I found the emphasis on the word timshel and Lee's discussion in East of Eden intriguing when I reread it a couple years ago. I found differing accounts on the internet (of course). But I wondered if you have any knowledge of the correct word and usage. Some say, John Steinbeck got it wrong: the Hebrew word is actually timshol, not timshel, and it means “thou shalt rule over” or “thou shalt control”—not “thou mayest.” I do believe we may choose to do good, so I am not questioning that, I just wondered if you know if timshel and Lee's discussion of it is something that Steinbeck created for his story.
I found the emphasis on the word timshel and Lee's discussion in East of Eden intriguing when I reread it a couple years ago. I found differing accounts on the internet (of course). But I wondered if you have any knowledge of the correct word and usage. Some say, John Steinbeck got it wrong: the Hebrew word is actually timshol, not timshel, and it means “thou shalt rule over” or “thou shalt control”—not “thou mayest.” I do believe we may choose to do good, so I am not questioning that, I just wondered if you know if timshel and Lee's discussion of it is something that Steinbeck created for his story.