Volume 16 (2011)

Articles

Deena E. Grant, Reinterpretation of Scripture in Hymn to the Creator

Abstract: Psalms Scroll 11QPs^a (=11Q5) is the largest of all extant Psalms manuscripts found at Qumran. It is made up of forty-nine compositions, seven of which are not found in the MT collection. While four of these extra compositions are attested elsewhere in ancient literature, three are unique to 11QPs^a. They are known as Plea for Deliverance, Apostrophe to Zion and Hymn to the Creator. In this paper, we argue that the composer of Hymn to the Creator copies the structure of a biblical hymn and cites biblical hymnic verses. However, he reworks his biblical source material in a way that eliminates a theological motif present in the biblical contexts of the passages he cites. Through omission, source substitution, and re-contextualization, the composer of Hymn to the Creator eliminates all traces of the biblical portrait of an animate nature. Vitality applies only to God and his angels.

Eveline van Staalduine-Sulman, Isaiah 44:5: Textual Criticism and Other Arguments

Abstract: The small unit of Isa 44:1-5 contains several problems with regard to textual criticism, syntax, exegesis and theology. Verse 5 forms not only the climax of the unit, but also of all these problems. Exegetes differ on this verse in at least three respects: (1) does this verse refer to Israelite people coming back to their God, or to converted gentiles? (2) must we translate the verbs ‫קרא‬ and ‫ כנה‬actively, or are they meant as reflexive or even passive forms? (3) Does the subject of the third line write ‘with’ his hand, or ‘on’ his hand? The first two problems are dependent on each other because the translation of the verbs is connected with the meaning of the entire verse. Are the gentiles giving themselves new names? Or is Israel coming back and returning to using their old names? Or is it even more complex and is Israel giving itself the old names again? This article aims to discuss the first two problems, especially the arguments given by exegetes to come to a meaningful solution, and the role of textual criticism within the argumentations.

Jan Krans, Erasmus and the Text of Revelation 22:19: A Critique of Thomas Holland’s Crowned With Glory

Abstract: With Thomas Holland’s lengthy discussion of a reading in Rev 22:19 as an example, this article shows how Holland’s way of doing New Testament textual criticism falls short on all academic standards. With respect to the main issue, Erasmus’ retranslation of the final verses of Revelation, Holland fails to properly find, address and evaluate both primary and secondary sources.

Matteo Grosso, The Diversification of Colossians’ Text and Women’s Status in the Early Church

Abstract: In the Epistle to the Colossians, the family of 06 and other documents traditionally labeled as “Western” display notable variant readings in passages concerning women and their status in the Christian community. In this note the author examines these readings with the purpose of detecting what pictures they provide over against the other branches of the tradition. He also evaluates to what degree, if any, an ideologically oriented scribal tendency is at work.

Reviews

Roger S. Bagnall, Early Christian Books in Egypt (Paul Foster, reviewer)

Dirk K. Human and Gert J. Steyn (eds.), Psalms and Hebrews: Studies in Reception (Wolfgang Kraus, reviewer)

Markus Bockmuehl, The Remembered Peter: In Ancient Reception and Modern Debate (John Granger Cook, reviewer)

Chris Keith, The Pericope Adulterae, the Gospel of John, and the Literacy of Jesus (Michael J. Kruger, reviewer)

Thomas J. Kraus and Tobias Nicklas (eds.), Early Christian Manuscripts: Examples of Applied Method and Approach (Christopher Tuckett, reviewer)

Louis Charles Willard, A Critical Study of the Euthalian Apparatus (Dirk Jongkind, reviewer)

Daniel Marguerat, Reception of Paulinism in Acts / Réception du paulinisme dans les Actes des Apôtres (Régis Burnet, reviewer)

Hiebert, Robert J. V. (ed.), "Translation Is Required." The Septuagint in Retrospect and Prospect (Marcus Sigismund, reviewer)

J. Keith Elliott, New Testament Textual Criticism: The Application of Thoroughgoing Principles; Essays on Manuscripts and Textual Variation (Brent Nongbri, reviewer)

The table of contents for Elliott's volume which Brent Nongbri mentions in his review can be viewed here.