter?
Exodus 5:9
“Let heavier work be laid upon the men.”
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 181
182. Conclusion
Judging solely on the grounds of semantic accuracy,
rendering vyIa as “man” is usually inadequate. In those
instances when the usage of “man” can be justified, the
burden of proof is on the translator to show semantic
equivalence in terms of both affiliation and gender.
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 182
183. Online Access
“The Noun vyIa (’iš) in Biblical Hebrew”
http://tinyurl.com/ish-affiliation
“The Grammar of Social Gender in Biblical Hebrew”
http://tinyurl.com/GrammarGender
“Preface,” The Contemporary Torah ( JPS, 2006)
http://tinyurl.com/CJPS-Preface
E-mail: davidesstein@aol.com
Freelance editorial services
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 183
184. Summary Table
Social gender Social ge
Deixis Referential per grammar per cont
(pointing) function (denotation) (connota
Definite Particular or unique Not female Male
Class Not solely female Typically
Indefinite Specific Not female Male
Generic Not solely female Male
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 184
185. Summary Table
Social gender Social ge
Deixis Referential per grammar per cont
(pointing) function (denotation) (connota
Definite Particular or unique Not female Male
Class Not solely female Typically
Indefinite Specific Not female Male
Generic Not solely female Male
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 185
186. Summary Table
Social gender Social ge
Deixis Referential per grammar per cont
(pointing) function (denotation) (connota
Definite Particular or unique Not female Male
Class Not solely female Typically
Indefinite Specific Not female Male
Generic Not solely female Male
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 186
187. Summary Table
Social gender Social ge
Deixis Referential per grammar per cont
(pointing) function (denotation) (connota
Definite Particular or unique Not female Male
Class Not solely female Typically
Indefinite Specific Not female Male
Generic Not solely female Male
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 187
188. Summary Table
Social gender Social ge
Deixis Referential per grammar per cont
(pointing) function (denotation) (connota
Definite Particular or unique Not female Male
Class Not solely female Typically
Indefinite Specific Not female Male
Generic Not solely female Male
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 188
189. Summary Table
Social gender Social ge
Deixis Referential per grammar per cont
(pointing) function (denotation) (connota
Definite Particular or unique Not female Male
Class Not solely female Typically
Indefinite Specific Not female Male
Generic Not solely female Male
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 189