Abstract

ABSTRACT Some commentators viewed Qohelet as a misogynist and advo-cate of promiscuity. Our understanding of the pertinent texts (7,23–29 and 9,9) indicates that he is neither. This understanding rests on reading in v. 27 לֺא אַחתַ חתַהָּ “a woman that was unafraid” instead of לאְַחתַ אַחתַ; in v. 28 מאְלַףֵּ “instructs” instead of מאֵּלֶףֶ; and, in v. 29 ישָֺּר “he should rule” instead of ישָּרָּ. Qohelet's philosophical opinions are rooted in the normative Jewish tradition and precepts of Near East wisdom, which respect well-established societal institutions. In Qoh 7,23–29 and 9,9 he presents normative biblical thinking, without breaking any new ground.

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