Isaiah 53:10-12, Part 8

This is a continuation of a consideration of the differences between the Masoretic text and the Septuagint, a translation of the Hebrew before Israel rejected Jesus as Messiah.  The final clause of the first verse under consideration follows:

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 53:10d (Tanakh) Table Isaiah 53:10d (NET) Isaiah 53:10d (NETS)

Isaiah 53:11a (Elpenor English)

and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand (בְּיָד֥וֹ). and the Lord’s purpose will be accomplished through him (yāḏ, בידו). And the Lord wishes to take away (ἀφελεῗν) the Lord also is pleased to take away (ἀφελεῖν) from

I had begun to consider other occurrences of forms ἀφαιρέω (Table) in Isaiah to get a feel for any potential relationship between ἀφελεῖν (a form of ἀφαιρέω) and בְּיָד֥וֹ (yāḏ).  Three of those occurrences also contain forms of יָד (yāḏ).  In the first under consideration יָדִי֙ was translated with a form of χείρ.

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 1:25 (Tanakh) Table Isaiah 1:25 (NET) Isaiah 1:25 (NETS)

Isaiah 1:25 (Elpenor English)

And I will turn my hand (יָדִי֙) upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away (וְאָסִ֖ירָה) all thy tin: I will attack you [Note 66: “turn my hand (yad, ידי) against you”]; I will purify your metal with flux.  I will remove (sûr, ואסירה) all your slag. And I will turn my hand (τὴν χεῗρά μου) against you and will burn you to bring about purity.  But the disobedient I will destroy, and I will remove (ἀφελῶ) from you all the lawless and humble all who are arrogant. And I will bring my hand (τὴν χεῖρά μου) upon thee, and purge thee completely, and I will destroy the rebellious, and will take away (ἀφελῶ) from thee all transgressors.

What stands out here are the two clauses in the Septuagint which are no longer found in the Masoretic text:

Isaiah 1:25 (Septuagint BLB) Isaiah 1:25 (NETS) Isaiah 1:25 (Elpenor)

Isaiah 1:25 (Elpenor English)

τοὺς δὲ ἀπειθοῦντας ἀπολέσω But the disobedient I will destroy, τοὺς δὲ ἀπειθοῦντας ἀπολέσω and I will destroy the rebellious,
καὶ πάντας ὑπερηφάνους ταπεινώσω and humble all who are arrogant. καὶ πάντας ὑπηφάνους ταπεινώσω n/a

I considered the first of these clauses in another essay.  The second clause had ὑπερηφάνους (a form of ὑπερήφανος) in the BLB Septuagint translated who are arrogant, and ὑπηφάνους in the Elpenor Septuagint where the clause was not translated into English.  I didn’t find ὑπηφάνους listed in the Koine Greek Lexicon I’ve been using either.  It is found, however, in the Old Testament Septuagint on The Orthodox Pages online, translated the proud, and the clause reads: and humble all the proud.

He has demonstrated power with his arm; he has scattered those whose pride wells up (ὑπερηφάνους, a form of ὑπερήφανος) from the sheer arrogance of their hearts,[1] Mary said.  Paul included ὑπερηφάνους (arrogant) in a list describing those who had been given over to a depraved mind because they did not see fit to acknowledge God,[2] and in another list describing people Timothy should avoid.[3]  Both James and Peter quoted the proverb, God opposes the proud (ὑπερηφάνοις, another form of ὑπερήφανος), but he gives grace to the humble.[4]

So God will turn [his] hand (τὴν χεῗρά μου) against (ἐπὶ) youand humble all who are arrogant[5] so that He may give grace to the humble, those who were formerly arrogant.  It is better to be humbled by God than by someone less loving, less kind, less gentle.  Given my background I think even the rebellious—and I will destroy the rebellious—should prefer to be destroyed by God lest their ignorance and unbelief keep them fleeing from Him in terror: The person who does not love does not know God because God is love.[6]

My own experience of his love led to the following insight:

Now I realize that Dan the atheist who did not hear Jesus was destroyed and thus removed from the people only to be replaced by Dan the believer who hears Jesus and lives to know Him better.

Peter the ignorant unbeliever who denied even knowing the crucified Christ was also destroyed and thus removed from the people only to be replaced by Peter the Apostle who proclaimed this Gospel message (Acts 3:11-26) to all who would hear.[7]

I willpurely purge away thy dross (Tanakh) seems to be a metaphor unpacked in the Septuagint: Iwill burn you to bring about purity (BLB), I willpurge thee completely (Elpenor).  The Greek word translated will burn was πυρώσω (a form of πυρόω).  Peter wrote (2 Peter 3:10-13 NET):

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; when it comes, the heavens will disappear with a horrific noise, and the celestial bodies will melt away in a blaze, and the earth and every deed done on it will be laid bare.  Since all these things are to melt away in this manner, what sort of people must you be, conducting your lives in holiness and godliness [Table], while waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God?  Because of this day, the heavens will be burned up (πυρούμενοι, another form of πυρόω) and dissolve, and the celestial bodies will melt away in a blaze!  But, according to his promise, we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness truly resides.

One of the meanings of πυρόω is “to test by fire; be fire-tested.”  Peter chose a related noun πυρώσει (a form of πύρωσις) when he wrote: Dear friends, do not be astonished that a trial (πειρασμὸν, a form of πειρασμός) by fire (πυρώσει, a form of πύρωσις) is occurring among you, as though something strange were happening to you.[8]  As he had written earlier (1 Peter 1:6, 7 NET):

This brings you great joy, although you may have to[9] suffer for a short time in various trials (πειρασμοῖς, another form of πειρασμός).  Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable[10] than gold—gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away—and will bring praise and glory[11] and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

I willtake away (וְאָסִ֖ירָה) all thy tin (Tanakh) also seems like a metaphor explained in the Septuagint: I will remove (ἀφελῶ) from you all the lawless (NETS), Iwill take away (ἀφελῶ) from thee all transgressors (English Elpenor).  The Greek word translated lawless and transgressors was ἀνόμους (a form of ἄνομος).  I tell you, Jesus told his disciples, that this scripture must[12] be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted with the transgressors (ἀνόμων, another form of ἄνομος).’  For what is written about[13] me is being fulfilled.[14]

I grow more and more impatient for Jesus to remove the lawless old human, to take away that transgressor from me, since my own efforts to lay aside (ἀποθέσθαι, a form of ἀποτίθημι) the (τὸν, a form of ) old (παλαιὸν, a form of παλαιός) man (ἄνθρωπον, a form of ἄνθρωπος) are a daily stopgap at best (Ephesians 4:22-24 NET).

You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.

All in all, I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin[15] sounds like something anyone who loves the Lord would want and appreciate, if dross and tin are understood as the sin and ungodliness within us.  To hear: I will turn my hand against you and will burn you to bring about purity.  But the disobedient I will destroy, and I will remove from you all the lawless and humble all who are arrogant[16] with the same sense of desirability and appreciation may require more daily experience of Christ’s death and resurrection.  Jesus said (Luke 9:23, 24 NET):

If anyone wants to become[17] my follower, he must deny[18] himself, take up his cross daily,[19] and follow me.  For whoever[20] wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it.

This may help explain why so much of this verse is missing from the Masoretic text.  I’ll take another look at Isaiah 10:13 next.

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 10:13 (Tanakh) Table Isaiah 10:13 (NET) Isaiah 10:13, 14a (NETS)

Isaiah 10:13, 14a (Elpenor English)

For he saith, By the strength of my hand (יָדִי֙) I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed (וְאָסִ֣יר) the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man: For [the King of Assyria] says: “By my strong hand (yad, ידי) I have accomplished this, by my strategy that I devised.  I invaded the territory of nations [Note 26: “removed (sûr, ואסיר) the borders of nations”] and looted their storehouses.  Like a mighty conqueror, I brought down rulers. For he said: “By my strength I will do it, and by the wisdom of my understanding I will remove (ἀφελῶ) the boundaries of nations, and I will plunder their strength. (14) And I will shake inhabited cities For he said, I will act in strength, and in the wisdom of [my] understanding I will remove (ἀφελῶ) the boundaries of nations, and will spoil their strength. (14) And I will shake the inhabited cities:

Here is one more example of a form of יָד (yad) and a form of ἀφαιρέω occurring in the same verse in Isaiah.

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 20:2 (Tanakh) Table Isaiah 20:2 (NET) Isaiah 20:2 (NETS)

Isaiah 20:2 (Elpenor English)

At the same time spake the LORD by (בְּיַד) Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose (וּפִתַּחְתָּ֚) the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot.  And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. At that time the Lord announced through (yad, ביד) [Note 2: “spoke by the hand of”] Isaiah son of Amoz: “Go, remove (pāṯaḥ,  ופתחת) the sackcloth from your waist and take your sandals off your feet.”  He did as instructed and walked around in undergarments and barefoot. then the Lord spoke to (πρὸς) Esaias, saying, “Go, and take off (ἄφελε) the sackcloth from your loins, and untie your sandals off your feet,” and he did so, walking naked and barefoot. then the Lord spoke to (πρὸς) Esaias the son of Amos, saying, Go and take the sackcloth off (ἄφελε) thy loins, and loose thy sandals from off thy feet, and do thus, going naked and barefoot.

In the first example יָדִי֙ (yad) was translated τὴν χεῖρά μου and וְאָסִ֖ירָה (sûr) was translated ἀφελῶ (a form of ἀφαιρέω).  In the second example יָדִי֙ (yad), if it occurred in the manuscript the rabbis used, was not translated at all and וְאָסִ֣יר (sûr) was translated ἀφελῶ (a form of ἀφαιρέω) again.  Here, בְּיַד (yad) may have been translated πρὸς and וּפִתַּחְתָּ֚ (pāṯaḥ) was translated ἄφελε (a form of ἀφαιρέω).  None of these examples leads me to a conclusion that בְּיָד֥וֹ (yāḏ) was translated ἀφελεῖν (a form of ἀφαιρέω) in the last clause of Isaiah 53:10.

I’ll continue to consider examples of forms of ἀφαιρέω in Isaiah in another essay.

According to a note (9) in the NET James 4:6 is a quotation of Proverbs 3:34.  A table comparing the Greek of James’ quotation with that of the Septuagint follows:

James 4:6b (NET Parallel Greek)

Proverbs 3:34 (Septuagint BLB)

Proverbs 3:34 (Septuagint Elpenor)

θεὸς ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν κύριος ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται ταπεινοῗς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν Κύριος ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν

James 4:6b (NET)

Proverbs 3:34 (NETS)

Proverbs 3:34 (English Elpenor)

God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble. The Lord resists the arrogant, but gives grace to the humble. The Lord resists the proud; but he gives grace to the humble.

According to a note (9) in the NET 1 Peter 5:5 is a quotation of Proverbs 3:34.  A table comparing the Greek of Peter’s quotation with that of the Septuagint follows:

1 Peter 5:5b (NET Parallel Greek)

Proverbs 3:34 (Septuagint BLB)

Proverbs 3:34 (Septuagint Elpenor)

[] θεὸς ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν κύριος ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται ταπεινοῗς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν Κύριος ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν

1 Peter 5:5b (NET)

Proverbs 3:34 (NETS)

Proverbs 3:34 (English Elpenor)

God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. The Lord resists the arrogant, but gives grace to the humble. The Lord resists the proud; but he gives grace to the humble.

According to a note (98) in the NET Luke 22:37 is a quotation of Isaiah 53:12.  A table comparing the Greek of Jesus’ quotation with that of the Septuagint follows:

Luke 22:37b (NET Parallel Greek)

Isaiah 53:12d (Septuagint BLB) Table

Isaiah 53:12d (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ μετὰ ἀνόμων ἐλογίσθη καὶ ἐν τοῗς ἀνόμοις ἐλογίσθη καὶ ἐν τοῖς ἀνόμοις ἐλογίσθη

Luke 22:37b (NET)

Isaiah 53:12d (NETS)

Isaiah 53:12d (English Elpenor)

And he was counted with the transgressors. and he was reckoned among the lawless and he was numbered among the transgressors

Tables comparing Proverbs 3:34 in the Tanakh, KJV and NET, and comparing the Greek of Proverbs 3:34 in the Septuagint (BLB and Elpenor), and tables comparing 1 Peter 5:5; 1:6, 7; Luke 22:37 and 9:23, 24 in the NET and KJV follow.

Proverbs 3:34 (Tanakh)

Proverbs 3:34 (KJV)

Proverbs 3:34 (NET)

Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. With arrogant scoffers he is scornful, yet he shows favor to the humble.

Proverbs 3:34 (Septuagint BLB)

Proverbs 3:34 (Septuagint Elpenor)

κύριος ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται ταπεινοῗς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν Κύριος ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν

Proverbs 3:34 (NETS)

Proverbs 3:34 (English Elpenor)

The Lord resists the arrogant, but gives grace to the humble. The Lord resists the proud; but he gives grace to the humble.

1 Peter 5:5 (NET)

1 Peter 5:5 (KJV)

In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders.  And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder.  Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

Ὁμοίως, νεώτεροι, ὑποτάγητε πρεσβυτέροις· πάντες δὲ ἀλλήλοις τὴν ταπεινοφροσύνην ἐγκομβώσασθε, ὅτι [ὁ] θεὸς ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν ομοιως νεωτεροι υποταγητε πρεσβυτεροις παντες δε αλληλοις υποτασσομενοι την ταπεινοφροσυνην εγκομβωσασθε οτι ο θεος υπερηφανοις αντιτασσεται ταπεινοις δε διδωσιν χαριν ομοιως νεωτεροι υποταγητε πρεσβυτεροις παντες δε αλληλοις υποτασσομενοι την ταπεινοφροσυνην εγκομβωσασθε οτι ο θεος υπερηφανοις αντιτασσεται ταπεινοις δε διδωσιν χαριν

1 Peter 1:6, 7 (NET)

1 Peter 1:6, 7 (KJV)

This brings you great joy, although you may have to suffer for a short time in various trials. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

ἐν ᾧ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε, ὀλίγον ἄρτι εἰ δέον  λυπηθέντες ἐν ποικίλοις πειρασμοῖς εν ω αγαλλιασθε ολιγον αρτι ει δεον εστιν λυπηθεντες εν ποικιλοις πειρασμοις εν ω αγαλλιασθε ολιγον αρτι ει δεον εστιν λυπηθεντες εν ποικιλοις πειρασμοις
Such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold—gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away—and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

ἵνα τὸ δοκίμιον ὑμῶν τῆς πίστεως πολυτιμότερον χρυσίου τοῦ ἀπολλυμένου διὰ πυρὸς δὲ δοκιμαζομένου, εὑρεθῇ εἰς ἔπαινον καὶ δόξαν καὶ τιμὴν ἐν ἀποκαλύψει Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ ινα το δοκιμιον υμων της πιστεως πολυ τιμιωτερον χρυσιου του απολλυμενου δια πυρος δε δοκιμαζομενου ευρεθη εις επαινον και τιμην και δοξαν εν αποκαλυψει ιησου χριστου ινα το δοκιμιον υμων της πιστεως πολυ τιμιωτερον χρυσιου του απολλυμενου δια πυρος δε δοκιμαζομενου ευρεθη εις επαινον και τιμην και εις δοξαν εν αποκαλυψει ιησου χριστου

Luke 22:37 (NET)

Luke 22:37 (KJV)

For I tell you that this scripture must be fulfilled in me, ‘And he was counted with the transgressors.’  For what is written about me is being fulfilled.” For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν ὅτι τοῦτο τὸ γεγραμμένον δεῖ τελεσθῆναι ἐν ἐμοί, τό· καὶ μετὰ ἀνόμων ἐλογίσθη· καὶ γὰρ τὸ περὶ ἐμοῦ τέλος ἔχει λεγω γαρ υμιν οτι ετι τουτο το γεγραμμενον δει τελεσθηναι εν εμοι το και μετα ανομων ελογισθη και γαρ τα περι εμου τελος εχει λεγω γαρ υμιν οτι ετι τουτο το γεγραμμενον δει τελεσθηναι εν εμοι το και μετα ανομων ελογισθη και γαρ τα περι εμου τελος εχει

Luke 9:23, 24 (NET)

Luke 9:23, 24 (KJV)

Then he said to them all, If anyone wants to become my follower, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

Ἔλεγεν δὲ πρὸς πάντας· εἴ τις θέλει ὀπίσω μου ἔρχεσθαι, ἀρνησάσθω ἑαυτὸν καὶ ἀράτω τὸν σταυρὸν αὐτοῦ καθ᾿ ἡμέραν καὶ ἀκολουθείτω μοι ελεγεν δε προς παντας ει τις θελει οπισω μου ελθειν απαρνησασθω εαυτον και αρατω τον σταυρον αυτου καθ ημεραν και ακολουθειτω μοι ελεγεν δε προς παντας ει τις θελει οπισω μου ελθειν απαρνησασθω εαυτον και αρατω τον σταυρον αυτου και ακολουθειτω μοι
For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will save it. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.

NET Parallel Greek

Stephanus Textus Receptus

Byzantine Majority Text

ὃς γὰρ ἂν θέλῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ σῶσαι ἀπολέσει αὐτήν· ὃς δ᾿ ἂν ἀπολέσῃ τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ ἕνεκεν ἐμοῦ οὗτος σώσει αὐτήν ος γαρ αν θελη την ψυχην αυτου σωσαι απολεσει αυτην ος δ αν απολεση την ψυχην αυτου ενεκεν εμου ουτος σωσει αυτην ος γαρ εαν θελη την ψυχην αυτου σωσαι απολεσει αυτην ος δ αν απολεση την ψυχην αυτου ενεκεν εμου ουτος σωσει αυτην

[1] Luke 1:51 (NET)

[2] Romans 1:28-31 NET

[3] 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NET)

[4] James 4:6b; 1 Peter 5:5b (NET)

[5] Isaiah 1:25 (NETS)

[6] 1 John 4:8 (NET)

[7] Peter’s Second Gospel Proclamation, Part 2

[8] 1 Peter 4:12 (NET)

[9] The NA28, Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had εἰ δέον ἐστίν (KJV: if need be) here, where the NET parallel Greek text had εἰ δέον.

[10] The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had πολυτιμότερον here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had πολυ τιμιωτερον (KJV: being much more precious).

[11] The Byzantine Majority Text had εις (e.g., “into, unto”) preceding glory.  The NET parallel Greek text, NA28 and Stephanus Textus Receptus did not.

[12] The Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ετι (KJV: yet) here.  The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 did not.

[13] The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had the article τὸ preceding what is written about, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had the article τα.

[14] Luke 22:37 (NET)

[15] Isaiah 1:25 (Tanakh)

[16] Isaiah 1:25 (NET)

[17] The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had ἔρχεσθαι here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had ελθειν (KJV: come).

[18] The NET parallel Greek text and NA28 had ἀρνησάσθω here, where the Stephanus Textus Receptus and Byzantine Majority Text had απαρνησασθω (KJV: let him deny).

[19] The NET parallel Greek text, NA28 and Stephanus Textus Receptus had καθ᾿ ἡμέραν here.  The Byzantine Majority Text did not.

[20] The NET parallel Greek text, NA28 and Stephanus Textus Receptus had ἂν here, where the Byzantine Majority Text had εαν.

Isaiah 53:10-12, Part 5

This is a continuation of a consideration of the differences between the Masoretic text and the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew before Israel rejected Jesus as Messiah.  The final clause of the first verse under consideration follows:

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 53:10d (Tanakh) Table Isaiah 53:10d (NET) Isaiah 53:10d (NETS)

Isaiah 53:11a (Elpenor English)

and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. and the Lord’s purpose will be accomplished through him. And the Lord wishes to take away the Lord also is pleased to take away from

I have been considering negative examples,[1] as follows:

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 20:2 (Tanakh) Isaiah 20:2 (NET) Isaiah 20:2 (NETS)

Isaiah 20:2 (Elpenor English)

At the same time spake the LORD by (בְּיַד) Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot.  And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. At that time the Lord announced through (yad, ביד) [Note 2: “spoke by the hand of”] Isaiah son of Amoz: “Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and take your sandals off your feet.”  He did as instructed and walked around in undergarments and barefoot. then the Lord spoke to (πρὸς) Esaias, saying, “Go, and take off the sackcloth from your loins, and untie your sandals off your feet,” and he did so, walking naked and barefoot. then the Lord spoke to (πρὸς) Esaias the son of Amos, saying, Go and take the sackcloth off thy loins, and loose thy sandals from off thy feet, and do thus, going naked and barefoot.

“By the hand of” Isaiah (yad, בְּיַד) in the Masoretic text is a self-conscious attribution of the literary source of the information passed through Isaiah.  Whether that self-consciousness was original and then subsequently ignored by the Greek translators, or a product of rethinking and revising the text, is more difficult to say.  I find myself arguing both ways with no clear advantage to either.  The word בְּיַד (yad) does appear to be in the Isaiah scroll found among the Dead Sea scrolls.

Rashi’s commentary is of no particular help here.  He engaged a more peripheral issue suited to medieval religious sensibilities,[2] asserting that וּפִתַּחְתָּ֚ (pāṯaḥ) meant you shall gird rather than and loose (Tanakh), remove (NET).  The rabbis’ choice ἄφελε (an imperative form of ἀφαιρέω)—“to separate, deduct, subtract; to remove, cut off, smite off; to strip off; to shift positions of; to deduct in advance and set apart (from the rest)”—entertained no such confusion in the Septuagint.

I’ll chase this negative example with a positive example, if for no other reason than to remind myself what it’s like when the Masoretic text and Septuagint agree.

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 22:21 (Tanakh) Isaiah 22:21 (NET) Isaiah 22:21 (NETS)

Isaiah 22:21 (Elpenor English)

And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand (בְּיָד֑וֹ): and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. I will put your robe on him, tie your belt around him, and transfer your authority to him (yad, בידו) [Note 51: “in his hand”].  He will become a protector of the residents of Jerusalem and of the people of Judah. and will clothe him with your robe and give him your crown, and I will give your power and office into his hands (εἰς τὰς χεῗρας αὐτοῦ), and he shall be as a father to those who dwell in Ierousalem and to those who dwell in Ioudas. and I will put on him thy robe, and I will grant him thy crown with power, and I will give thy stewardship into his hands (εἰς τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ): and he shall be as a father to them that dwell in Jerusalem, and to them that dwell in Juda.

The next negative example follows:

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 25:10 (Tanakh) Isaiah 25:10 (NET) Isaiah 25:10 (NETS)

Isaiah 25:10 (Elpenor English)

For in this mountain shall the hand (יַד) of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill. For the Lord’s power (yad, יד) [Note 23: “for the hand of the Lord”] will make this mountain secure.  Moab will be trampled down where it stands, as a heap of straw is trampled down in a manure pile. because God will give (δώσει) us rest on this mountain, and Moabitis shall be trodden down as they tread a threshing floor with wagons. God will give (δώσει) rest on this mountain, and the country of Moab shall be trodden down, as they tread the floor with waggons.

Rashi understood “For the hand of the Lord shall rest:” as “The might of the Omnipresent.”  It doesn’t seem to correspond to God will give rest (Elpenor) or God will give us rest (NETS).  It causes me to question whether יַד (yad) was the Hebrew word the rabbis sought to translate or explain in the Septuagint, though יַד (yad) does occur in the Isaiah scroll of the Dead Sea scrolls.

The positive example is the very next verse.

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 25:11 (Tanakh) Isaiah 25:11 (NET) Isaiah 25:11 (NETS)

Isaiah 25:11 (Elpenor English)

And he shall spread forth his hands (יָדָיו֙) in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands (יָדָֽיו). Moab will spread out its hands (yad, ידיו) in the middle of it, just as a swimmer spreads his hands to swim; the Lord will bring down Moab’s pride as it spreads its hands (yad, ידיו). And he will send forth his hands (τὰς χεῗρας αὐτοῦ), as he himself brought him low to destroy him, and he will bring low his pride—things on which he laid his hands (τὰς χεῗρας). And he shall spread forth his hands (τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ), even as he also brings down [man] to destroy [him]: and he shall bring low his pride [in regard to the thing] on which he has laid his hands (τὰς χεῖρας).

Clearly, when hands occurred in the Hebrew text the rabbis had no particular aversion to translating them hands in the Septuagint.  The next negative example follows.

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 29:23 (Tanakh) Isaiah 29:23 (NET) Isaiah 29:23 (NETS)

Isaiah 29:23 (Elpenor English)

But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands (יָדַ֛י), in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. For when they see their children, whom I will produce (yad, ידי) [Note 48: “the work of my hands”] among them, they will honor my name.  They will honor the Holy One of Jacob; they will respect the God of Israel. But when their children see my works (τὰ ἔργα μου), because of me they will sanctify my name; they will sanctify the Holy One of Iakob and will fear the God of Israel. But when their children shall have seen my works (τὰ ἔργα μου), they shall sanctify my name for my sake, and they sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.

Though יָדַ֛י (yad) occurs in the Isaiah scroll of the Dead Sea scrolls, it seems likely to me that the Masoretes wanted the children to be the work of mine hands (יָדַ֛י) as a rejoinder to Jesus (John 8:44 NET Table):

You people are from your father the devil, and you want to do what your father desires.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not uphold the truth because there is no truth in him.  Whenever he lies, he speaks according to his own nature because he is a liar and the father of lies.

This seems far more likely than the alternative idea that the rabbis found the children the work of mine hands (יָדַ֛י), dropped the word יָדַ֛י (yad) and made God’s works less specific.  It is possible perhaps that the rabbis translated יָדַ֛י (yad) δι᾽ ἐμὲ, because of me (NETS), for my sake (English Elpenor).  If that is the case, however, they didn’t understand יָדַ֛י (yad) here as of mine hands.  Rashi clearly understood “For, when he sees his children: who will be the work of My hands, i.e., righteous men.”

A nearby positive example follows.

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 31:3 (Tanakh) Isaiah 31:3 (NET) Isaiah 31:3 (NETS)

Isaiah 31:3 (Elpenor English)

Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit.  When the LORD shall stretch out his hand (יָד֗וֹ), both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together. The Egyptians are mere humans, not God; their horses are made of flesh, not spirit.  The Lord will strike with his hand (yad, ידו); the one who helps will stumble and the one being helped will fall.  Together they will perish. an Egyptian, a man and not God—the flesh of horses, and there is no help.  But the Lord will turn his hand (τὴν χεῗρα αὐτοῦ) against them, and those who help will grow weary, and they will all perish together. [even] an Egyptian, a man, and not God; the flesh of horses, and there is no help [in them]: but the Lord shall bring his hand (τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ) upon them, and the helpers shall fail, and all shall perish together.

The next negative example follows:

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 47:14 (Tanakh) Isaiah 47:14 (NET) Isaiah 47:14 (NETS)

Isaiah 47:14 (Elpenor English)

Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power (מִיַּ֣ד) of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. Look, they are like straw that the fire burns up; they cannot rescue themselves from the heat (yad, מיד) [Note 34: “hand”] of the flames.   There are no coals to warm them, no firelight to enjoy. See, they all will be burned like brushwood on a fire, and they will not deliver their soul from the flame (ἐκ φλογός); since you have coals of fire, sit on them— Behold, they all shall be burnt up as sticks in the fire; neither shall they at all deliver their life from the flame (ἐκ φλογός).  Because thou hast coals of fire, sit thou upon them;

The word מִיַּ֣ד is found in the Isaiah scroll of the Dead Sea scrolls.  It seems possible that the rabbis thought φλογός (a form of φλόξ) understood as a “blade (of fire)” was one Greek word to account for “hand” (מִיַּ֣ד) of the flame (לֶֽהָבָ֑ה).

The positive example follows:

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 48:13 (Tanakh) Isaiah 48:13 (NET) Isaiah 48:13 (NETS)

Isaiah 48:13 (Elpenor English)

Mine hand (יָדִי֙) also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand (וִֽימִינִ֖י) hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together. Yes, my hand (yad, ידי) founded the earth; my right hand (yāmîn, וימיני) spread out the sky.  I summon them; they stand together. And my hand ( χείρ μου) laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand ( δεξιά μου) bolstered heaven; I will call them, and they will stand together. My hand ( χείρ μου) also has founded the earth, and my right hand ( δεξιά μου) has fixed the sky: I will call them, and they shall stand together.

The final negative example I’ll consider in this essay follows:

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 50:11 (Tanakh) Isaiah 50:11 (NET) Isaiah 50:11 (NETS)

Isaiah 50:11 (Elpenor English)

Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled.  This shall ye have of mine hand (מִיָּדִי֙); ye shall lie down in sorrow. Look, all of you who start a fire and who equip yourselves with flaming arrows, walk in the light of the fire you started and among the flaming arrows you ignited!  This is what you will receive from me (yad, מידי): You will lie down in a place of pain. Look, all of you, kindle a fire, and make a flame stronger.  Walk by the light of your fire and by the flame you have kindled.  Because of me (δι᾽ ἐμὲ), these things came upon you; you shall lie down in sorrow. Behold, ye all kindle a fire, and feed a flame: walk in the light of your fire, and in the flame which ye have kindled.  This has happened to you for my sake (δι᾿ ἐμὲ); ye shall lie down in sorrow.

It seems possible that δι᾿ ἐμὲ was the Rabbis’ Greek translation of מִיָּדִי֙.  It just didn’t quite register as of mine hand, as Rashi understood it: “from My hand: shall this retribution come to you.”  Because of me (NETS) sounds quite close, while for my sake (English Elpenor) strays farther afield to my ear.  The word מִיָּדִי֙ does occur in the Isaiah scroll of the Dead Sea scrolls.

The final positive example for this essay follows:

Masoretic Text

Septuagint
Isaiah 50:2 (Tanakh) Isaiah 50:2 (NET) Isaiah 50:2 (NETS)

Isaiah 50:2 (Elpenor English)

Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer?  Is my hand (יָדִי֙) shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst. Why does no one challenge me when I come?  Why does no one respond when I call?  Is my hand (yad, ידי) too weak to deliver you?  Do I lack the power to rescue you?  Look, with a mere shout I can dry up the sea; I can turn streams into a desert, so the fish rot away and die from lack of water. Why was it that I came and no man was there?  I called, and there was none to answer?  Is not my hand ( χείρ μου) strong to deliver?  Or am I not strong to rescue?  Look, by my threat I will make the sea desolate, and the rivers I will make deserts, and their fish shall be dried up because there is no water, and they will die by thirst. Why did I come, and there was no man? [why] did I call, and there was none to hearken?  Is not my hand ( χείρ μου) strong to redeem? or can I not deliver? behold, by my rebuke I will dry up the sea, and make rivers a wilderness; and their fish shall be dried up because there is no water, and shall die for thirst.

I’ll continue with more of these negative and positive examples in another essay.

Tables comparing Isaiah 20:2; 22:21; 25:10; 25:11; 29:23; 31:3; 47:14; 48:13; 50:11 and 50:2 in the Tanakh, KJV and NET, and comparing Isaiah 20:2; 22:21; 25:10; 25:11; 29:23; 31:3; 47:14; 48:13; 50:11 and 50:2 in the Septuagint (BLB and Elpenor) follow.

Isaiah 20:2 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 20:2 (KJV)

Isaiah 20:2 (NET)

At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot.  And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot.  And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. At that time the Lord announced through Isaiah son of Amoz: “Go, remove the sackcloth from your waist and take your sandals off your feet.”  He did as instructed and walked around in undergarments and barefoot.

Isaiah 20:2 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 20:2 (Septuagint Elpenor)

τότε ἐλάλησεν κύριος πρὸς Ησαιαν λέγων πορεύου καὶ ἄφελε τὸν σάκκον ἀπὸ τῆς ὀσφύος σου καὶ τὰ σανδάλιά σου ὑπόλυσαι ἀπὸ τῶν ποδῶν σου καὶ ἐποίησεν οὕτως πορευόμενος γυμνὸς καὶ ἀνυπόδετος τότε ἐλάλησε Κύριος πρὸς ᾿Ησαΐαν υἱὸν ᾿Αμὼς λέγων· πορεύου καὶ ἄφελε τὸν σάκκον ἀπὸ τῆς ὀσφύος σου καὶ τὰ σανδάλιά σου ὑπόλυσαι ἀπὸ τῶν ποδῶν σου· καὶ ποίησον οὕτως πορευόμενος γυμνὸς καὶ ἀνυπόδετος

Isaiah 20:2 (NETS)

Isaiah 20:2 (English Elpenor)

then the Lord spoke to Esaias, saying, “Go, and take off the sackcloth from your loins, and untie your sandals off your feet,” and he did so, walking naked and barefoot. then the Lord spoke to Esaias the son of Amos, saying, Go and take the sackcloth off thy loins, and loose thy sandals from off thy feet, and do thus, going naked and barefoot.

Isaiah 22:21 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 22:21 (KJV)

Isaiah 22:21 (NET)

And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. I will put your robe on him, tie your belt around him, and transfer your authority to him.  He will become a protector of the residents of Jerusalem and of the people of Judah.

Isaiah 22:21 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 22:21 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἐνδύσω αὐτὸν τὴν στολήν σου καὶ τὸν στέφανόν σου δώσω αὐτῷ καὶ τὸ κράτος καὶ τὴν οἰκονομίαν σου δώσω εἰς τὰς χεῗρας αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔσται ὡς πατὴρ τοῗς ἐνοικοῦσιν ἐν Ιερουσαλημ καὶ τοῗς ἐνοικοῦσιν ἐν Ιουδα καὶ ἐνδύσω αὐτὸν τὴν στολήν σου καὶ τὸν στέφανόν σου δώσω αὐτῷ καὶ κράτος καὶ τὴν οἰκονομίαν σου δώσω εἰς τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἔσται ὡς πατὴρ τοῖς ἐνοικοῦσιν ἐν ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ καὶ τοῖς ἐνοικοῦσιν ἐν ᾿Ιούδᾳ

Isaiah 22:21 (NETS)

Isaiah 22:21 (English Elpenor)

and will clothe him with your robe and give him your crown, and I will give your power and office into his hands, and he shall be as a father to those who dwell in Ierousalem and to those who dwell in Ioudas. and I will put on him thy robe, and I will grant him thy crown with power, and I will give thy stewardship into his hands: and he shall be as a father to them that dwell in Jerusalem, and to them that dwell in Juda.

Isaiah 25:10 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 25:10 (KJV)

Isaiah 25:10 (NET)

For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill. For in this mountain shall the hand of the LORD rest, and Moab shall be trodden down under him, even as straw is trodden down for the dunghill. For the Lord’s power will make this mountain secure.  Moab will be trampled down where it stands, as a heap of straw is trampled down in a manure pile.

Isaiah 25:10 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 25:10 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ὅτι ἀνάπαυσιν δώσει ὁ θεὸς ἐπὶ τὸ ὄρος τοῦτο καὶ καταπατηθήσεται ἡ Μωαβῗτις ὃν τρόπον πατοῦσιν ἅλωνα ἐν ἁμάξαις ὅτι ἀνάπαυσιν δώσει ὁ Θεὸς ἐπὶ τὸ ὄρος τοῦτο, καὶ καταπατηθήσεται ἡ Μωαβῖτις, ὃν τρόπον πατοῦσιν ἅλωνα ἐν ἁμάξαις

Isaiah 25:10 (NETS)

Isaiah 25:10 (English Elpenor)

because God will give us rest on this mountain, and Moabitis shall be trodden down as they tread a threshing floor with wagons. God will give rest on this mountain, and the country of Moab shall be trodden down, as they tread the floor with waggons.

Isaiah 25:11 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 25:11 (KJV)

Isaiah 25:11 (NET)

And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands. And he shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them, as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth his hands to swim: and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands. Moab will spread out its hands in the middle of it, just as a swimmer spreads his hands to swim; the Lord will bring down Moab’s pride as it spreads its hands.

Isaiah 25:11 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 25:11 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἀνήσει τὰς χεῗρας αὐτοῦ ὃν τρόπον καὶ αὐτὸς ἐταπείνωσεν τοῦ ἀπολέσαι καὶ ταπεινώσει τὴν ὕβριν αὐτοῦ ἐφ᾽ ἃ τὰς χεῗρας ἐπέβαλεν καὶ ἀνήσει τὰς χεῖρας αὐτοῦ, ὃν τρόπον καὶ αὐτὸς ἐταπείνωσε τοῦ ἀπολέσαι, καὶ ταπεινώσει τὴν ὕβριν αὐτοῦ, ἐφ᾿ ἃ τὰς χεῖρας ἐπέβαλε

Isaiah 25:11 (NETS)

Isaiah 25:11 (English Elpenor)

And he will send forth his hands, as he himself brought him low to destroy him, and he will bring low his pride—things on which he laid his hands. And he shall spread forth his hands, even as he also brings down [man] to destroy [him]: and he shall bring low his pride [in regard to the thing] on which he has laid his hands.

Isaiah 29:23 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 29:23 (KJV)

Isaiah 29:23 (NET)

But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel. For when they see their children, whom I will produce among them, they will honor my name.  They will honor the Holy One of Jacob; they will respect the God of Israel.

Isaiah 29:23 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 29:23 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἀλλ᾽ ὅταν ἴδωσιν τὰ τέκνα αὐτῶν τὰ ἔργα μου δι᾽ ἐμὲ ἁγιάσουσιν τὸ ὄνομά μου καὶ ἁγιάσουσιν τὸν ἅγιον Ιακωβ καὶ τὸν θεὸν τοῦ Ισραηλ φοβηθήσονται ἀλλ᾿ ὅταν ἴδωσι τὰ τέκνα αὐτῶν τὰ ἔργα μου, δι᾿ ἐμὲ ἁγιάσουσιν τὸ ὄνομά μου καὶ ἁγιάσουσιν τὸν ἅγιον ᾿Ιακὼβ καὶ τὸν Θεὸν τοῦ ᾿Ισραὴλ φοβηθήσονται

Isaiah 29:23 (NETS)

Isaiah 29:23 (English Elpenor)

But when their children see my works, because of me they will sanctify my name; they will sanctify the Holy One of Iakob and will fear the God of Israel. But when their children shall have seen my works, they shall sanctify my name for my sake, and they sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.

Isaiah 31:3 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 31:3 (KJV)

Isaiah 31:3 (NET)

Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit.  When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together. Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit.  When the LORD shall stretch out his hand, both he that helpeth shall fall, and he that is holpen shall fall down, and they all shall fail together. The Egyptians are mere humans, not God; their horses are made of flesh, not spirit.  The Lord will strike with his hand; the one who helps will stumble and the one being helped will fall.  Together they will perish.

Isaiah 31:3 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 31:3 (Septuagint Elpenor)

Αἰγύπτιον ἄνθρωπον καὶ οὐ θεόν ἵππων σάρκας καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν βοήθεια ὁ δὲ κύριος ἐπάξει τὴν χεῗρα αὐτοῦ ἐπ᾽ αὐτούς καὶ κοπιάσουσιν οἱ βοηθοῦντες καὶ ἅμα πάντες ἀπολοῦνται Αἰγύπτιον ἄνθρωπον καὶ οὐ Θεόν, ἵππων σάρκας καὶ οὐκ ἔστι βοήθεια· ὁ δὲ Κύριος ἐπάξει τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ ἐπ᾿ αὐτούς, καὶ κοπιάσουσιν οἱ βοηθοῦντες, καὶ ἅμα πάντες ἀπολοῦνται

Isaiah 31:3 (NETS)

Isaiah 31:3 (English Elpenor)

an Egyptian, a man and not God—the flesh of horses, and there is no help.  But the Lord will turn his hand against them, and those who help will grow weary, and they will all perish together. [even] an Egyptian, a man, and not God; the flesh of horses, and there is no help [in them]: but the Lord shall bring his hand upon them, and the helpers shall fail, and all shall perish together.

Isaiah 47:14 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 47:14 (KJV)

Isaiah 47:14 (NET)

Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal to warm at, nor fire to sit before it. Look, they are like straw that the fire burns up; they cannot rescue themselves from the heat of the flames.   There are no coals to warm them, no firelight to enjoy.

Isaiah 47:14 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 47:14 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἰδοὺ πάντες ὡς φρύγανα ἐπὶ πυρὶ κατακαήσονται καὶ οὐ μὴ ἐξέλωνται τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτῶν ἐκ φλογός ὅτι ἔχεις ἄνθρακας πυρός κάθισαι ἐπ᾽ αὐτούς ἰδοὺ πάντες ὡς φρύγανα ἐπὶ πυρὶ κατακαυθήσονται καὶ οὐ μὴ ἐξέλωνται τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτῶν ἐκ φλογός· ὅτι ἔχεις ἄνθρακας πυρός, κάθισαι ἐπ᾿ αὐτούς

Isaiah 47:14 (NETS)

Isaiah 47:14 (English Elpenor)

See, they all will be burned like brushwood on a fire, and they will not deliver their soul from the flame; since you have coals of fire, sit on them— Behold, they all shall be burnt up as sticks in the fire; neither shall they at all deliver their life from the flame.  Because thou hast coals of fire, sit thou upon them;

Isaiah 48:13 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 48:13 (KJV)

Isaiah 48:13 (NET)

Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together. Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together. Yes, my hand founded the earth; my right hand spread out the sky.  I summon them; they stand together.

Isaiah 48:13 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 48:13 (Septuagint Elpenor)

καὶ ἡ χείρ μου ἐθεμελίωσεν τὴν γῆν καὶ ἡ δεξιά μου ἐστερέωσεν τὸν οὐρανόν καλέσω αὐτούς καὶ στήσονται ἅμα καὶ ἡ χείρ μου ἐθεμελίωσε τὴν γῆν, καὶ ἡ δεξιά μου ἐστερέωσε τὸν οὐρανόν. καλέσω αὐτούς, καὶ στήσονται ἅμα

Isaiah 48:13 (NETS)

Isaiah 48:13 (English Elpenor)

And my hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand bolstered heaven; I will call them, and they will stand together. My hand also has founded the earth, and my right hand has fixed the sky: I will call them, and they shall stand together.

Isaiah 50:11 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 50:11 (KJV)

Isaiah 50:11 (NET)

Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled.  This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled.  This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow. Look, all of you who start a fire and who equip yourselves with flaming arrows, walk in the light of the fire you started and among the flaming arrows you ignited!  This is what you will receive from me: You will lie down in a place of pain.

Isaiah 50:11 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 50:11 (Septuagint Elpenor)

ἰδοὺ πάντες ὑμεῗς πῦρ καίετε καὶ κατισχύετε φλόγα πορεύεσθε τῷ φωτὶ τοῦ πυρὸς ὑμῶν καὶ τῇ φλογί ᾗ ἐξεκαύσατε δι᾽ ἐμὲ ἐγένετο ταῦτα ὑμῗν ἐν λύπῃ κοιμηθήσεσθε ἰδοὺ πάντες ὑμεῖς πῦρ καίετε καὶ κατισχύετε φλόγα· πορεύεσθε τῷ φωτὶ τοῦ πυρὸς ὑμῶν καὶ τῇ φλογί, ᾗ ἐξεκαύσατε· δι᾿ ἐμὲ ἐγένετο ταῦτα ὑμῖν, ἐν λύπῃ κοιμηθήσεσθε.

Isaiah 50:11 (NETS)

Isaiah 50:11 (English Elpenor)

Look, all of you, kindle a fire, and make a flame stronger.  Walk by the light of your fire and by the flame you have kindled.  Because of me, these things came upon you; you shall lie down in sorrow. Behold, ye all kindle a fire, and feed a flame: walk in the light of your fire, and in the flame which ye have kindled.  This has happened to you for my sake; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

Isaiah 50:2 (Tanakh)

Isaiah 50:2 (KJV)

Isaiah 50:2 (NET)

Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer?  Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst. Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer?  Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst. Why does no one challenge me when I come?  Why does no one respond when I call?  Is my hand too weak to deliver you?  Do I lack the power to rescue you?  Look, with a mere shout I can dry up the sea; I can turn streams into a desert, so the fish rot away and die from lack of water.

Isaiah 50:2 (Septuagint BLB)

Isaiah 50:2 (Septuagint Elpenor)

τί ὅτι ἦλθον καὶ οὐκ ἦν ἄνθρωπος ἐκάλεσα καὶ οὐκ ἦν ὁ ὑπακούων μὴ οὐκ ἰσχύει ἡ χείρ μου τοῦ ῥύσασθαι ἢ οὐκ ἰσχύω τοῦ ἐξελέσθαι ἰδοὺ τῇ ἀπειλῇ μου ἐξερημώσω τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ θήσω ποταμοὺς ἐρήμους καὶ ξηρανθήσονται οἱ ἰχθύες αὐτῶν ἀπὸ τοῦ μὴ εἶναι ὕδωρ καὶ ἀποθανοῦνται ἐν δίψει τί ὅτι ἦλθον καὶ οὐκ ἦν ἄνθρωπος; ἐκάλεσα καὶ οὐκ ἦν ὁ ὑπακούων; μὴ οὐκ ἰσχύει ἡ χείρ μου τοῦ ῥύσασθαι ἢ οὐκ ἰσχύω τοῦ ἐξελέσθαι; ἰδοὺ τῇ ἀπειλῇ μου ἐξερημώσω τὴν θάλασσαν καὶ θήσω ποταμοὺς ἐρήμους, καὶ ξηρανθήσονται οἱ ἰχθύες αὐτῶν ἀπὸ τοῦ μὴ εἶναι ὕδωρ καὶ ἀποθανοῦνται ἐν δίψει

Isaiah 50:2 (NETS)

Isaiah 50:2 (English Elpenor)

Why was it that I came and no man was there?  I called, and there was none to answer?  Is not my hand strong to deliver?  Or am I not strong to rescue?  Look, by my threat I will make the sea desolate, and the rivers I will make deserts, and their fish shall be dried up because there is no water, and they will die by thirst. Why did I come, and there was no man? [why] did I call, and there was none to hearken?  Is not my hand strong to redeem? or can I not deliver? behold, by my rebuke I will dry up the sea, and make rivers a wilderness; and their fish shall be dried up because there is no water, and shall die for thirst.