rolf, i agree with ishnian that MBDYL should be translated as SEPARATE and not MADE OF BRASS. this is also the usual translation.
firstly, at that point in the creation story, matter appears to have been divisible into water and solids, and so "brass" was still inexistent as a separate element. secondly, as the whole RAQIA is, by itself, a metaphore, an artifact marking separation, it is not expected that the text go into its exact composition. moreover, as ishnian asks, why BDYL? thirdly, grammar. the expression YHY MBDYL BYN MYM LMYM (would be separating between water and water) can hardly be separated cohesively into two parts (will be made of brass - between waters and waters: the second part in fact still made no sense since water was still indivisible!). the alternative "separate" fits much better to the text as it is followed by the preposition BYN (separate BETWEEN). fourth, the thematic. the whole creation of RQYA was made with separation in mind. ---------- quite on the contrary, the word BDYL (brass), which (technologically speaking) may not be as old as genesis, probably derives indeed from "separate", hinting at the way the alloy was produced. even the identity of BDYL as brass is unclear. nir cohen >>>De: "Ishnian" <[email protected]> Para: <[email protected]> Data: Sat, 1 Sep 2012 17:09:11 -0500 Assunto: [b-hebrew] When the heavens become brass... >>>ROLF wrote: ......I would argue about RQY( in Genesis 1:6-8. When it is said that the heavens will become brass, the one thing (the sky) is called like the other one (brass,). Thus, "brass" is a metaphor. >>>ISHINAN: If the metaphorical language of the Scripture means transporting a meaning from one word [here brass *(1) which is an alloy of copper and zinc] to another [in this case, the heaven(s)]. My question to you, is why, in your opinion, it is such a terrible situation if the heavens become brass?. What does this particular metaphor try to convey in the light of Deuteronomy 8:8-9 *(2) where 'brass' is used in a positive sense? Best regards, Ishinan Ishibashi _______________________________________________ b-hebrew mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-hebrew
