The Karaite tradition of Arabic Bible translation

About this book

This volume deals with the medieval Karaite practice and concept of Arabic Bible translation. It is based on a linguistic analysis of Karaite versions of the Pentateuch written in Palestine during the tenth and eleventh centuries CE. Trends and tendencies in the Karaite translations are discussed in the light of individual Karaite statements on the art and purpose of Bible translation, and in comparison with Saadiah Gaon's translation methodology, in an attempt to reconstruct the possible origins and historical background of the Karaite translation tradition. The exegetical study is especially relevant to the Bible scholar and medieval philosopher, while the linguistic study will also interest the comparative Semitist, translation theorist and all those concerned with Judaeo-Arabic language and literature.