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.

1. The (In)adequacy of
Man
as an English Equivalent
of the Biblical Hebrew Noun
vyIa
David E. S. Stein

2. Frequency
vyIa
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 2

3. Frequency
vyIa
2,183 times
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 3

4. Frequency
vyIa
2,183 times
Source: TLOT ( Jenni-Westermann)
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 4

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 13

14. As a Term of Affiliation
vyIa
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 14

15. As a Term of Affiliation
Dual Reference
vyIa
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 15

16. As a Term of Affiliation
Dual Reference
vyIa
PARTICIPANT
The Situation in Question
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 16

17. As a Term of Affiliation
Dual Reference
Someone who is an vyIa
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 17

18. As a Term of Affiliation
Dual Reference
Someone who is an vyIa
is an vyIa
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 18

19. As a Term of Affiliation
Dual Reference
Someone who is an vyIa
is an vyIa
of
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 19

20. As a Term of Affiliation
Dual Reference
Someone who is an vyIa
is an vyIa
of
somebody or something else.
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 20

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.
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 21

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 23

24. Meaning = Affiliation
Semantic Components
vyIa
AN AFFILIATE
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 24

25. Meaning = Affiliation +/– Non-femaleness
Semantic Components
vyIa
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 25

26. Meaning = Affiliation +/– Non-femaleness
Semantic Components
vyIa
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 26

27. Meaning = Affiliation +/– Non-femaleness
Semantic Components
vyIa
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
AN AFFILIATE FEMALE
hDÚvIa
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 27

28. Meaning = Affiliation +/– Non-femaleness
Semantic Components
vyIa
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 28

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.
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 30

31. Determination and Referential Function
vyIa
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 31

32. Determination and Referential Function
Definite
vyIa
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 32

33. Determination and Referential Function
Definite
vyIa
Class, Particular, or Unique
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 33

34. Determination and Referential Function
Definite
vyIa
Class, Particular, or Unique
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 34

35. Meaning = Affiliation
vyIa
AN AFFILIATE
Class, Particular, or Unique
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 35

36. Meaning = Affiliation – Non-femaleness
vyIa
solely
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
Class, Particular, or Unique
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37. Determination and Referential Function
vyIa
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 37

38. Determination and Referential Function
Indefinite
vyIa
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 38

39. Determination and Referential Function
Indefinite
vyIa
Generic or Specific
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 39

40. Determination and Referential Function
Indefinite
vyIa
Generic or Specific
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 40

41. Meaning = Affiliation – Non-femaleness
Indefinite
vyIa
solely
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
Generic or Specific
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 41

42. Context May Constrain the Social Gender
AN AFFILIATE NOT FEMALE
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 42

43. Focus of Analysis
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 43

44. Focus of Analysis
≠
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 44

45. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 45

46. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 46

47. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 47

48. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
“Let heavier work be laid upon
the MyIvÎnSa.”
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 48

49. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 49

50. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 50

51. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 51

52. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
laborers,
1 not female
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 52

53. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 53

54. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
Definite
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 54

55. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
Definite
Class, Particular, or Unique
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 55

56. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
NOT FEMALE
Definite
Class, Particular, or Unique
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 56

57. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
solely
NOT FEMALE
Definite
Class, Particular, or Unique
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 57

58. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
solely
NOT FEMALE
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 58

59. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 59

60. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 1
Exodus 5:9
MyIvÎnSaDh_lAo hDdObSoDh dA;bVkI;t
laborers,
1 not female
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 60

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.”
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 62

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.”
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 64

65. Does this rendering convey affiliation?
Exodus 5:9
“Let heavier work be laid upon the men.”
mostly male
work force
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 65

66. Is this rendering accurate?
Exodus 5:9
“Let heavier work be laid upon the men.”
mostly male
work force
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 66

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 67

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 68

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 69

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 70

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 71

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 72

73. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 73

74. 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 74

75. 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 75

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.
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 76

77. 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 77

78. 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 78

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 79

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 81

82. 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 82

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 84

85. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
special envoy
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 85

86. 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 86

87. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
Definite
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 87

88. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 2
Exodus 11:3
MˆyårVxIm X®rRaV;b dOaVm lwødÎ…g hRvOm vyIaDh MA…g
Definite
Class, Particular, or Unique
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 88

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 89

90. 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 90

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 91

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
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 92

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)
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 99

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

110. Inaccurate Rendering: Case 3
Exodus 21:35
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 110

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

170. Mistranslation of affiliation—does it matter?
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 170

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

178. Overtranslation of gender—does it matter?
11/20/08 (In)adequacy of “Man” as Equivalent of ’ish 178

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