Isaiah 9:6, NET Bible note

The Net Bible, first and second edition, has a footnote for Isaiah 9:6 that states, “There is great debate over the syntactical structure of the verse. No subject is indicated for the verb “he called.” If all the titles that follow are ones given to the king, then the subject of the verb must be indefinite, “one calls.” However, some have suggested that one to three of the titles that follow refer to God, not the king. For example, the traditional punctuation of the Hebrew text suggests the translation, “and the Extraordinary Strategist, the Mighty God calls his name, ‘Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’”

Does anyone know which Hebrew text has punctuation for the child being called these two names? I’m researching this verse and cannot find the source. Thank you.

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Comments

James Taylor

Does anyone know which Hebrew text has punctuation for the child being called these two names? I’m researching this verse and cannot find the source.

I'm not sure either, but considering not a single standard translation has that reading I personally wouldn't call it a "great debate".

James Taylor

which Hebrew text has punctuation

2. The Masoretic accentuation supports the position that there are four names.

Young, E. (1965). The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 1–18 (Vol. 1, p. 333). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Danny Parker

Not sure about Christian debate, but there appears to be Jewish debate about the passage. If you look around at Google you will see references to such. I did not pursue the topic to find the sources though. Don't know if a Jewish commentary or traditional Jewish resources would shed any light as I have none. I am assuming the Net is referring to traditional translation punctuation rather than Hebrew Masoretic punctuation which has none. It's a theological issue that then impacts translation / understanding. At least that seems like it to me.

Into Grace

Thanks to both of you for responding. There is a lot more to this verse than most realize. But I’m trying to avoid a theological debate. I’m not surprised that no one has verified the NET Bible’s claim. To their credit, they admit, “There is great debate over the syntactical structure of the verse.”

In Christ!

Danny Parker

For what its worth:

For a child has been born to us, a son given to us, and the authority is upon his shoulder, and the wondrous adviser, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, called his name, "the prince of peace." Tankak Stone Edition translation - Infuenced by Rashi (medieval rabbi of note) commentary on the passage

John Goldingay comments refer to the same sources for Catholic journal

The Catholic Biblical Quarterly

Vol. 61, No. 2 (April 1999), pp. 239-244

Page 239 of The Compound Name in Isaiah 9:5(6)