Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Jean Calvin and Zechariah 10:5 (Question)

"Et erunt quasi fortes, (aut, gigantes,) calcantes in luto platearum in proelio; et proeliabuntur, quia Iehova cum ipsis; et pudefient ascensores equorum" (Zechariah 10:5, Jean Calvin's Commentary on Zechariah and Malachi).

"et erunt quasi fortes conculcantes lutum viarum in proelio et bellabunt quia Dominus cum eis et confundentur ascensores equorum" (Biblia Sacra Vulgata at www.academic-bible.com).

I don't have a critical text of the Vulgate at the moment, so I'm wondering why Calvin uses "pudefient" rather than "confudentur" in his commentary on Zech 10:5. Any help would be appreciated.

6 comments:

Duncan said...

Edgar,

From Esword,

Zec 10:5 et erunt quasi fortes conculcantes lutum viarum in proelio et bellabunt quia Dominus cum eis et confundentur ascensores equorum

Duncan said...

Strongs
H3001

יָבֵשׁ
yâbêsh
yaw-bashe'
A primitive root; to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage): - be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame (-fully), X utterly, wither (away).

Edgar Foster said...

Dunca,

thanks for the input. I'm still curious about why Calvin used pudefient, but there's probably a variant in the Latin Vg. Whether one chooses "confound" or "shame," the point appears to be about the same. Best!

Duncan said...

Edgar,

Compare 1 cor 1:27 KJV with NET.

An interesting comparison from koine to English.

Edgar Foster said...

Duncan,

Yes the Greek word rendered as "might shame" or "confound" is καταισχύνῃ which is the present subjunctive active (3rd singular) form of καταισχύνω.

BDAG gives the possible sense for καταισχύνω:

1)dishonor, disgrace
2) put to shame
3) disappoint, be disappointed (passive)

"To confound - To bring to shame; or that he might make them ashamed; that is, humble them by showing them how little he regarded their wisdom; and how little their wisdom contributed to the success of his cause" (Barnes' Notes on the Bible).

Edgar Foster said...

BTW, Calvin translates Zech 10:5:

"And they shall be as mighty men, which tread down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded."