Showing papers on "Exegesis published in 2011"

The Biblical "One Flesh" Theology of Marriage as Constituted in Genesis 2:24: An Exegetical Study of This Human-divine Covenant Pattern, Its New Testament Echoes, and Its Reception History Throughout Scripture

Abstract: This thesis reports the results of a linguistic and theological investigation of the “one flesh” marriage union concept introduced in Genesis 2:24, and the history of its reception throughout the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament Scriptures, with special focus on its New Testament echoes in Mat. 19, Mar. 10, 1Co. 6 and Eph. 5. The aim was to discover whether this concept provides a fundamental, harmonious foundation for a biblical theology of marriage, and whether the “one flesh” union is, at least subliminally, present in the major marriage (and divorce) passages of the Scriptures. Methods employed include, initially, detailed exegesis of Gen. 2:24, giving attention to linguistic and literary features of the passage in context. Reception history was then used to identify the primary passages in both the Hebrew Bible and New Testament impacted by the Gen. 2:24 “one flesh” marriage concept. These in turn were also subjected to detailed exegesis. The combined data emerging from the study of these passages was then examined from the perspective of biblical theology to determine whether a somewhat unified and harmonious biblical theology of the “one flesh” union can be reasonably constructed. The thesis found that the “one flesh” union concept serves as the foundation for the biblical pattern of an ideal marriage. In addition, the “one flesh” union concept serves as a major foundation for several Hebrew Bible and New Testament passages outlining the ideal relationship between Yahweh and his people. Finally, the thesis concludes by presenting a new biblical framework for marriage, divorce and remarriage which deals in a fresh way with theological implications of concubinage, and issues of possible “biblical” grounds for permissible divorce and remarriage.

The Sabbath in the Pentateuch: An exegetical and theological study

Abstract: THE SABBATH IN THE PENTATEUCH: AN EXEGETICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STUDY

Peter Abelard, Heloise and Jewish Biblical Exegesis in the Twelfth Century

Abstract: This paper revisits the question of the influence of Jewish biblical exegesis on Christian scholars in twelfth-century France, by focusing in particular on Abelard's response to a question of Heloise in her Problemata about questions raised by 1 Samuel ii.35–6 (=1 Regum ii.35–6) concerning ‘the faithful priest’ prophesied as Eli's successor, the meaning of ‘will walk before my anointed’ and the nature of the offering his household should make. Abelard's discussion of the views of an unnamed Jewish scholar illustrates a consistent movement evident in the late eleventh and twelfth centuries for certain Christian exegetes to approach Jewish scholars to resolve problems posed by the text of the Old Testament. While the passage in 1 Samuel was traditionally interpreted in a Christocentric fashion, Heloise implicitly supports a more historical reading of the text in the question she puts to Abelard. The Jewish scholar's interpretation reported by Abelard is very close to that of Rashi's twelfth-century disciples.

Ezekiel 5:5-17 and Theodicy: a Theological Investigation of the Character of God

Abstract: EZEKIEL 5:5-17 AND THEODICY: A THEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE CHARACTER OF GOD by Paul Onyango Wahonya Adviser: Jiři Moskala ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCHOF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH

Jewish Exegesis and Homeric Scholarship in Alexandria

Abstract: 1 Setting the stage Part I Early Jewish Responses to Homeric Scholarship: 2 A conservative reaction to critical scholarship in the letter of Aristeas 3 Questions and answers in Aristotelian style: Demetrius' anonymous colleagues 4 Aristobulus' questions and answers as a tool for philosophical instruction Part II Critical Homeric Methods in the Fragments of Philo's Anonymous Colleagues: 5 Comparative mythology 6 Historical perspectives on Scripture 7 Traces of text criticism among Alexandrian Jews Part III The Inversion of Homeric Scholarship by Philo: 8 Literal methods of Homeric scholarship in Philo's allegorical commentary 9 Philo's questions and answers as a manual of instruction 10 Philo's exposition of the law at a significant distance from Alexandrian scholarship Epilogue Abbreviations Bibliography Index

Opening the Gates of Interpretation

Abstract: This study highlights the contributions of the great philosopher-talmudist Moses Maimonides to the rationalist, “plain sense” (peshat) tradition of Jewish Bible exegesis, assessing his place in the Geonic-Andalusian school and showing how he harnessed Greco-Arabic learning to open new hermeneutical possibilities.

Contours of Biblical spirituality as a discipline

Abstract: Three approaches are used for coming towards a definition of Biblical spirituality. The first approach is from lived spirituality. We see always a bipolarity of text and reader. The reader attributes meaning to the text guided by the data of the text. The second approach is the analysis of literature discussing Biblical spirituality. There are many spiritualities both in the Bible and in its readers, influenced by their contexts. The third approach is the discussion of the composing terms. A definition is given: Biblical spirituality is about the divine human relational process in the Bible and about the Bible in the divine human relational process. A dialogue of spirituality and exegesis is needed. For doing research a threefold competence is needed: in exegesis, in spirituality and in the integration of these two. The final section is about intertextuality. Intertextuality may help to understand the spiritual process in reading biblical texts.

The practice of the Bible in the Middle Ages : production, reception & performance in Western Christianity

Abstract: ContentsAcknowledgmentsAbbreviations1. Orientation for the ReaderSusan Boynton and Diane J. Reilly2. The Bible and the LiturgySusan Boynton3. Bibles, Biblical Books, and the Monastic Liturgy in the Early Middle AgesRichard Gyug4. When Monks Were the Book: The Bible and Monasticism (6th-11th Centuries)Isabelle Cochelin5. The Bible and the Meaning of HistoryJennifer A. Harris6. Lectern Bibles and Liturgical Reform in the Central Middle AgesDiane J. Reilly7. The Italian Giant BiblesLila Yawn8. Biblical Exegesis Through the Twelfth CenturyFrans van Liere9. Mendicant School ExegesisBert Roest10. "A Ladder Set Up on Earth": The Bible in Medieval SermonsEyal Poleg11. The Bible and the Individual: The Thirteenth-Century Paris BibleLaura Light12. The Illustrated Psalter: Luxury and Practical UseStella Panayotova13. The Bible in English in the Middle AgesRichard Marsden14. The Old French Bible: The First Complete Vernacular Bible in Western EuropeClive R. Sneddon15. Castilian Vernacular Bibles in Iberia, c. 1250-1500Emily C. FrancomanoGlossaryContributorsIndex

Gregory Nazianzen's Reading of Habbakuk 3:2 and its Reception: A Lesson from Byzantine Scripture Exegesis:

Abstract: At least since the nineteenth century, Gregory of Nazianzus has been known in academia as one of the three “Cappadocian Fathers,” along with his friends Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nyssa. Much older than this scholarly label is the ecclesial designation of “three holy fathers, great hierarchs, and ecumenical teachers” under which Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil of Caesarea, and John Chrysostom (rather than Greogry of Nyssa) are commemorated jointly since the eleventh century. With its typical rhetorical flourish, Byzantine hymnography renders homage to the three hierarchs for their special contribution to Trinitarian theology, celebrating them, as the apolytikion of the feast says, as “the three greatest luminaries of the three-sun divinity.” The hagiographic memory of the church honors Gregory not so much as bishop of Nazianzus, but as “Gregory the Theologian”—a title of distinction shared only with the author of the fourth Gospel and, ironically, with Symeon the New Theologian.1 Indeed, Gregory seems to have been

Social-scientific criticism: Perspective, process and payoff. Evil eye accusation at Galatia as illustration of the method

Abstract: This article explores a presentation of the method, emergence and contribution of social-scientific criticism (SSC) as an inter-disciplinary operation of New Testament exegesis. A description of ancient evil eye belief and practice and its appearance in Paul’s letter to the Galatians illustrates how the method contributes to a more accurate translation of the biblical text, a clarification of its logic and a fuller understanding of the social dynamics involving Paul and his opponents.

Without Any Doubt

Abstract: This book collects eight articles on the thought and method of Gersonides (Provence, 1288-1344). They deal with: his methods of inquiry and composition; his use of introductions; his method in the supercommentaries on Averroes; and his methods of biblical exegesis.

Hermeneutiese vertrekpunte vir gereformeerde eksegese

Abstract: Hermeneutics as discipline finds itself in troubled waters. This has been caused, inter alia, by a postmodernistic mindset that has exchanged the truth of a retraceable conclusion for the individual’s subjective perception of truth and reality. This has contributed to the fact that biblical hermeneutics finds itself in an impasse, so that it has become necessary for the reformed hermeneutics to redefine its fundamentals: the hermeneutic premises on which reformed exegesis is founded. This article attempts this by way of establishing the state of the art of the hermeneutic premises of reformed exegesis and developing and edifying it, utilising results of the past half century’s new insights in hermeneutics.

Grammaties-historiese eksegese: quid est et quo vadis?

Abstract: Grammatical-historical exegesis: quid est et quo vadis? This article investigates the grammatical-historical method of biblical interpretation. The aim is to indicate certain problems in the approach through critical investigation and to make suggestions regarding changes to this method. Emphasis is placed on the historical- and reader-focused aspects related to reading an ancient biblical text. The development of the grammaticalhistorical method is placed against the backdrop of the development of biblical interpretation in general. Lastly, suggestions are made on how the results of the historical-Jesus research can contribute to responsible exegesis.

They Went Out from Us: The Identity of the Opponents in First John

Abstract: By means of careful historical work and exegesis, Streett argues that the secession mentioned in 1 John did not have to do with a later complex Christological issue such as docetism, Cerinthianism, or a devaluation of the historical life/death of Jesus, but rather concerned the foundational belief in the Messiahship of Jesus, a tenet the secessionists had renounced in order to return to the Jewish synagogue. He critiques the common maximalistic mirror-reading approach to the letter as misguided, and contends that the letter is primarily pastoral, meant to comfort and reassure the community rather than to argue against the secessionists. Streett's main contributions are his detailed examination of the ancient historical evidence (especially the Patristic evidence) for the Johannine opponents, and his in-depth and innovative exegesis of the key opponent passages (1 Jn 2:18-27; 4:1-6; 5:6-12; 2 Jn 4-11).

A case of tribal defilement in a Kenyan rural village : a narratological and socio-rhetorical function of the motifs of 'hearing and understanding' and 'contrast' in Matthew 15:10-11 vis-à--vis Leviticus 11:1-4

Abstract: This article employed a case study to explore the theme of defilement as experienced in a Kenyan village. To provide a basis for the theological reflection on this case study, the article investigated two motifs in Matthew 15:10–11. ‘Hearing and understanding’ and ‘contrast’ [[Refer to PDF], ‘not…but’] was examined in respect of Leviticus 11:1–8 to determine the extent to which Matthew 15:10–11 depicts Jesus as ‘relativising’ the Mosaic law (Lv 11:1–8). This approach provided a basis to argue that defilement in Matthew 15:10–11 is not only a matter of external or ritual perspective, but of moral disposition. A methodology that combines both socio-rhetorical (Socio-rhetorical criticism is a methodology that derives value and meaning as an outcome of an active reading process that occurs within specific cultural contexts. In this case, the examiner produced the meaning of given texts by participating in a complex of socially constructed practices’ [Growler n.d., http://userwww.Service.emory. edu/~dgowler/chapter.htm]) and narratological (Narratological criticism is the study of narratives that involves a kind of ‘structure and practice that illuminates temporality and human beings as temporal beings’. Using classifications such as plot, narrator and narratee, narratology becomes a useful instrument for the description, classification and interpretation of literary narratives [see http://www.hum.aau.dk/~yding/storytelling/narratology%20rerevisited. pdf]) approaches were engaged as the most appropriate to address the concerns of this article. These two methodologies greatly helped this article to explain the meaning and significance of defilement in Leviticus 11 with respect to the theological understanding of the Leviticus code of purity. This code presents a temporal view of defilement intended to reflect on the holiness and sovereignty of Yahweh, over and against idols of the surrounding nations. In addition, this kind of methodology facilitated an interpretation of the motif of ‘contrast’ [[Refer to PDF], ‘not but’] in Matthew 15:11 as the evangelist’s intentional attempt to depict Jesus intensifying the Leviticus code of ritual purity within an ethical frame work. The village case study was surveyed, exegesis done on Matthew 15:10–11 with respect to Leviticus 11:1–8, the perception of defilement for 1st century Jews assessed and a brief comparative study of the findings from Matthew 15:10–11 engaged with a Kenyan village-case study for ethical reflections. This case study pointed out that cultural difference prompted a major tribe (Wataita) to consider a minor tribe (Wasanye) to be defiled, albeit the minor tribe did not describe the major tribe in the same derogatory term.

“French Apocalyptic Messianism: Isaac La Peyrère and Political Biblical Criticism in the Seventeenth Century.”

Abstract: Isaac La Peyrere is one of the most important and yet little-known seventeenth-century intellectuals involved in developing modern biblical criticism. His work on the Bible resembles that of his later contemporaries Thomas Hobbes, Baruch Spinoza, and La Peyrere's friend Richard Simon, all of whom his writings may have influenced. Through his attempt to get behind the biblical texts and his use of comparative extra-biblical historical literature from across the globe, La Peyrere's methods attempted to mould biblical exegesis into historical criticism. His social and political context in seventeenth-century France during the reign of King Louis xiv provides an important glimpse into the historical background that shaped La Peyrere's thought and project. At its core, La Peyrere's work was not scholarship for its own sake, but was politically motivated. His exegesis entailed an elaborate theo-political messianic vision, which his historical method was an attempt to bolster. La Peyrere's biblical exegesis was in service of his French apocalyptic messianic vision, the heart of which supported the political designs of his employer, the Prince of Conde.

Interpreting the Bible and Aristotle in Late Antiquity: The Alexandrian Commentary Tradition between Rome and Baghdad

Abstract: Contents: Introduction, Josef LAssl and John Watt Part 1 Alexandria to Rome: Origen: exegesis and philosophy in early Christian Alexandria, Alfons FA1/4rst Prologue topics and translation problems in Latin commentaries on Paul, Sophie Lunn-Rockliffe Ambrosiaster's method of interpretation in the Questions on the Old and New Testament, Marie-Pierre Bussieres Philosophical exegesis in Marius Victorinus' Commentaries on Paul, Stephen Cooper Jerome's Pauline commentaries between East and West: tradition and innovation in the Commentary on Galatians, Andrew Cain The Bible and Aristotle in the controversy between Augustine and Julian of Aeclanum, Josef LAssl Boethius as a translator and Aristotelian commentator, Sten Ebbesen. Part 2 Alexandria to Baghdad: Translating the personal aspect of late Platonism in the commentary tradition, Edward Watts Aristotelianism and the disintegration of the late Antique theological discourse, Dirk KrausmA1/4ller Sergius of Reshaina as translator: the case of the De Mundo, Adam McCollum Sergius of Reshaina and pseudo-Dionysius: a dialectical fidelity, Emiliano Fiori The commentator Probus: problems of date and identity, Sebastian Brock Du commentaire A la reconstruction: Paul le Perse interprete d'Aristote (sur une lecture du Peri Hermeneias, A propos des modes et des adverbes selon Paul, Ammonius et Boece), Henri Hugonnard-Roche The genesis and development of a logical lexicon in the Syriac tradition, Daniel King From Sergius to Matta: Aristotle and pseudo-Dionysius in Syriac tradition, John Watt Al-Farabi's arguments for the eternity of the world and the contingency of natural phenomena, Philippe Vallat Bibliography Indexes.

The Four Gospels on Sunday: The New Testament and the Reform of Christian Worship

Abstract: Premier liturgical theologian Gordon Lathrop argues that far too often liturgy, preaching, and liturgical theology are informed by naive and outdated exegesis In another fully original and deeply reflective work, Lathrop partners with newer biblical studies to see the Gospels anew He treats the gospels as early witnesses to the meaning and import of Christian assembly and forces in the shaping and reshaping of liturgy His work comports and develops the implications our understandings of early Christianity as a meal fellowship

Abraham in Islamic and Jewish Exegesis

Abstract: Jewish and Muslim exegetical narratives on the shared forefathers (known as midrash aggadah and al-anbiyā ’/isrā’iliyyāt) have long been recognized as a meeting point of Judaism and Islam. Early studies of the forefathers, Abraham in particular, strove to ‘prove’ that much of what appeared in the Islamic exegetical materials derived from the traditions that predated Islam, mainly Judaism. More recent scholarship has abandoned such a reductionist approach for a more moderated view. Studies of the Jewish and Muslim exegetical material on Abraham show that while scholars continue to trace the historical development of the Muslim exegetical narratives, they also look to uncover the inner meaning of the narratives themselves. This article traces the shift from the purely reductionist treatment of the Muslim and Jewish exegetical narratives to the more nuanced approach, especially as it applies to Abraham. Four categories of Abrahamic motifs are singled out here: Abraham and his sacrifice of his son, Abraham and his relationship with Sarah, Abraham and his later visit to Ishmael, and narratives relating to Abraham’s birth and early life.

“Love Your Fellow as Yourself”: The Interpretation of Leviticus 19:17-18 in the Book of Jubilees

Abstract: Leviticus 19:17-18 has long been noted as possessing a significant role within the book of Jubilees. This paper examines the references to these verses, both explicit and via phrases alluding to the ordinance. Two specific aspects of the law are alluded to in Jubilees: “You shall not hate your kinsfolk in your heart” (Lev 19:17a) and “Love your fellow as yourself” (Lev 19:18b). The author of Jubilees understands the first as relating to peaceful coexistence, the second to malicious intent, specifically the intent to murder. This exegesis is consistent throughout Jubilees, as attested by the usage of fixed terms and idioms depicting the observance/violation of the law across various literary units.

Creación como relatio, assimilatio y processio. En torno a la exégesis de santo Tomás de Aquino al Gen 1,1–2,3

Abstract: Thomas Aquinas is one of those medieval theologians, whose biblical commentaries, especially dedicated to the books of the Old Testament, are still waiting to be discovered for the study. Biblical style of his theology (“sacra doctrina” in Middle Age) is expressed not only by St. Thomas’s scriptural comments, which are as important’s record of his university lectures, but also interesting exegetical proposals, which we find in his systematic works (eg. Summa theologiae ). Medieval workshop of biblist is based on the fundamental principle of the unity of the salvific plan, and is situated always in the context of tradition, with originality, however, surprising look, who wishes to remain universalist (hence the search for help in philosophy and its terminology). A clear example of the master’s style of exegesis of Aquinas is the interpretation of the description of creation in Genesis 1,1–2,1, referring to the three basic models of understanding the essence of the creative act and its consequences: relation, assimilation or procession. This triad of concepts is needed to fully discover for understand Thomas’s interpretation of Genesis 1,1–2,1 based on a triple work made by God: opus creationis, distinctionis et ornatus. Once again, Thomas reveals the same line exegesis of his program: the priority of literal sense, which is descover the sense ( sensus ) and not a fundamentalist reading. The creation according Thomas Aquinas is a free act of God, which calls into existence the universe from nothing ( ex nihilo ), but also keeps it in existence ( creation continua ). It covers the whole of reality, both material and spiritual, so present a fundamental relationship of creation with the Creator, because everything has its existence from Him ( habens esse ). In terms of ad extra , the creation is a communication of kindness, should be viewed in the perspective of the Trinity. Creation as temporal procession ad extra is an prolongation of the eternal procession ad intra . That is why Thomas assigns creative and saving action to the Holy Spirit. The multiplicity of creation is a way of participation in the Trinitarian life.

Bishops on the Chair of Pestilence: Ambrosiaster's Polemical Exegesis of Psalm 1.1

Abstract: This article examines Ambrosiaster's exegesis of Psalm 1 in his quaestio 110, focusing on his strikingly lengthy explanation of the cathedra pestilentiae of Ps 1.1. It locates his interpretation of the cathedra pestilentiae in a particular tradition of Latin anti-heretical scriptural allusion: Cyprian's polemic against rigorists and Optatus of Milevis's denunciation of Donatist antibishops. This illuminates the likely target of this passage as the Donatist antibishop of Rome in the late 370s, Claudian. However, the connections between q. 110 and other quaestiones suggest that Ambrosiaster may also have had the Novatianists in his sights.

Contrasting Images of the Book of Revelation in Late Medieval and Early Modern Art: A Case Study in Visual Exegesis

Abstract: Introduction 1. The Lambeth Apocalypse: The Thirteenth Century 2. The Angers Apocalypse Tapestry: The Fourteenth Century 3. The Ghent Altarpiece and the St John Altarpiece: The Fifteenth Century 4. The Mystic Nativity: Botticelli and the Book of Revelation 5. A Time of Transition: Late Medieval and Early Modern Germany 6. Hermeneutical Reflections and Visual Exegesis Conclusion

Portfolio of compositions and exegesis: a personal interpretation of the klezmer tradition.

Abstract: This submission comprises two volumes and is entitled A Portfolio of Compositions and Exegesis: a personal interpretation of the klezmer tradition. Volume 1 consists of a portfolio of works composed during the tenure of my PhD candidature, including Procession (a major orchestral work), Ulu Ushpizin (for small ensemble), Sweet Sorrow (for thirteen strings), Lighter Shades of Pale (for string quartet) and The Golem Suite (for solo harp). The works, with the exception of the orchestral work, appear sequentially and a CD of recordings for Ulu Ushpizin, Lighter Shades of Pale and The Golem Suite has also been included inside the back cover. Volume 2 contains the accompanying exegesis, which serves as a commentary on the genesis of the individual works, and how and why certain musical and aesthetic elements of klezmer (an Ashkenazi folk music) have been incorporated into my compositional method as a means of enhancing my musical expression and personal style. It focuses on the choice and implementation of these elements, whilst maintaining a chronological approach to the development of the works. Included in Volume 2 as supporting material to the portfolio and exegesis, are appendices that detail relevant historical background on the evolution of klezmer and its cultural associations. Various transcriptions of klezmer melodies (and harmonisations) have also been included. 5

Romans 4:1—8 as a Test Case for the New Perspective on Paul:

Abstract: This article contrasts a “traditional” exegesis of Romans 4:1—8 with two prominent “New Perspective” interpretations of the passage. As representatives of the latter paradigm, James D. G. Dunn and ...