The Meaning of ʻōlāh Offering in Leviticus 1. Thoughts on Biblical Trans-
lation in Light of Cultural Anthropology Cover Image

Znaczenie ofiary ʻōlāh w Leviticus 1. Rozważania z pogranicza translatoryki biblijnej i antropologii kulturowej
The Meaning of ʻōlāh Offering in Leviticus 1. Thoughts on Biblical Trans- lation in Light of Cultural Anthropology

Author(s): Sebastian Smolarz
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Jewish studies, Theology and Religion, History of Judaism, History of Religion
Published by: Papieski Wydział Teologiczny

Summary/Abstract: The article shows that the noun עֺלׇה in Leviticus 1 usually is translated according to the long-standing tradition of “holocaust” or “burnt offering”. However, this practice does not transmit etymology of the word derivative of the verb עׇלׇה, meaning “to ascend”, “to climb up”, “to go up”. The article gives an overview of major examples of Bible translations of the noun in Leviticus 1 as well as of most important commentators giving their explanations of its meaning. A due consideration is also given to key proposals of technical translation of עֺלׇה (Buber-Rosenzweig, E. Fox, J.B. Jordan), focusing specially on etymology of the noun. In turn, discussed are arguments of a few important cultural anthropologists, who suggest that main ancient cultures identified animals with humans. Finally, the article turns to explaining possible significances of offering rituals in Leviticus 1, in light of the animal-human identification. It is suggested that the noun עֺלׇה better would be translated as “ascension offering,” as the name points to the effect it has on men, in accordance with meanings of two other offerings, purification and peace. Didactically, עֺלׇה would indicate that a sinful man can ascend to the holy God through a sort of transformation, through some kind of death.Znaczenie ofiary ʻōlāh w Leviticus 1. Rozważania z pogranicza translatoryki biblijnej i antropologii kulturowej

  • Issue Year: 25/2017
  • Issue No: 2
  • Page Range: 67-80
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: Polish