Terminology Tuesday

EMENDATIONS OF THE SCRIBESAn English translation of Heb. tiqqûnê sōp̱ĕrɩ̂m, which was used by the Masoretes to note particular biblical texts that had been corrected or emended by earlier scribes. These textual emendations often were minor changes, such as the omission or alteration of one or more consonants. The purpose for most emendations was to remove objectionable language referring to God. Various lists include seven, 11, or 18 texts (Gen. 18:22; Num. 11:15; 12:12; 1 Sam. 3:13; 2 Sam. 16:12; 20:1; 1 Kgs. 12:16; 2 Chr. 10:16; Jer. 2:11; Ezek. 8:17; Hos. 4:7; Hab. 1:12; Zech. 2:8 [MT 12]; Mal. 1:13; Ps. 106:20; Job 7:20, 32:3; Lam. 3:20).
Comparison with ancient translations suggests that some proposed emendations were genuine. Most, however, appear to be textual readings that arose to support later medieval exegesis. Scribes may have emended texts for theological reasons early in the process of textual transmission—from the 3rd century B.C.E. to the 1st century C.E. This emendation was not done systematically or comprehensively. Scholars have identified other instances—not found in these lists—that might reflect similar editorial work.
Bibliography. C. McCarthy, The Tiqqunê Sopherim. OBO 36 (Göttingen, 1981).STEPHEN ALAN REED

Reed, S. A. (2000). Emendations of the Scribes. In D. N. Freedman, A. C. Myers, & A. B. Beck (Eds.), Eerdmans dictionary of the Bible (p. 405). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.