Manuscript on the Translation of Exodus 3:14: 'I Will Be What I Will Be'

Manuscript on an 8" x 10" page, plus a sentence on the verso, concerning the translation of Exodus 3:14 ("I will be what I will be"). Dated circa 1850, this manuscript is central to a controversy surrounding Isaac Leeser's translation. The text presents four translations from the Septuagint, Vulgate, De Wette, Van Els, Allioli, and Dr. Philipson, followed by explanations drawing on sources including Philo. Found with Isaac Leeser's papers, the authorship is uncertain, but it might have been a communication from Rev. G. Poznanski of Beth Elohim to Leeser regarding their differing interpretations. The controversy is further documented in a four-page letter (Collection 20-1037) from Simha Hirsch to Leeser, dated November 4, 1850.

Associated People/Businesses

• LEESER, ISAAC

Geography

No geographic information available.

Subjects

• Bible. O.T. Exodus 3:14 -- Translations
• Bible. O.T. Exodus 3:14 -- Commentaries
• Judaism -- 19th century
• Biblical interpretation -- History -- 19th century
• Leeser, Isaac -- Controversies

Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Box 3, Folder 5