Genèse 4, 4-5 : histoire d’un biais de traduction

Abstract

Genesis 4, 4-5: The Story of a Translation Bias. However faithful it may appear, any translation develops under the interpretation that the translator applies to the source-text, biased by various elements present in the broad circumstance of that particular translating activity. In some cases, this fact alters, or adds a new layer of meaning to the original text. The present paper explores the case under Gen. 4, 4-5, where, by introducing a linguistic variation – namely δῶρον, ου, τό / θυσία, ας, ἡ (in καὶ ἐπὶ τοῖς δώροις, v. 4, and καὶ ἐπὶ ταῖς θυσίαις, v. 5) – instead of the monotony displayed by the Hebrew text – מִנְחָה [min·khä'] (in וְאֶל־מִנְחָתֽוֹ / Engl. ‘and to his offering’) –, the Greek Septuagint provides the reader with the possibility of condemning Cain before he commits the crime.