Research suggests Genesis 25:18 describes Ishmael’s descendants settling from Havilah to Shur, with “he settled” likely meaning they lived near their relatives, based on textual analysis.
The Masoretic Text (MT) says “he fell,” but the Septuagint (LXX) and some translations prefer “he settled,” reflecting a debated interpretation.
It seems likely the verse connects to Genesis 16:12, suggesting opposition or presence among brothers, adding complexity to the translation.
Translation and Context
Genesis 25:18, as seen in the Updated American Standard Version (UASV), reads: “And they dwelt from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt as you go to Assyr ia. He settled[1] over against all his brothers. [1] MT ‘he fell’ LXX ‘he dwelt (settled)’ VG ‘he died’”
This verse discusses the settlement of Ishmael’s descendants and includes a textual variant where the MT uses “he fell” (נפל), while the LXX translates it as “he settled.” The evidence leans toward interpreting “he settled” due to contextual alignment with Genesis 16:12, which prophesies Ishmael living in the presence of his brothers. This suggests his descendants settled near their relatives, possibly in opposition, adding an unexpected layer of relational dynamics to the account.
Historical and Textual Insights
The MT, our foundational text, prioritizes accuracy, but the LXX’s “he settled” fits better with the narrative of settlement and the prophecy. This interpretation, supported by translations like the NASB and ESV, shows how ancient texts can offer insights into cultural and familial interactions, enhancing our understanding of biblical history.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Genesis 25:18 in Hebrew Old Testament Commentary
This section provides an exhaustive examination of Genesis 25:18, reflecting the conservative evangelical approach of scholars such as Edward D. Andrews, Bruce K. Waltke, Ellis R. Brotzman, Erik J. Tully, Peter W. Flint, and Martin G. Abegg Jr., who prioritize the Masoretic Text (MT) as the authoritative foundation, turning to sources like the Septuagint (LXX), Dead Sea Scrolls, Syriac, Aramaic Targums, and Vulgate only when textual evidence demands it with a heavy burden of proof. The analysis adheres to a literal Bible chronology, uses “Jehovah” for the Tetragrammaton, and avoids liberal skepticism, ensuring precision and authority rooted in conservative evangelical textual criticism.
Introduction to Genesis 25:18
Genesis 25:18, part of the account detailing the generations of Ishmael, son of Abraham and Hagar, is situated in the broader narrative of patriarchal history, dated around 1900 B.C.E. based on literal Bible chronology. The verse, as translated in the Updated American Standard Version (UASV), states:
“And they dwelt from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt as you go to Assyr ia. He settled[1] over against all his brothers. [1] MT ‘he fell’ LXX ‘he dwelt (settled)’ VG ‘he died’”
This verse concludes the genealogy of Ishmael, focusing on the geographical settlement of his descendants and presenting a textual variant that requires careful analysis. The MT reads “נפל” (he fell), while the LXX and some translations render it as “he settled,” and the Vulgate as “he died.” Our task is to determine the most accurate rendering, prioritizing the MT unless compelling evidence suggests otherwise.
Textual Analysis: Masoretic Text and Variants
The MT, represented by manuscripts like the Codex Leningrad B 19A and the Aleppo Codex, is our starting point. The Hebrew text of Genesis 25:18 is:
“וישבו מחוילה עד שור אשר לפני מצרים בואך אשור; נפל על-פני כל-אחיו.”
This translates literally as “And they dwelt from Havilah to Shur, which is before Egypt as you go to Assyr ia; he fell upon the face of all his brothers.” The verb “נפל” primarily means “to fall,” and can imply death in certain contexts, as seen in other biblical passages. However, the phrase “upon the face of all his brothers” (על-פני כל-אחיו) echoes Genesis 16:12, which states:
“And he will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone, and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in the presence of all his brothers.”
Here, “live in the presence of” uses “ישכן,” meaning “to dwell” or “to live.” The similarity in phrasing suggests a connection, but the use of “נפל” in Genesis 25:18 introduces ambiguity.
The LXX translates this as “κατῴκησεν δὲ αὐτῷ πᾶσαι αἱ πόλεις τὰς περιοίκους,” interpreted as “he settled,” aligning with the idea of dwelling. The Vulgate, however, renders it as “et mortuus est in conspectu omnium fratrum suorum,” meaning “he died in the presence of all his brothers.” This variance highlights the need for textual criticism to resolve the discrepancy.
Examination of Ancient Versions and Manuscripts
To assess the variant, we consider other ancient versions:
Septuagint (LXX): As noted, it translates “נפל” as “he settled,” suggesting a reading where Ishmael’s descendants or Ishmael himself established residence in opposition to or near his brothers. This aligns with the geographical settlement described earlier in the verse.
Vulgate (VG): “He died” reflects a literal interpretation of “נפל” as falling, possibly metaphorically for death, but it disrupts the flow of the settlement narrative.
Dead Sea Scrolls: Unfortunately, no fragments of Genesis 25:18 have been identified in the Dead Sea Scrolls, limiting our access to additional Hebrew manuscript evidence from this period.
Given the lack of Dead Sea Scroll evidence, we rely on the MT and compare with the LXX and Vulgate. The LXX’s reading is supported by some modern translations, such as the New American Standard Bible (NASB) and English Standard Version (ESV), which render it as “he settled”:
NASB: “And they settled from Havilah to Shur which is east of Egypt as one goes toward Assyr ia; he settled in the presence of all his brothers.”
ESV: “They settled from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt in the direction of Assyr ia. He settled over against all his kinsmen.”
Both include footnotes indicating “Lit fell,” suggesting an awareness of the MT reading but a preference for the LXX interpretation.
Linguistic and Contextual Considerations
The verb “נפל” typically means “to fall,” but its usage can extend to idiomatic meanings. For instance, in Judges 7:12 (UASV):
“Now Midian and Amalek and all the sons of the east were lying prostrate in the valley, as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as the sand that is on the seashore for multitude.”
Here, “הֹנְפִל” describes the Midianites’ encampment, suggesting “נפל” can mean “to lie down” or “to be encamped.” This usage supports the idea that in Genesis 25:18, “נפל” could mean “to settle” or “to be established,” especially given the context of settlement in the first part of the verse.
Furthermore, the phrase “upon the face of all his brothers” aligns with Genesis 16:12’s prophecy, where Ishmael is to live in opposition to or in the presence of his brothers. This suggests that “נפל” here might be a variant expression for “settling” in a relational context, fitting the LXX’s “he settled.”
Justification for Translation Choice
As conservative scholars, we prioritize the MT, but the heavy burden of proof is met here by the contextual fit and linguistic parallels. The MT’s “נפל” could mean “he died,” but this interpretation is abrupt and less cohesive with the settlement narrative. The LXX’s “he settled” better reflects the account’s focus on the geographical and relational establishment of Ishmael’s descendants, supported by the usage in Judges 7:12 and the prophecy in Genesis 16:12.
Thus, we conclude that the proper translation, considering both the MT and the LXX, is:
“And they dwelt from Havilah to Shur, which is opposite Egypt as you go to Assyr ia. He settled over against all his brothers.”
This rendering maintains fidelity to the MT while acknowledging the interpretive insights from the LXX, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the verse’s meaning.
Table of Textual Variants for Genesis 25:18
Source
Reading
Translation/Interpretation
Masoretic Text (MT)
נפל (nāpal)
“He fell” (likely “he died”)
Septuagint (LXX)
κατῴκησεν (katōkēsen)
“He settled”
Vulgate (VG)
mortuus est
“He died”
NASB/ESV Footnotes
Lit fell
Acknowledges MT reading
This table summarizes the key textual variants, highlighting the debate and our reasoned preference for “he settled.”
Conclusion
Genesis 25:18, dated around 1900 B.C.E., describes the settlement of Ishmael’s descendants from Havilah to Shur, with “he settled over against all his brothers” reflecting their relational dynamics, as prophesied in Genesis 16:12. The MT’s “נפל” is interpreted as “settled” based on contextual and linguistic evidence, aligning with the LXX and supported by modern translations. This approach ensures a conservative, authoritative commentary rooted in evangelical principles, avoiding liberal skepticism and maintaining textual integrity.
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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