Translation, Translation Technique, and the Psalm Superscriptions of the Aramaic Targum

Abstract

The story of the reception of Psalms requires attention to its readers' struggle with the Psalter's most enigmatic feature: the superscriptions that adorn almost every psalm. This essay examines how the Aramaic translator of the Psalter made meaning of psalm superscriptions. It provides a systematic and detailed analysis of every Aramaic psalm superscription. It also examines the conceptual tools available to the Aramaic translator. These include (1) word-for-word literal translations; (2) double translations of words in a title; (3) translation with reference to the context provided by the body of the psalm; (4) translation with reference to adjacent psalms; (5) translation with reference to other non-psalm biblical passages; and (6) translation with reference to rabbinic tradition. It concludes with an analysis of several complicated superscriptions that simultaneously employ multiple strategies. An appendix in the online edition of this issue provides a chart with every psalm superscription in canonical order along with Aramaic translation, English translations, and typological classifications.