The Aramaic Bible: Targums in their Historical Context

GROSSFELD Onqelos, Halakha and the Halakhic Midrashim 237
Onqelos is literal in his translation in the following two circumstances:
1. Where there is no dispute from sectarian groups, all of which
agree with the logic of the Halakhic interpretation.
2. Where no rabbinic controversy exists, the Halakha being
known to all, consequently no fear of error among the
masses.
Accordingly, Onqelos renders the following passages literally:
1. Exod. 21.24 reason 1
2. Deut. 25.11— —reason 1
3. Exod. 21.29- —reason 1
4. Lev. 22.13- —reason 2
5. Deut. 25.5— —reason 2
6. Deut. 25.9— —reason 2
7. Deut. 25.6— '—reason 2
Even Adler's theory is not without loopholes. These were pointed
out by P. Churgin 33 whose own hypothesis is here summarized in
order to bring the background information of the already published
literature on this subject to a close. According to Churgin, no conscious
selective process existed in Onqelos by which the Halakha was
reflected in some verses and not in others.
All this happened coincidentally as part and parcel of the developmental
stages in this Targum, which did not appear completed and
perfected in all its aspects at one particular time. Rather, it was subject
to critical analysis and to shaping as well as to perfection and completion
by scholars of various generations until its final completion in late
Tannaitic times. These critics made additions, deletions, and changes
in order to make it more comprehensible to the masses. It was, after
all, for their sakes that it was created in the first place.
The changes were necessitated by the fluctuating needs of the masses
at various times. According to Churgin, there is no doubt that Onqelos
in its original form was basically a literal translation of scripture for
the masses who were unable to understand its language. However, it
gradually became obvious that it was impossible to translate without
explanations, as literal translations could and would at times lead to
erroneous interpretations by the masses of the meaning of a verse.
33. For which see his article oftpnN nirira nr^nn :ma»i ipnn, Talpiyoth 2
(1945^16), pp. 417-30, especially 421-22.