Texts in Conversation
Exodus 15 asks a rhetorical question comparing God to other gods. The Aramaic translation in Targum Onkelos replaces the question with a more direct declaration that avoids acknowledging the existence of other gods.
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Exodus 15:11
Hebrew Bible
10 But you blew with your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. 11 Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, fearful in praises, working wonders? 12 You stretched out your right hand, the earth swallowed them.
Date: 5th Century B.C.E. (Final composition) (based on scholarly estimates)
Source
Onkelos Exodus 15:11
Targum
10 You spoke by Your Word, the sea covered them, they sank like lead in the mighty waters. 11 Who is like You, O God, glorious in holiness, awesome in praises, doing wonders? 12 You lifted Your right hand, and the earth swallowed them.
Date: 100-200 C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
"... Our targumist substitutes this lengthy declaration for the 'Who is like You among the gods, Lord, who is like You ...' He avoids the notion that there are other gods. So, too, in Deuteronomy 33:9. Rashi translates eilim, 'gods,' as 'mighty.' Nachmanides and ibn Ezra state that the word refers to 'heavenly angels' ..."
Drazin, Israel, and Stanley M. Wagner
Onkelos on the Torah, Exodus: Understanding the Bible Text
(p. 91) Gefen, 2006
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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