Abstract
The meaning of Proverbs 30:18-19 has long been disputed. Most scholars interpret the Biblical couplets textually on stylistic features only; an explanation of the contextual association between the four motifs mentioned (eagle, serpent, boat, man and woman) has not yet been undertaken. The present paper aims at shedding light on the motivation for this association, taking into consideration ancient Near Eastern cuneiform compositions for the first time. It is further suggested that Proverbs 30:18-19 derived originally from a riddle that had its setting in a wedding ceremony.
Highlights
Proverbios 30:18-19 a la luz de los antiguos textos mesopotámicos cuneiformes.— El significado de Proverbios 30:18-19 sigue desafiando la exégesis de los biblistas
The present paper aims at shedding light on the motivation for this association, taking into consideration ancient Near Eastern cuneiform compositions for the first time
This paper does not attempt to contribute to the long discussion about the precise authorship and milieu of the Israelite Book of Wisdom as compared to Ancient Mesopotamian literature, nor to the debate whether Proverbs is primarily a scribal work originating from/in the royal court or whether it is rooted in the folk culture of tribal and family life.[2]
Summary
“There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yeah, four which I know not: The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.” 4. On passages in which at least two of the four motifs appear together, such as Wisdom of Solomon 5:10-11, which refers to the passing by of a boat and the flight of a bird and Job 9:15-16, in which the passing days are compared to a reed-boat and an eagle swooping on its prey. Both passages and the images used have a somewhat pessimistic tone which does not fit into the tenor of Proverbs 30:1819. As already mentioned, the connection with the human situation is difficult to explain
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
