The Phrase berit ‘ām in the Song of the Servant
Keywords:
translation, covenant, people, (Deutero-)Isaiah, servant, Messiah, JesusAbstract
The Hebrew phrase berit ‘ām is unique, occurring only twice in the entire Old Testament (Isa. 42:6; 49:8), yet Bible translators have struggled to provide a meaningful translation. Of the existing variants, two translations need to be particularly highlighted. TNK “a covenant people” and a covenant mediator (42:6, TB2). For this reason, it is first necessary to establish a translation of berit ‘ām based on Hebrew semantics and syntax. Then, the Hebrew phrase is interpreted in the context of the Song of the Servant and finally within the two scriptural contexts. In the context of Jewish scripture, non-Christological interpretation with Israel as the focus. In the context of Christian scriptures, christological interpretation with Jesus Christ as the personalization of the Servant. The result is an offer of a translation of berit ‘ām into Indonesian that adopts the dual mission of the Servant (national, universal), “a covenant for the people” (Israel), rather than a covenant for humanity.
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