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Abstract
The potential optative subordinated in a clause of comparison is extremely rare in extra-Biblical Greek, though found already in Homeric Epic. In the Septuagint it is relatively frequent. There are nine examples in the third century B.C. Greek Pentateuch and a further nine in later books. It will inevitably be suspected that some sort of Hebraistic influence on these translation Greek documents prompts the usage. Yet analysis of the comparative optative's relationship to text components in the underlying Hebrew reveals no specific motivation from that quarter. We are dealing with an independent Greek phenomenon. The argument of this paper, based on consideration of a large sample of Ancient Greek, is that Homeric reminiscence, far fetched as it must seem prima facie, offers the likeliest explanation of the Pentateuchal usage.
Abstract
This article deals with the question of the nature of and scholarly approaches to studying Greek syntax in the Septuagint. The concrete point of departure is the publication of A Syntax of Septuagint Greek by T. Muraoka (Leuven: Peeters, 2016). The author discusses Muraoka’s work, while touching upon general trends in Septuagint scholarship, and reviews the book in a detailed manner. The author’s theoretical considerations are illustrated by two case studies that demonstrate the problems associated with Muraoka’s approach to syntax in the Septuagint. By way of conclusion, the author reflects on future directions in research on the Septuagint and its language usage.