Whether Dan. 9:27 Reads “Desolate” or “Desolator”
By J. H. W.
A QUESTION arises in the Bible-class concerning Dan. 9:27. The common version says “desolate,” while the margin says “desolator.” Which is correct? Ans. It will be noticed that the margin sometimes says “Heb.” and sometimes “or.” The former shows the literal reading of the original; the latter indicates that the translators did not consider the original definite; they thought it might be translated either way. This appears to be the case with the text. But we think there are good reasons for considering the marginal reading correct. The original word is an active participle, literally, the desolating, or (the one who) desolates. An instance of this form of expression in the Hebrew is found in 1 Sam. 9:19—the answer of Samuel to Saul—“I am the seer;” literally, “I am the [one] seeing.” To change this to the passive form would destroy the sense, and leave Saul’s question unanswered, as it would make Samuel say, “I am the [one] seen.” But the common rendering of Dan. 9:27, “desolate,” gives it in the passive form, which is contrary to the pointing in the Hebrew Bible. Being active, the one who desolates, or the desolator, must be the proper rendering. J. H. W.