Redefining the consistency of equivalences in the peshitta to Ezekiel: towards a frame semantics approach

Abstract

The traditional approach of evaluating an ancient translation based on the consistency of equivalences at the lexical level is challenged. It is observed that in the Peshitta to Ezekiel, a fairly high degree of exegesis at the word level by the translator does not amount to a so-called “free translation” in the absolute sense of the word. Rather, the Peshitta to Ezekiel, even though showing a high degree of exegesis at word level, still shows a high degree of consistency of equivalences when the sense behind translated words is considered, thus adding to the value of the Peshitta to Ezekiel in textual criticism. Further, this result necessitates the application of Frame Semantics to the study of the consistency of equivalences in the Peshitta.