Studia Biblica Slovaca

Volume 14, Issue 1, 2022

Articles published in the latest issue of Studia Biblica Slovaca

Volume 14, Issue 1, 2022

ISSN 1338-0141 | e-ISSN 2644-4879

The Reception of Song of Moses (Deut 32:1-43) in Psalm 119

Miroslav VARŠO​

volume 14, issue 1, 2022, pages 1-10
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsBMYE2498

The short contribution examines the linguistic affinities of Ps 119 depending on Deut 32 involving intertextuality with the particular transformation of the sentences and motives by the author of the psalm. The intertextual connection with Deut 32 appears in the first stanza Ps 119:1-8, three more times in the first verse of the stanza 119:57.73.137, and looser allusions in 119:98-100.

The Structure of the Prayer in Neh 9:5–10:1. A New Proposal

Zuzana BADLÍKOVÁ, Blažej ŠTRBA​

volume 14, issue 1, 2022, pages 11-48
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsBNKB7090

The structure of Nehemiah’s prayer (Neh 9:5–10:1) has been examined many times. The results vary. One of the problems in the search for a structure has been the recurrence of themes such as God’s benevolence, the disobedience and sins of the ancestors, and StBiSl 14 (1/2022) 48 Štruktúra modlitby v Neh 9,5–10,1 punishment in the form of domination by other powers, which barely form any kind of harmonious structure supposedly. In the present research, we investigate the literary composition of the long narrative chapter by identifying smaller textual units on the bases of Hebrew syntax, motifs in the smaller sections, and the recurring, evident use of septennial recurrences. Only by clustering smaller textual units is it easier to identify the larger sections. We conclude that between the initial Abram section and the ending “we”today section, there are three larger narrative sections focused on three groups of people: the fathers, the sons, and the “we”- of the past. The composition reveals that the praying ones count themselves among the previous two disobedient generations, but at the same time, by humble supplication, they want to resemble the prototype of the obedient and faithful Abram.

Feast of Purification: A New Reading for αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ καθαρισμοῦ αὐτῶν in Luke 2:22?

Biju THEKKEKKARA

volume 14, issue 1, 2022, pages 49-66
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsBPJE9507

This article takes up the phrase ὅτε ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡµέραι τοῦ καθαρισµοῦ αὐτῶν in Luke 2:22 for a detailed study from a linguistic point of view inspired by canonical intertextuality. Authors from the earlier periods had difficulty in understanding καθαρισµοῦ αὐτῶν. According to Lev 12:8, only the mother was required to undergo the rite of purification. However, there is no Greek manuscript which has the genitive feminine pronoun and thus referring to Mary. Even though it was difficult to explain αὐτῶν, the scholars interpreted it as the purification of mother based on their understanding on the sacrifice mentioned in v. 24. However, the sacrifice mentioned here could also be understood as a sacrifice any poor Jew undertakes on their visit to Jerusalem temple to purify the tabernacle from impurity caused by the ongoing life of the community, and to restore its sacred status (Lev 5:1-13). Scriptural traditions found in the OT make it possible to understand καθαρισµός as the Feast of Purification. This reading goes well with the Lukan style and theology. The Feast of Purification and its associated eschatological ideas of purification of Jews is a better reading for the puzzling Lukan expression “their purification” from a canonical scriptural perspective.

Why Did the Ungodly Disappear from the Gospels? The Textual Variant in Lk 5:32 and Its Impact on Interpretation

Michal MALIŠ

volume 14, issue 1, 2022, pages 67-91
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsBQBX4950

The subject of the study is a textual variant of the “godless” in the “first hand” of the Codex Sinaiticus (א*) in Lk 5:32. First, the accepted reading with the variant forms of “sinners” is discussed. Then, unique variants of the abovementioned codex in the synoptics are investigated. Subsequently, biblical references to the godless in the Greek language are presented. Based on an examination of the unique variants of the Codex and the biblical references to the godless, the variant forms of the “godless” in Luke 5:32 are discussed.

Balaam and Jezebel in Revelation: The Re-reading of OT Figures?

Francesco PIAZZOLLA

volume 14, issue 1, 2022​, pages 92-114
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsBQVM9296

This article examines the characters of Balaam and Jezebel in the context of the Churches of Pergamum (Rev 2:12-17) and Thyatira (vv. 18-28). Resorting to the technique of irony, John describes two anonymous teachers in their respective local communities, and criticises them for their compromises with Hellenistic culture. These characters are a mirror reading of the local milieu and an attempt to reconcile Christian values with cultural instances. Their critic shows the danger of promiscuity and syncretism, which comes from their religious endeavours. By resorting to the OT figures to present his adversaries, the author offers an example of constant elements, through which every community has some criteria to distinguish the authentic character of prophecy.

BRAULIK, Georg – LOHFINK, Norbert: Language and Literary Form of the Book of Deuteronomy. Observations and Studies (ÖBS 53), Berlin: Peter Lang, 2021. 484 pp. ISBN 978-3-631-58734-2.

Miroslav VARŠO

volume 14, issue 1, 2022, pages 115-122
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsBRJA8134

Space in the Book of Judith. A Narrative Analysis and Interpretation of Space

Martina KORYTIAKOVÁ

volume 14, issue 1, 2022, pages 123-124
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsBSKH9838

Biblical Scholar Prof. Ladislav Tichý, Th.D. Has Died

REDAKCIA​

volume 14, issue 1, 2022, page 125
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64438/sbsBSRL1716

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