From his Lectures on Habakkuk, discussing the translation
of Habakkuk 1:8.
The Latin Text (1525)
There is a difference of opinion among the
linguists whether it ought to be translated “evening wolves” or “wolves of the
desert.” Jerome translated “evening wolves,” influenced by this line of
reasoning: Since evening wolves have suffered hunger throughout the day, they
attack a flock more viciously than other wolves do, and they do not leave until
they have filled themselves. Who does not see that such an interpretation is
weak? Therefore I prefer to adopt the other interpretation, so I translate
“wolves of the desert,” that is, wolves that are fierce and untamed.
The German Text (1526)
“The Hebrew letters admit either...I believe
that these are evening wolves. I think that this means to say that wolves,
which are rapacious, ravenous, murderous beasts by nature, are far more so in
the evening because they have not roamed about during the day and their hunger
looks to the evening. Therefore the term “evening wolves” is practically
synonymous with “hungry wolves” who have not eaten for a long time.
Luther's Works, Volume 19: Lectures on the
Minor Prophets II (Jonah, Habakkuk), translated by Charles
D. Froehlich, edited by Hilton C. Oswald (Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing
House, 1974), 112-113, 170.
