Structure, setting and translation of Jeremiah 23:9-40 : a comparison and synthesis of the views of W.L. Holladay (1986), W. McKane (1986) and R.P. Carroll (1986)

M.A.Jeremiah 23:9-40 is characterized in the Hebrew Bible as "concerning the prophets" and can be divided into seven (or six) relatively independent oracles. In the mini-dissertation the said oracles are studied with regard to translation, form and structure as well as setting. For this purpose three commentaries on the book of Jeremiah which appeared in 1986 are compared. The respective authors are WL Holladay, W McKane and RP Carroll. Holladay's endeavour is used as basic work. His translation of Jeremiah 23:9-40 is provided and alternative renderings of Carroll and McKane are selected. A comparable procedure is followed with regard to structure and form, and setting. Holladay and McKane offer individual translations while Carroll utilizes the Revised Standard Version (RSV), adding variant readings (for example from NEB and JPSB). The three English renderings of the Hebrew text represent three points of departure with regard to translation techniques. Carroll (RSV) gives a rather literal version and McKane a more dynamic one. Holladay tries to keep close to the Hebrew text and syntax (attempting to translate identical words and phrases in a consistent way), but nevertheless attempts to render the contextual function of the Hebrew passages in an ingenious way. The evidence provided by 23:9-40 also suggests that he occasionally tends to resort to more drastic textual emendations than Carroll or McKane. Seen from a general perspective, the three translations reflect subtle aspects regarding translation techniques. Renderings differ, for example, depending upon whether the translator focuses on the speaker or the addressee[s]. They also show the impact of grammatical interpretation, for example choosing to read a conjunction as consecutive (ie conversive) rather than copulative. When analysing the form and structure of the individual oracles and their settings, the view of Holladay is annotated with those of Carroll and McKane. Subsequently the premise of each of the authors regarding the composition of the book of Jeremiah is summarized and compared with their respective statements regarding the various extracts. In the concluding discussion remarks regarding form and structure, and setting are integrated. Regarding form and structure as separate items, it is clear that Holladay in particular presents a systematic scrutinizing of syntax. He often labels clauses with characterizations of the intention of the speaker such as "paranetic appeal" (verse 16) or "complaint statement" (verse 25). As far as setting is concerned Holladay dates all the oracles (except 23:33-40) round about 601/600 BC, during a time of conflict of the prophet Jeremiah with the false prophets. McKane and Carroll both focus on the editorial process. Carroll finds "interests" of consecutive generations reflected in text. McKane is hesitant to pinpoint specific circumstances which influenced the editing of the text. He does suggest a formal procedure by means of which ancient material became enlarged, but nevertheless refers to the "desultory" nature of the process. Both he and Carroll regard the fifth century as the approximate time of final composition of the book of Jeremiah. Compared with the study of Rodd (1986/7) the mini-dissertation substantiates more clearly and elaborately the contributions of the individual authors in general and specifically as regards 23:9-40. Focusing on the aspects of translation and alternative renderings, form and structure, and setting also provides perspectives from different angles. It also shows how different points of departure determine (to a greater or lesser extent) the direction of a commentary