A Note on Yiwwạ̄da in PS. 74:5

Abstract

Another passage, in addition to those listed by Thomas, in which this meaning seems to occur is Ps. 74:5. This verse has given much trouble to translators, beginning with the Greek. Most modern scholars who do not translate literally, with the common meaning of the verb, emend to yighdcl (Gunkel, Hans Schmidt, et al.). This emendation may seem to be supported by LXX icogKo/a, but that is probably a translation of some verb thought to underlie the Massoretic wcattq [h]; some Greek manuscripts (including N) connect the verb with the preceding verse and translate KatL obVK vyorxav (see Swete's ed.). It is possible, however, to obtain a perfectly satisfactory translation of the Massoretic text if one supposes that the passive verb yiwwadac here has the derived meaning "to be smitten," a semantic development which is entirely possible through the meaning "to be made submissive," especially in a Psalm as late as this (not earlier than 586, and possibly of the Maccabean age). The closest parallel in Thomas' list is Judg. 8:16, where we read that Gideon made submissive, or smote (wayyadac), the men of Succoth with desert thorns and briars; the verb is roughly synonymous with the verb wdashti of verse 7 but need not be emended to conform with it. Ps. 74:5-6 has recently been discussed briefly by Meek,2 In view of his comments, one might suggest pluralizing the verb and pointing it as Hifcil, but this is not really necessary. The subject is sbhqk-c., and the Nifcal is used frequently (Judg. 16:9; Prov. 10:9, 14:33; Jer. 31:19) and the Qal passive participle once (Isa. 53:3). We may therefore translate Ps. 74:5-6, following Meek's suggestions in the main, thus: Smitten at the upper entrance is the wooden trellis-work with axes; And now its carvings also with hatchet and adzes they smash.