Il Libro di Giobbe nella letteratura monastica delle origini (secoli IV–V)

Abstract

The article reveals taking advantage from the book of Job by using the oldest monastic written text (IV and V century) – the most important period the beginnings of the western and eastern monasticism. The article has examined all the authors from both the 4 th and 5 th century without exception: thirty eight writers analysing their one hundred eight works. We took special attention to the works written for monastic orders and did not examine works for other recipients. It is obvious that our analysis has extended to authors from the west (Latin) – majority of materials we found with the monks from the eastern tradition and by two reasons: firstly the authors from the west were educated in the eastern tradition and secondly the eastern monastic inheritance from that time was more richer then the west’s. In the beginning of the article the book of Job is used by actual monastic writers from the 4 th and 5 th century. In the second part we addressed the influence of the book of Job mentally and the ascetic beginnings of monasticism. On the other hand towards the end part of the article has been summarised. In literary references from the beginnings of monasticism the book of Job is in second place amongst all the books of Wisdom in the Bible (straight after the book of Proverbs which is in first place.). The book of Job is used 153 times of which 91 are to the letter. Job undoubtedly owes his success in monastic writings from the 1 st century from his own austere way of life, which gave the first monks a splendid example to replicate, but Job’s final victory enlightened monks with hope and optimism with their self abnegation, suffering and penance will be rewarded by God. Monastic writers of the 4 th and 5 th century made use off especially the following fragments of the book of Job: 1, 21 (12 times), 2, 7 (6 times), 40, 11 (six times), 40, 24 (five times).