Plaats en betekenis van Jes. 51:3 aan de hand van oude handschriften.

Abstract

In this report it has been examined if Jes. 51:3 can be regarded as a hymn. Not just about the genre, but also about the position of verse 3 there are differences of opinion. Some put this verse apart, others link this verse with the two previous verses. In other words, it is uncertain to which paragraph verse 3 belongs. Neither there is agreement about the verbal forms and the translation of ‘ki’/yKi at the beginning of verse 3. First of all has been examined to which paragraph(s) verse 3 belongs with the help of delimeters in old manuscripts, because this can contribute to determine the genre. By examining the division of cola and paragraphs, it shows that all traditions (Masoretic, Greek and Latin), with the exception of the Codex Leningradensis, link verse 3 to verse 1 and 2. The deviation of the Codex Leningradensis has to do with the fact that this Codex is a very unreliable manuscript with regard to the division of a text.161 Because of this and considering the verbal forms it could be determined that the definition for hymn according to H. Gunkel is applicable to this new unit/section, although an ending is not clearly indicated. Also ‘ki’/yKi at the beginning of verse 3 could be explained and translated. Examining 1QIsaa resulted in the discovery of a range of new words (hgnaw ןwgy sn = ‘torment and sighing flee away’ (3cC) and hla ta arb ym warw = ‘and see: Who did create those over there?’ (6aC)). That’s why a better association between the verses 1, 2 and 3 could be achieved. Since in the apparatus of textual criticism these new words are not mentioned, it justifies the recording of these words and of Delimitation Criticism in this apparatus. It may be concluded that examining delimeters in old manuscripts with the application of Delimitation Criticism has proved its value.