661 ISSN 1013-8471 Journal for Semitics 19/2 (2010) pp. 661-697 PLUMBING THE DEPTHS: SIDELIGHTS AND STRATEGIES OF THE MEDIEVAL CHRISTIAN ARAB TRANSLATORS * J.P. MONFERRER-SALA ABSTRACT The inquiry of the present paper has a twofold purpose: firstly, our aim is to explore some aspects of the textual, exegetical and lexical interest of some Arabic translations done by Christian Arab authors. Secondly, the aim is to examine those translation techniques and strategies exhibited in the texts used in this study through an analysis based on the narrative fragment provided by Ex 2:11-22, and the various ways in which this material can be used by Old Testament textual criticism. INTRODUCTION 1 The study of Arabic OT translations remains a field rarely addressed by specialists in Christian Arabic literature. 2 Similarly, Christian Arabic texts are still something of a Cinderella in OT textual criticism; they are seldom if ever used by OT textual scholars. Indeed, it has been claimed that “the value of the Arabic versions for textual criticism is slight”, 3 even though Arabic translations may not only provide valuable information with regard to the exegesis, reception history and interpretation of the OT, but also contribute to a better * This study belongs to the Research Project HUM2007-64961: “Study and Edition of the Greek-Arabic and Latin Biblical and Patristic MSS”, subsidized by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Culture. 1 Together with HT = Hebrew Text, the following abbreviations are used throughout the text: – Books: Grundriß I, II = Carl Brockelmann (1908, 1913 = 1999). Grundriß der vergleichenden Grammatik der semitischen Sprachen. 2 vols., Berlin: Reuther & Reichard (reed. Hildesheim – Zurich – New York: Georg Olms); ThS I, II = R. Payne Smith. 1879, 1901. Thesaurus syriacus, collegerunt Stephanus M. Quatremere et al., 2. Oxford: Clarendon Press. – MSS: Esc. Cod. 1857 = al- rith b. Sinn b. Sinb ’s Arabic translation; Leiden or. 2365 = Sa adyah al-Fayym’s Christian Arabic recension; MCA = Mingana Chr. Arab. 1; SA2 = Sinai Arabic 2; SA4 = Sinai Arabic 4; SJA = Sa adyah al-Fayym’s Judaeo-Arabic translation. 2 Cf. Samir Khalil Samir (2001:30). 3 Würthwein (1995:104).