Greek Renderings of the Hebrew Lexeme hmx in LXX Canticles and Isaiah

Abstract

Up to three times, the LXX version of Canticles (iv 1, 3; vi 7) reads σιωπησσιζ ('silence') as a translation equivalent of the Hebrew lexeme smh ('veil'). This article aims at establishing whether this enigmatic equivalence is due to mistranslation or to a conscious, if obscure, rendering, by closely analysing the nature of the lexemes in question. Although there are strong arguments in favour of the former scenario, the matter cannot be resolved with any definiteness. Symmachus' apparently similar translation in Isa. xlvii 2 (τò σιωπηλóν for smh) is shown to be unrelated to the puzzling equivalence established in LXX Canticles. The article concludes with some thoughts on the lexicographical treatment of translation-specific lexical items such as σιωπησιζ.