Episode 87: Robert Alter - The Art of Translating the Bible

In "The Art of Bible Translation," Robert Alter offers a detailed explanation of his approach to translating the Hebrew Bible. He critiques existing translations, highlighting their shortcomings in capturing the stylistic nuances of the original Hebrew and the idiomatic qualities of English. Alter emphasizes the importance of attending to rhythm, repetition, and parallel structures in the text. He argues for a translation that is both faithful to the original and aesthetically pleasing in its English rendering. The book serves as a valuable guide for understanding Alter's translation project and the principles of literary translation more broadly.

In "The Idea of Biblical Poetry," James Kugel delves into the intricate world of Hebrew poetry, challenging conventional understandings of parallelism and its historical development. He meticulously examines the structure and meaning of biblical poems, demonstrating how their poetic forms contribute to their overall message. Kugel's work emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and cultural contexts of biblical poetry to grasp its true significance. He argues against simplistic interpretations that fail to account for the complexities of the poetic language and its evolution over time. The book offers a fresh perspective on biblical poetry, enriching our understanding of its literary artistry and theological depth. Kugel's scholarship has significantly influenced the field of biblical studies, prompting a more nuanced and sophisticated approach to the interpretation of Hebrew poetry.

Robert Alter's "The Art of Biblical Narrative" is a groundbreaking work that applies insights from literary criticism to the study of the Hebrew Bible. Alter analyzes the narrative techniques used in the biblical text, highlighting the artistry and complexity of the stories. He examines elements such as character development, plot structure, and the use of language to reveal the depth and sophistication of biblical narratives. The book has had a profound influence on biblical scholarship, encouraging a more literary and nuanced approach to interpreting the Bible. It remains a seminal work in the field, shaping how scholars and readers engage with biblical texts.