In the King James Bible, Septuagint, and Sidney Psalter their are clear translational differences that one can uncover. Specifically, numerous literary devices were found in the reading of Psalm. Reasoning of this could attribute to the fact that it was made to be sang like a song. With a few different numbering differences from the Hebrew and Greek texts, the plot did not change significantly. However from the three readings literary devices did vary from reading to reading.
First off, an individual could have noticed a literary device right at the beginning of the book of Psalms. A simile regarding a way someone should be treated stated, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bring forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper”(KJV Psalm 1:3). This reading in the KJV demonstrates how a simile is present in this reading. “A tree planted by the rivers of water” refers to treating someone in a great respectful manner. Similarly in the Septuagint it states, “And he shall be as a tree planted by the
brooks of waters, which shall yield its fruit in its season, and its leaf shall not fall off; and whatsoever he shall do shall be prospered” (Septuagint Psalm 1:3). This sheds light to how in both readings the same simile is being stated. Both of these quotations in the books are very similar but on can see how in verse 3 in the Septuagint, a more descriptive approach is taken. The word choice in the Septuagint creates a sense of figurative language aspect to the reading. Both the readings are very similar in the fact that they include the same simile, but different in a way that the Septuagint word choice created a descriptive factor to the text.
Next, an example where there is differences in the text is in Psalm 23. In the King James version imagery is used to describe how new opportunities arise. As David opens up about how the Lord is his shepherd he states, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (KJV Psalm 23:2). This quote illustrates how David is setting the scene including words like “green pastures”. The statement “green pastures” has a dual meaning as David is trying to say that it could mean new opportunities are on the way. Further, in the Septuagint, Psalm 23:2 is worded in a different way as it states, ” In a place of green grass, there he has made me dwell: he has nourished me by the water of rest” (Septuagint Psalm 23:2). This clearly signifies that there is no imagery used in this statement. Directly, it says “place of green grass”, which in a sense is a clear statement rather than a figurative one. Their were no translational plot differences but a change in figurative language can easily be deciphered.
In the book of Psalms figurative language, word choice, and tone are all factors that are similar and different from the King James Bible, Septuagint, and Sidney Psalter. The Psalms were written to be sang so these factors could ultimately affect how each reading is comprehended by the reader.
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