The syntactic construction ἐν τῷ + infinitive has a discourse pragmatic function that can be clearly defined. Post-classical Greek compositional texts demonstrate that the Septuagint
Genesis translator used the construction consistently with conventional Greek usage. It encoded presuppositional, identifiable topical information that cognitively anchored asserted
information. It refers anaphorically to a text-internal or text-external state of affairs that is active in the discourse register while communicating the occasion in time for its predicator.
Due to its bi-directional function, it adds coherence. As one of several renderings in the Septuagint for the Hebrew בְּ + infinitive construction and other Hebrew constructions, its
usage was not arbitrary but displayed an awareness of its function within the Post-classical Greek linguistic system. Understanding its function within the clause and the broader
discourse, especially in contrast with other renderings for the Hebrew בְּ + infinitive, gives a window into translation technique in Septuagint Genesis.
