Translating Anger in the Bible: The Case of παροξύνω

The language of 1 Corinthians is heavily influenced by the Septuagint, which is the source of all the scriptural quotations included in the letter. In 1Cor 13:4–5 it appears also the verb παροξύνεται, in a framework of somewhat unusual words, both for Paul and for early Christian writings in general. In fact, they recall the language of Jewish Greek authors. To better understand these choices, this contribution analyses the verb παροξύνω in the Septuagint, showing as in a variety of contexts it translates different Hebrew words anc concepts. The neutral meaning “to stimulate”, as known from the Greek literature, is absent from the Septuagint and the New Testament, and the verb has negative connotations. In the majority of cases, the verb is connected with anger or provocation, both divine and (less frequently) human, but also it appears in a few instances in which the notion of “sharpening” or “trembling” is meant. The Septuagint translators do not always seem to have applied the word consistently.