[kosciusko51]

I find it odd that you respond to an off-handed statement, rather than direct a comment towards the translation and use of the word by the Septuagint (not assumed to be inspired, of course) and by Matthew (inspired, at least in the Christian tradition).

Also, while the English translations are imperfect, I would not say that they are improper, especially when it comes to Isaiah 7:14.

[ml/nj]

I find it odd that you respond to an off-handed statement

Please! I didn't even address you.

You may think that the comment I did respond to was "off-handed" (with whatever derogatory meaning you imply) but I thought it was a reasonable question and I tried to present an informed answer. My guess is that in forming that answer I consulted more books than you own. (Do you even know who Everett Fox is without Googling?) I really do not know enough Greek to comment upon the translation in the Septuagent. In addition to the Zondervan book I quoted, you might want to have a look at what the New Jerome Bible Commentary (Incredibly scholarly Catholic commentary) has to say about the verse in question, or like Joseph's brothers you can ignore obvious things presented to you in plain sight.

ML/NJ