The Use of the Term (? ) in the Aramaic Translations of the Hebrew Bible

Abstract

(? ) is used, with varying frequency, in the Peshitta and in the majority of extant Targums. It may render ?, ?, ?, ?, ? or ?. Occasionally, it renders another word, and it is used in free composition. It is a normal term for 'man'. Sometimes it refers to an unspecified individual, sometimes it refers to man in general, and with a negative it means 'nobody'. It is used in contextual association with death, and in contrast with God, but it does not have such associations every where. It is used with particular reference to Ezekiel, Daniel and Noah, and in general statements with particular reference to Adam, the chief butler, Joseph, Moses and Zerah and his army; it is used with reference to King Messiah at Targ. Ps. 80.18, it does not carry such reference to other contexts, and it is not so used at Targ. Ps. 8.5. Six passages in which it renders ? are general statements, five of which have particular reference to the speaker, an idiom noted in two other Targum passages.