Abstract
This article presents a social-scientific interpretation of the parable of the friend at midnight. As starting point, attention is given to the history of the interpretation of the parable, as well as to its integrity and authenticity. A social-scientific reading of the parable is then presented. The parable is read against the socio-economic and political backdrop of firstcentury Palestine village life in which friendship, hospitality, limited good and reciprocity played an important role. The interpretation of the parable hinges on the understanding of [foreign font omitted] [shamelessness] Luke 11:8. Therefore, special attention is given to honour as a pivotal value in first-century Palestine. The parable tells the story of an alternative world, a world wherein neighbours are kin and practice general reciprocity. The gist of the parable is that when neighbours do not act as neighbours, then nothing of God’s kingdom becomes visible.
Highlights
This article presents a social-scientific interpretation of the parable of the friend at midnight
The history of the interpretation of the parable at midnight (Lk 11:5–8) shows that most scholars read the parable in terms of its literary context in Luke 11:1–13, concluding that he parable should be understood as a teaching of Jesus on prayer
When one reads the parable in its literary context, one can hardly come to a different conclusion
Summary
When neighbours are not neighbours: A social-scientific reading of the parable of the friend at midnight (Lk 11:5–8). Note: This contribution is dedicated to Andries van Aarde – my Doktorvater, friend since 1985, and current ‘neighbour’ at the Faculty of Theology (University of Pretoria). In all of these years he has been an example of what general reciprocity entails, and a0nai/deian was never experienced. How to cite this article: Van Eck, E., 2011, ‘When neighbours are not neighbours: A socialscientific reading of the parable of the friend at midnight (Lk 11:5–8)’, HTS Teologiese Studies/ Theological Studies 67(1), Art. This article presents a social-scientific interpretation of the parable of the friend at midnight. The gist of the parable is that when neighbours do not act as neighbours, nothing of God’s kingdom becomes visible
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