Syriac version of the Old Testament, The
Book Description
This scholarly exploration unveils the fascinating origins and significance of the Peshitta, the ancient Syriac translation of the Old Testament that has shaped Eastern Christian tradition for nearly two millennia. Michael Weitzman presents a groundbreaking theory about this remarkable text, proposing that it emerged around 200 CE from an unexpected source: a small Jewish community that had distanced itself from mainstream Rabbinic Judaism.
The author traces how this community eventually converted to Christianity, carrying their precious translation with them and ensuring its preservation through the centuries. What makes this work particularly compelling is Weitzman's comprehensive examination of the Peshitta's relationship to the original Hebrew scriptures, offering readers insight into how ancient translators interpreted and conveyed sacred texts across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Through detailed analysis covering all biblical books, this study illuminates how translation choices reflect theological understanding and community identity. The work surveys existing scholarship while breaking new ground in understanding how religious texts travel between communities and traditions. For those interested in the intersection of language, faith, and cultural transmission, this book reveals how sacred writings adapt and endure across different religious contexts.
Weitzman's research demonstrates how textual preservation often depends on unexpected guardians, showing how minority communities can become crucial links in maintaining spiritual heritage across generations and geographical boundaries.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~10 hours)
📄 Length: 355 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Pesjitta
- ✓ Explore Versions
- ✓ Explore Peshitta
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore Tekstkritiek
- ✓ Explore 11.32 history of text and translation of the Bible
- ✓ Explore Bible, versions
- ✓ Explore Bible, criticism, interpretation, etc., o. t.
