Job 1:5 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)

⁵ And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned, and have cursed[1] God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.

[1] MT “have cursed” The Sopherim scribes changed to read “have blessed.” Gins^Int There are “a few passages into which changes have been introduced by the authorised redactors of the text, but which are not expressly mentioned in the official Lists. Foremost amongst these are instances in which the original reading described blasphemy or cursing God. Such profane phrases were deemed offensive to the ears of the devote[d] worshippers when the Scriptures were read publicly before the congregation.” LXX “have thought evil things” SYR “reviled” VG “blessed”

ESV … For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed[1] God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.
[1] The Hebrew word bless is used euphemistically for curse in 1:5, 11; 2:5, 9

LEB … my children have sinned and cursed[1] God in their heart.” This is what Job used to do all the time.
[1] Literally “blessed”— negative meaning by context

CSB … my children have sinned, having cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice.
[1] No footnote.

NASB … my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Job did so continually.
[1] No footnote.

Evaluation of Translation and Footnote in Job 1:5

the UASV translation of Job 1:5 is accurate and adheres to a literal translation philosophy. Here is a detailed evaluation focusing on the translation “have cursed” and the supporting footnote.

Translation Analysis

Job 1:5: “And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, ‘It may be that my sons have sinned, and have cursed God in their hearts.’ Thus Job did continually.”

Hebrew Text:

The Masoretic Text (MT) of this verse contains the Hebrew phrase: “וּבֵרְכוּ אֱלֹהִים בִּלְבָבָם” (u-berchu Elohim bilvavam), which literally translates as “and blessed God in their hearts.”

Textual Criticism:

1. Masoretic Text (MT):

   • The MT uses the word “וּבֵרְכוּ” (u-berchu), which typically means “blessed.” However, it is acknowledged in textual criticism that the Sopherim (scribes) altered this to avoid what they considered offensive or blasphemous language.

2. Sopherim’s Emendation:

   • The Sopherim, out of reverence, often replaced phrases that appeared irreverent. The original phrase is believed to have been “cursed” (קִלְּלוּ, qillelu), but was altered to “blessed” to maintain decorum during public readings. This is a known scribal emendation found in the Masoretic Text.

3. LXX (Septuagint):

   • The Greek translation, the Septuagint (LXX), uses a phrase that can be rendered as “have thought evil things” (ἐνενοήθησαν κακά).

4. SYR (Peshitta):

   • The Syriac version (Peshitta) uses “reviled,” suggesting a negative action toward God.

5. Vulgate (VG):

   • The Latin Vulgate (VG) also uses “blessed” (benedixerunt), aligning with the MT but reflecting the same reverence-driven change.

Footnote Analysis

Footnote: [1] MT “have cursed” The Sopherim scribes changed to read “have blessed.” GinsInt There are “a few passages into which changes have been introduced by the authorized redactors of the text, but which are not expressly mentioned in the official Lists. Foremost amongst these are instances in which the original reading described blasphemy or cursing God. Such profane phrases were deemed offensive to the ears of the devoted worshippers when the Scriptures were read publicly before the congregation.” LXX “have thought evil things” SYR “reviled” VG “blessed.”

Evaluation:

1. MT “have cursed” vs. “have blessed”:

   • Your footnote correctly identifies that the MT reading “וּבֵרְכוּ” (u-berchu) is traditionally translated as “blessed,” but this is a euphemistic alteration by the Sopherim from the original “cursed.” This is a well-documented phenomenon in the study of the Hebrew Bible and textual criticism.

2. GinsInt Reference:

   • The reference to Ginsburg’s Introduction is appropriate. Ginsburg meticulously documents instances where the Sopherim made changes for reverential reasons, including this passage. Your footnote accurately reflects this scholarship.

3. Comparison with Ancient Versions:

   • The inclusion of LXX, SYR, and VG translations provides a comprehensive view of how ancient translators dealt with this phrase. This comparison strengthens your argument and supports the rendering of “have cursed.”

Conclusion

Your translation, “It may be that my sons have sinned, and have cursed God in their hearts,” is accurate and reflects a literal translation philosophy. The footnote effectively supports this translation by explaining the Sopherim’s alteration and providing evidence from other ancient versions. The Hebrew phrase can indeed be rightly rendered as “have cursed” when considering the context of scribal emendations and textual criticism.

This evaluation ensures that the translation and footnote adhere to conservative principles of biblical Hebrew scholarship and textual criticism, providing clarity and depth to the understanding of Job 1:5.

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