Volume 17, Issue 1, 2025
Articles published in the latest issue of Studia Biblica Slovaca
Textual Turbulence in the Story of David’s Succession (1 Kgs 1–2)
Jan JOOSTEN
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 1-17
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsAAIS1527
Abstract
The text of 1 Kgs 2 is transmitted in different forms thus suggesting an agitated textual history: David’s testament at the beginning of the chapter (1 Kgs 2:2-9) appears to have been omitted in one strand of the textual tradition, and two sets of “miscellanies” were added at the end (3 Kgdms 2:35a-o, 46a-k). In this paper it is argued that the omission and the additions reflect interventions by the same hand.
The rîb Literary Pattern in Isaiah 1–5 as the casus belli in the Book of Isaiah
Tomasz KOSZAREK
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 18-59
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsABHJ3740
Abstract
This study explores the rîb pattern in Isa 1, 3, and 5 as the casus belli for the depictions of divine warfare in Proto-Isaiah (chapters 1–39). First, the paper highlights how the prophetic reproach (rîb) serves as a formal accusation against Israel. Then, drawing on parallels with Assyrian war rhetoric and ancient treaty traditions, the study argues that rîb functions as a theologically charged literary framework establishing God’s ultimatum, forming the basis for the warfare narratives in Isaiah.
Wounded by Pain in the Psalter
Blažej ŠTRBA
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 60-80
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsABSP9941
Abstract
Suffering is a serious reality present in human life and is much discussed in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Psalms. Despite this, the Psalter rarely uses the abstract term “pain”. Instead, it uses two roots: באכ (“to be in pain”) and בצע II (“to reproach, to hurt”). This study examines all instances of these roots in the Psalms that describe various forms of pain (Psalm 16:4, 32:10, 38:18, 39:3, 69:27, 30 and 147:3), revealing their meaning in the given psalms against the background of the literary context. At the same time, a gradual change in the perception of a person afflicted by illness throughout the Book of Psalms is noted in this study. The study points out that in the biblical tradition illness and the sick person is never treated separately. This is in line with modern medical research regarding the approach to human suffering. The Book of Psalms in particular perceives illness as an impetus for spiritual communication with God and as a means of self-transformation for the sick person to regain meaning and happiness in life.
The Sufferings of Jesus in Matthew’s Gethsemane Narrative (26:36-46)
Timothy MEJIDA
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 81-101
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsACTV3287
Abstract
Jesus goes into Gethsemane with his disciples to pray in solitariness. But soon after, the reader realises that the Gethsemane event is more than just a regular prayer. Jesus is in this place with a heavy burden in his heart. For what and whom specifically is he suffering? As one whose mission is to save sinners, is Jesus here as Saviour (Matt 1:21)? As Emmanuel, is he here with the representatives of his people (v. 23)? Be that as it may, in his Gethsemane agony, he faces inner struggles, temptation and abandonment; inner conflict because his human will clashes with the Father’s will; temptation because of the conflict between his willing spirit and the weak flesh; abandonment because he is figuratively alone with none to assist or console him. However, with integrity and faithfulness to his God-given purpose or mission he courageously embraces this suffering and is willing to die a cruel and unjust death because he knows that that is what God wants for him. He exhorts his disciples to do likewise and continue to journey with him courageously through the many challenges ahead (Matt 26:46). In Matthew’s vision, those who follow Jesus are to emulate him by watching and praying and accepting God’s will in every situation.
The Schism of the Johannine Community. Different Views on the Eucharist against the Background of the Dispute
Branislav ĎURICA
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 102-121
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsACYH1001
Abstract
In this article we have presented interpretations of texts that directly or indirectly relate to the Eucharist and its understanding in John’s community. These texts include Jn 6:32-59 and 13:1-20. In comparing the Synoptics with the Gospel of John, we have pointed out that John omits the verses of the institution of the Lord’s Supper and instead presents a scene concerning the washing of feet in 13:1-20. This omission is deliberate, the reason being a misunderstanding of the words of the ordinance. The gesture of washing feet has, in our view, several meanings, but the important purpose of this narrative is to point to the true meaning of the Lord’s Supper, which is the self-sacrificing love that Jesus Christ demonstrated on the cross. Nor is the narrative of provision found in 6:32-59. The first purpose of this passage is to combat Docetism, its ethical implications, and the Docetism’s disdain for the Lord’s Supper. The second purpose is to show that the source of eternal life is not the Eucharist, but Jesus Christ alone. The misunderstanding of the Eucharist in John’s community was the result of the influence of the mysteries of Dionysius. While chapter six speaks of what is not the meaning of the Lord’s Supper, the text of Jn. 13:1-20 shows what is its true meaning. Our subsequent hypothesis is built on these interpretations. It suggests that there were not two but three rival groups behind the split in John’s community.
Journeying along the “Royal Road”. Num 20:17 in Greek Allegorical Exegesis (A Survey Study)
Helena PANCZOVÁ
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 122-141
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsACYH9356
Abstract
The paper discusses the exegetical afterlife of the verse Num 20:17 “We will go by the Royal Road; we will not turn aside to the right or to the left”, which got separated from its immediate context and acquired a new meaning. Although in the biblical text the Israelites did not take the Royal Road to get to the Promised Land, in Greek allegorical exegesis – both Jewish and Christian – they are presented as taking it and safely passing through the kingdom of the enemy. The dominant interpretation of the verse was in moral way, often connected with the Aristotelian idea of virtue found in between two vices. There were several variants depending on the depiction of the road.
Roskovec, Jan (ed.): From Moses to the New Jerusalem. Ten Biblical Interpretations, Jihlava: Jan Keřkovský – Mlýn, 2021.
Michal MALIŠ
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 142-149
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsADOQ1438
Strenková, Iveta – Hrobōň, Bohdan – Varšo, Miroslav: Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah (Commentaries on the Old Testament 12), Kežmarok: Vivit, 2024.
Anna MÁTIKOVÁ
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 149-153
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsAGFC2281
Laureates of the Jozef Búda Prize 2023–2024
REDAKCIA
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, page 154
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsAIXX5578
Defence of the Doctoral Thesis of Anna Mátiková, FSP
Martina KORYTIAKOVÁ
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 154-155
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsAGYO9788
Defence of the Doctoral Thesis of Katarína Pavelová, SSpP
Anna MÁTIKOVÁ
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 155-156
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsAHMI4711
Strategies of Ambiguity in Hab 1:1–2:5
Anna MÁTIKOVÁ
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 156-158
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsAHQC3934
“So Must the Son of Man Be Lifted Up” (Jn 3:14). Pragmatic and Intertextual Reinterpretation of the Lifting Up of the Serpent
Katarína PAVELOVÁ
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 159-160
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsAHRM4748
International Conference SBL/EABS. Uppsala, Sweden, 23–27 June 2025
Martina KORYTIAKOVÁ
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, pages 161-162
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsAHYU2106
R.I.P. Ján Čurica, SJ
REDAKCIA
volume 17, issue 1, 2025, page 162
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsAISX6108