A Rhetorical Solution to a Text-critical Problem in Psalm 69

Abstract

Abstract The final word in Ps 69:27 presents a text-critical problem for interpreters: the MT reads יספרו, »they talked about«, but the LXX/Syr. reflect a Hebrew Vorlage that read יספיו or יספו, »they added to«. This article argues that the variants emerged due to the challenge of translating word play across languages. The reconciliation of the resulting readings does not require the choice of one interpretation over the other; instead, the »original« Hebrew text of Ps 69:27b meant both »to tell« and »to add«, a meaning that underscores a major themes and rhetorical strategy of the larger psalm.