The Greek verb διορίζω appears in the Septuagint in contexts that involve acts of delimitation, distinction, and determination. While the core meaning of the verb suggests setting boundaries or defining limits, its precise function varies across different passages. This lecture aims to explore the semantic fields in which διορίζω is employed within the LXX, considering its usage in legal, geographical, and theological contexts.
A key focus will be the relationship between διορίζω and its Hebrew Vorlage, examining the underlying Hebrew terms it renders and the implications of these translation choices. Does the LXX use διορίζω consistently for particular Hebrew roots, or does its meaning shift depending on the broader literary and theological framework? By comparing occurrences in books such as Exodus, Leviticus, Joshua, Chronicles, Job, Isaiah, and Ezekiel, we will assess whether διορίζω reflects a standardized translation practice or if its deployment varies according to the translator's interpretative strategies. Furthermore, we will discuss how διορίζω functions within the broader linguistic system of the Septuagint. Does its usage align with classical Greek patterns, or does it take on specialized meanings shaped by its biblical context? Additionally, we will consider whether διορίζω carries any theological connotations in the LXX, particularly in passages where divine agency is involved in acts of separation or distinction.
By analyzing the use of διορίζω across multiple books, this study will contribute to our understanding of Septuagintal translation techniques and their impact on Greek biblical vocabulary. The findings will offer insights into how the LXX translators navigated issues of lexical equivalence, conceptual shifts, and theological nuance when rendering the Hebrew text into Greek.