“Exactly the Same Way the Words are Said in the Greek Language”: Three Sixth-Century Syriac Translators Explaining Their Work

Abstract The fifth to seventh centuries ce witnessed a transition from expositional to literal translations of Greek texts into Syriac. This progressive transition is evident in various letters written by translators as introductions to their translations. This paper comprises an analysis of four sets of sixth-century letters introducing the anonymous translation of Gregory of Nyssa’s Commentary on Song of Songs , Moses of Aggel’s translations of Cyril of Alexandria’s Glaphyra and the anonymous History of Aseneth and Joseph , and Abbot Simeon’s translation of Athanasius’ Letter to Marcellinus . These contemporary testimonies provide unique insight into the shift in translation style of the early sixth century, while also reflecting an increasing awareness of the need for more precise translations due to the ongoing process of Hellenisation and the theological developments of the time.