History Of Exegesis Research Articles

Situation und Szene. überlegungen zum Verhältnis historischer und literarischer Deutung prophetischer Texte am Beispiel von Hos 5,86,6

Historical exegesis is highly interested in the historical situation as a shaping reality behind a given biblical text. This article claims that more attention has to be given to scenes as the literary pattern, which forms especially the dramatic speeches in prophetic books of the OT. This is exemplified by an exegesis of Hosea 5,8-6,6. Since A. Alt it is widely accepted that the situation behind this text is the so-called Syro-Ephraimite War. Our exegesis comes to the conclusion that not one historical situation is shaping the text but a set of traditional literary scenes or motives. Among these are : the levy of the Israelite tribes according to Judges 5, the assembly of the tribes and a lamentation-service. Especially in Hosea 5,13 there are allusions to the Assyrian-Israelite covenants and conflicts during the period of Assyrian hegemony. In Hosea 5,8-6,6 these traditional and historical motives are transformed into a sequence of speeches arranged in three dramatic scenes (Hosea 5,8-9a ; 5,9b-15 ; 6,1-6)

The History of Exegesis and Our Theological Future

The increasing interest in the entire history of exegesis invites analysis. The author surveys the variegated field and presents a critique. He then sketches out programmatically how the history of exegesis can become an integral part of biblical and theological studies, while preserving the central role of the historical-critical method.

The Nose Knows: Bodily Knowing in Isaiah 11.3

While some recent studies have enlarged our knowledge of the olfactory world of ancient Israel, exploration of the relative value of olfaction as a means of knowing has been largely neglected. Isaiah 11.3 is a passage modern exegetes have reconstructed or expurgated because its literal sense has the Messiah discerning good from evil by smell: an impossibility to the Enlightenment model of reality. But recent anthropology informs us of extraordinary olfactory discernment in African religion and the Islamic world. A brief history of exegesis confirms that Jewish commentators accepted an olfactory Messiah, but interpretation since the mid-nineteenth century, and even more prominently in the twentieth, has sought to reconstruct a hypothetical ‘original’ text, evidencing a modern ocularcentric bias.

Were the Ephraimites to Blame?

AbstractThe article is concerned with a textual and historical examination of Ps. lxxviii 9. It begins by considering the history of exegesis of this Psalm, after which it considers in depth the only attested textual variant to the reading of the verb n⋅q, namely, nq⋅. Having concluded the investigation of the textual variant, the work then carries on to consider the reliability and integrity of the Hebrew text. It achieves this objective by a consideration of 11QPsd, which is followed by a consideration of the Septuagint's text. Next in turn for an evaluation of its contribution is the text of the Targum, which is considered at length. Since Rashi often bases his exegesis on the Targum it has been thought best to consider his exegesis of this difficult verse. The final part of the article is concerned with the cumulative assessment of all the pieces of textual evidence thus considered.

The Words of Gamaliel (Acts 5.38-39) and the Irony of Indeterminacy

In the acrimony surrounding the 'Toronto Blessing' a difference of opinion has arisen as to whether Gamaliel's 'principle' (Acts 5.38-39) should be interpreted positively and affirmed as truthful, or negatively and denied. These differing interpretations can also be found within the history of exegesis. Using readerly conceptions of Gamaliel and the source of irony within the narrative as heuristic devices, three different read ings—those of David Gowler, the Clementine Recognitions, and John Darr-are examined. Differing portrayals of Gamaliel as a Pharisaic Jew or a Jewish-Christian and disagreement upon the appropriateness of affirming his words (with resultant implications for both the interpretation of Acts and constructions of its author) are shown to be products of reader context and, to a large degree, dependent upon cer tain core attitudes to the status of Luke-Acts or Luke and Acts and to Pharisaic Judaism itself.

Samaia as belangeruimte in Lukas-Handelinge

Samaria: Focal space of interest in Luke-Acts. The aim of this article is to investigate the importance of the place Samaria in Luke-Acts. The method of investigaion consists of a combination of historical critical exegesis with narraive criticism. The histoical citical focus is on the so-called Antiochean source used by the author of Acts to indicate the importance of Samaia in the missionary activity of the early church. The narratological perspective focuses on the way in which Samaia as 'focal space' contibutes to constituting the plot of Luke-Acts as a tragic narraive.

The Knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: The High Christology of Philippians 3:7-11

Employing the traditional tools of historical-critical methodology as well as a selected mix of techniques from newer literary criticism, this book provides a close analysis of the syntactic and semantic content of Phil 3:7-11 in its immediate and broader context, concluding that this passage represents a very high christological statement on the part of Paul, and discusses some of the implications of these findings in regard to the interpretation of Phil 2:5-11, the wisdom ambience of the letters of Paul, and relevance for modern christologies. In Philippians 3:7-11, Paul makes a very strong statement about how much Christ Jesus means to him. This study seeks to demonstrate how the passage within its context gives expression to a high christological statement which is frequently disregarded in treatments of Pauline christology. Chapter One presents a concise summary of the history of exegesis of Phil 3:7-11 and identifies the elements present within that history which indicated the desirability of a more in-depth treatment. Chapter Two focuses on the entire letter to the Philippians as the context of interpretation of Phil 3:7-11, beginning with a discussion of the methodology employed in the remainder of the work. Chapter Three focuses on Phil 3:7-11, first considering the textual variants within these verses, then describing in detail the relation of the complex sentence consisting of vv. 8-11. Chapters Four and Five deal with those issues of semantics in vv. 8-11 which require more extensive treatment. Chapter Six returns to a consideration of the meaning of knowledge of Christ, concluding with a consideration of the results of this study for current discussions of New Testament Christology.

Text - Reader - Author: Towards a Theory of Exegesis: Some European Viewpoints

The starting point of the article is a triple crisis of the traditional historical exegesis of the OT. Proposed is a "theory of exegesis" which offers a basis for transformations of traditional questions and methods and which offers "interfaces" for both, the integration of recent trends of literary sciences and the dialog with non-academic, contextual approaches. The (biblical) text is basically understood as an "aesthetic subject" in order to stress that the interrelation between the text and its readers proceeds from the productive encounter between both. As "co-ordinates" of the theory function U. Eco's three "intentions of interpretation" and their relations: the "intentio operis" which opens the perspective on descriptive text theories, the "intentio lectoris" which integrates "aesthetics of reception" and the "intentio auctoris" which offers the link to the traditional historical-critical exegesis.

Heracleon and the ‘Western’ Textual Tradition

Heracleon's commentary on the Fourth Gospel has always intrigued Patristic scholars concerned with the history of exegesis.1Rarely has it evoked equal interest among textual critics concerned with the history of the NT text. In part this is due to the unfortunate bifurcation of the disciplines, a breach that has begun to mend only in recent years.2Perhaps in greater part it is due to the nature of the materials. Heracleon's work is preserved almost exclusively in the citations of Origen, who wrote his own exposition, in some measure, as a rebuttal. Origen never completed his commentary on John; of the thirty-two volumes that he did produce, we have just nine. In these we find scattered quotations drawn from the work of his predecessor, cited primarily in order to be refuted. In all, there are not quite fifty such quotations, ranging from two or three lines of Greek text in the standard edition up to several dozen.3

Rich and Poor in the Courts of Corinth: Litigiousness and Status in 1 Corinthians 6.1–11

Compared with that of classic Pauline texts, the history of exegesis of 1 Cor 6.1–11 is modest. Still, the fact that this text has not been studied much does not render it problem-free. On the contrary, it continues to elude an easy interpretation. The standard treatment discusses the integrity of these eleven verses, looks at their placement within the context of chapters 5 and 6, and attempts to explain whether and how Paul envisioned Christians settling their legal disputes. Little attention, however, has been given to the social situation of the community that may have occasioned Paul's remarks about lawsuits in Corinth. This study examines that social situation on the premise that Paul sees the problem of lawsuits on two levels. One looks to the community's relationship to the outside world. The other looks to the community's internal life, where Paul understands the litigiousness of some Christians to be part of the larger problem of social division in the Corinthian churches.

Lectures du Cantique des Cantiques. De l'enigme du sens aux figures du lecteur

The purpose of the work is to throw light on the various ways in which readers implicated themselves in the song of songs, as well as the historical figures those readers embodied within the readings. The overall aim is to show that it is these figures and the way in which they are implicated in the act of understanding that in reality modulate the contrasting and occasionally contradictory history of the text. From this point of view, the broader ambition is to contribute to the history of exegesis. After clarifying the practical and theoretical limits inherent in modern approaches to the song of songs, a denial of subjectivity is demonstrated whose action is the very principle of the traditional allegorical reading of the text. This thesis is supported by analysis of a sample of texts bearing witness to the functions and usages of the poem in the patristic period (baptismal catechisms, hymnology, epistolary literature, commentaries proper). These texts are examined on the basis of suggestions furnished by a problematic of quotation and paraphrase derived from the theory of enunciation. Their analysis shows that an allegorical reading of the song is not a semantic operation but above all an enunciative act seeking to make it possible to implicate the reader in the text. Subsequently, there is an examination of the meaning of the repetition, consisting of the continuation through the centuries of this traditional manner of reading, by analysing texts by guillaume of s. Thierry, gertrude of helfta and theresa of avila. It is shown how the appearance of sameness cloaks a rich diversity, against the background, nonetheless, of an unchanging attitude inherited from the patristic period. Simultaneously, a comparison of the christian with the jewish reading shows how divergences in interpretation - the only ones perceptible for a semantic approach- play a subordinate role relative to a shared way of conceiving of reading and of being implicated in it.

Genesis 1-3 in the History of Exegesis. Intrigue in the Garden

Genesis 1-3 in the History of Exegesis. Intrigue in the Garden

Teorie en praktyk van die prediking in die Nuwe Testament: Walter Schmithals aan die woord

Theory and practice of preaching according to Walter Schmithals This article aims to show what Schmithals understands by preaching and how he applies it in practice. The argument develops along the following lines: » Theory of preaching. » Meditation: reception of the sermon. » TTie role of the historical situation of the biblical text in preaching. It will be shown that Schmithals succeeds in creating unity between historical and dogmatic exegesis.

L'interprétation de la Bible chez Spinoza. Ses présupposés philosophiques

In the Une of Bl. Barret-Kriegel, La défaite de l'érudition, the author attempts to clarify the originality of Spinoza' s Tractatus Theologico-Politicus and to understand the presuppositions of the historical and critical method proposed by the philosopher. The principles and the limits of this method are expouned in chapter VII of the Treatise. This chapter is linked to the preceding ones where the status of biblical revelation and the specificity of two fields, faith and philosophy, are being determined. This solidarity takes on the shape of a circle between the method and the results : the first one taking it for granted that the essence of Revelation be known, whereas the discovery of the core of the Scriptures necessitates recourse to the method. At the same time, this method is defined as a quest of the truth of the texts without prejudging the truth of things. The reading of the Bible thus marks various breaking points with the history of Exegesis : it refuses to take for granted the unity of the text, unity accepted as obvious until then. It rejects all spiritual meaning and thus breaks the pact between Theology and Exegesis. It disqualifies Sacred History which pretends to be oriented towards a full revelation manifested in Jesus-Christ. Finally it neglects the strictly scriptural condition of Revelation to consider exclusively the archeology of the texts.

Ondersoek na 'n Johannese kerk/ skool: Metodologiese kantaantekeninge oor die verloop van die ondersoek

Investigation of a Johannine church/school: Methodological remarks on the course of the case.In an effort to resolve a major facet of the ‘Johannine problem’ scholars assign the distinctiveness of the fourth gospel to its formation allegedly within and for a separate and independent Johannine community (or school). The reconstructions and descriptions of this community are presently assessed by critical scrutiny of the hermeneutical paradigms and exegetical procedures utilized by scholars. So, as is mostly the case within current New Testament science, this debate culminated in controversies on methodology.Opting for real progress and positive results, means that some or other integration/correlation of methods is inevitable. Proper and mutual cognisance must be taken of the vantage points and hermeneutical perceptions with which scholars work. This entails cooperative interaction between all forms of historical exegesis on the one hand, and text immanent exegesis on the other hand.

History of Exegesis as a Hermeneutical Tool

History of Exegesis as a Hermeneutical Tool

On Reading Others' Letters

“My mother taught me that reading others' letters isn't nice.” Those, or something like them, were the words of Krister Stendahl when he once tried to open the eyes of his audience to some of the hermeneutical problems which pertain to the fact that Christians read Paul's letters as if they were addressed to themselves rather than to their original recipients. The following reflections deal with these problems, and they are meant as a humble tribute to my first teacher in New Testament exegesis. I begin by recalling a few facts that are intriguing once one puts them together. This will lead me to the suggestion that, when he wrote his letters, Paul had a wider usage in mind than we usually assume. Against such a background I shall discuss, in a rather unsophisticated way, some conditions that may apply to a rereading of the Pauline letters and some possible consequences for so-called historical exegesis.

Die Christen en die owerheid volgens Romeine 13:1–7

The Christian and the ruling authorities according to Romans 13:1–7 In this article the question is posed as to the appropriate understanding and applicability of Romans 13:1–7 in modern times and modem political situations, especially in the light of world wide revolutionary tendencies and activities. First the most crucial exegetical questions inherent in and attached to the passage in the history of exegesis are examined and commented on. The conclusion arrived at, is that although the passage as a self-contained unit stands somewhat loose from its paraenetical context and has its parallels in Jewish-Hellenistic thought, there is no reason to minimise the thrust of its admonition to subjection to ruling authorities. This cannot be done either on the grounds that the passage is non-Pauline or on the grounds of metaphysical, historico-political or eschatological considerations. Regarding the understanding and applicability of the passage in our present situation, the conclusion is that the Christian at least should always adhere to the main purport of the passage, but not necessarily unqualified. Because the passage stands hermeneutically in a dialectical relationship to every new situation, it should be treated in a responsible way in such new situation without, however, either letting the situation prescribe the exegesis or letting the passage enforce itself as dogma upon the situation.

How Firm a Foundation: Martin Bucer's Historical Exegesis of the Psalms

In September 1529 the Strasbourg printer, Georg Ulricher of Andlau, exhibited to visitors at his stall in the Frankfurt autumn book fair the first copies of a new commentary on the Psalms. The in-quarto volume, amounting in all to over four hundred folios, purported to be the work of a Lyon humanist, one Aretius Felinus. Its author was in fact Martin Bucer, ex-Dominican, now evangelical pastor and rising star of the Strasbourg church. Bucer's refuge in pseudonymity was an attempt—as he explained in a letter to Zwingli—to facilitate circulation of the work in regions like France and the Low Countries where the name of Bucer was likely to bring it to the attention of censors vigilant to stem the flow of heretical literature. It would do no harm either, as he admitted, to dissociate the volume from the name of one who had played so prominent a role in the still lively evangelical quarrel over the Lord's Supper.

Antijudaismus/Antisemitismus im Theologischen Wörterbuch zum Neuen Testament

A considerable number of the contributors to the first four volumes of the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, edited by G. Kittel between 1933 and 1942, was influenced by antisemitic ideas. Some of them were even active in antisemitic institutions. Apart from this there was the impact of a long tradition of theological anti-judaism. In this article, the author tries to answer the question how far the historical exegesis in these volumes was influenced by political or theological prejudices.