<The> Syriac language of the Peshitta and old Syriac versions of Matthew syntactic structure, inner-syriac developments and translation technique

The aim of the present work is to make a contribution to the understanding of the inner workings of the Syriac language through a study of one important corpus written in that language. The book contains four chapters on aspects of Syriac syntax. In addition, a chapter on inner-Syriac developments — traceable owing to the fact that the Gospel of Matthew was translated several times and at different dates — and a chapter on the process of translation from Greek into Syriac are included as well. The analysis of the language of the Syriac versions of Matthew facilitates the use of these versions in textual criticism of the New Testament. Moreover, close study of these texts allows some light to be shed on the history of the text of the Gospel. THE SYRIAC LANGUAGE OF THE PESHITTA AND OLD SYRIAC VERSIONS OF MATTHEW CONTENTS Abbreviations and other conventions Preface Introduction I The Old Syriac and Peshitta versions of Matthew II Syntax of the nominal phrase III Syntax of the non-verbal clause IV Syntax of the ܐܝܬ clause V Verbal syntax VI Inner Syriac developments VII Syntax and translation technique Appendix: The non-verbal clauses contained in PCS of Matthew Bibliography Index of Authors Index of selected passages STUDIES IN SEMITIC LANGUAGES AND LINGUISTICS This linguistic description of Classical Syriac on the basis of a study of the early versions of the Gospel of Matthew makes a contribution to the understanding of Syriac and Semitic syntax as well as to questions of New Testament textual criticism.