2QExoda 5 8 Mw#rg ject of the verb √#rg, “to drive
out.”^798
Q51 MT Exod 12:39 Myrcmm SV(1) – 2QExoda lacks the prepo-
2QExoda 5 8 Myrcm sition Nm, “from.”^799
Q52 MT Exod 26:11 trbxw OV(l) – Possible difference in
2QExoda 7 2 htrbxw pronunciation.
Q53 MT Exod 30:25 omits SV(2) – 2QExoda has a repeated
2QExoda 9 4 [ ]twrwdl[ refrain lacking in the MT.^800
Q54 MT Exod 31:16 omits SV(2) – The Tetragrammaton is
2QExodb 7 1 hw]hyl lacking in the MT.^801
Q55 MT Exod 19:10 omits SV(2) – 2QExodb inserts Exodus
798
2QExoda agrees with the SP and the LXX in specifying the object of the verb with a pronoun. The
phrase in 2QExoda and the SP reads: Myrcm Mw#rg yk, in apparent agreement with the LXX εξεβαλον γαρ
αυτους οι Αιγυπτιοι, but against the MT Myrcmm w#rg yk. See also note below for a solution to this reading
in the MT. 799
With the previous variant, the MT reads Myrcmm w#rg yk against Myrcm Mw#rg yk in 2QExoda and the
other parallel sources. It is possible that the variant readings may be synthesised if we posit confusion over
the correct word division of the two forms at some stage in the text’s transmission. In light of Rule 1 each
variant is counted without the conjectural reconstruction of a theorised ‘original’ text. As such Q50 and
Q51 must be considered separate textual variations. 800
2QExoda possibly harmonises this verse with Exod 30:31 which ends with the phrase Mktrdl yl hz (see
M. Baillet, J.T. Milik, and R. de Vaux, Les 'Petites Grottes', 52). Such an addition is not paralleled in any
of the versions. 801
The addition of the Tetragrammaton in 2QExodb is also found in the Syriac but is lacking from the
LXX, SP and Tgs. (see M. Baillet, J.T. Milik, and R. de Vaux, Les 'Petites Grottes', 54). The plus in
2QExodb clarifies the beneficiary YHWH in the phrase hwhyl tb#h t) l)r#y ynb wrm#w, “and the sons of
Israel shall keep the Sabbath for Yahweh.”