Volume 18, Issue 1, 2026
Articles published in the latest issue of Studia Biblica Slovaca
The Korahites: Open the Doors of Jerusalem
Bernard GOSSE
Volume 18, Issue 1, 2026, pages 1-16
Abstract
In the Psalter, the Korahites, some Edomites are Universalists concerning Jerusalem. As doorkeepers they open the doors of Jerusalem to the nations. This point plays an important part in the redaction of the Psalter, with the role of the nations in Jerusalem. The reaction of Psalm 137 from Asaph, against Edom and Babylon; does not prevent the expansion to the kings of the nations in Ps 138.
Taming the Evil Eye: Ironic Reframing of ʿayin rāʿāh in the Hebrew Bible
Zacharias KOTZÉ
Volume 18, Issue 1, 2026, pages 17-30
Abstract
Despite the widespread ancient Near Eastern belief in the evil eye as an envy-driven, projective force of harm, scholarship has often regarded explicit references to \u02bfayin r\u0101\u02bf\u0101h in the Hebrew Bible as marginal or absent. This article examines the idiom’s occurrences in Proverbs 23:6; 28:22 and Deuteronomy 15:9; 28:54.56. Using cognitive-linguistic metaphor analysis, social-scientific insights into envy in limited-good societies, and textual criticism, it demonstrates a consistent ironic reframing: the evil eye, traditionally emanating from envious outsiders in Mesopotamian and Egyptian traditions, is redirected in biblical texts to describe insiders who withhold resources – transforming a supernatural threat into an ethical critique of stinginess and hard-heartedness. This inversion likely reflects deliberate editorial strategy, motivated by fear of non-Yahwistic powers (paralleling YHWH-name avoidance) and Deuteronomistic neutralisation of magical elements. The findings reveal not absence but transformation of the evil eye concept, contributing to re-evaluations of cultural accommodation, metaphor, and monotheistic theology in the Hebrew Bible.
Juda's Arrival to the Mount of Olives: Literary-Critical Study of the Function of προήρχετο in Luke 22:47
Radoslav MITRO
Volume 18, Issue 1, 2026, pages 31-54
Abstract
This study focuses on an analysis of Luke’s use of the verb προέρχομαι in Luke 22:47 and examines his possible theological motivation within the context of the narrative of Jesus’ handing over. The starting point is the observation that Luke places Judas at the head of the approaching crowd, thereby distinguishing his account from the other Synoptic evangelists, as well as the possibility of Satan’s continuing presence in Judas. Although several studies highlight the significance of Judas’s role, the verb expressing his movement has received only limited attention. The study therefore investigates whether the use of the verb προέρχομαι might convey a specific theological message. Particular attention is given to the character of satan within Luke-Acts. On the basis of literary and theological analysis, it is proposed that Luke’s motivation for placing Judas “at the head” of the crowd might lie precisely in the ongoing presence of satan within him.
Casting Out the “Ruler of This World”: Apocalyptic Eschatology and Johannine Literary Dualities in John 12:31-32; 18:36 and 19:16b-42
Alessandro CAVICCHIA
Volume 18, Issue 1, 2026, pages 55-84
Abstract
The paper explores how the “Ruler of this world has been cast out” (see John 12:31) through the glorification of Jesus (cf. John 12:28.32). The discussion will briefly address John 18:36, where Jesus asserts that his kingdom is “not from down here” (ἡ βασιλεία ἡ ἐμὴ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐντεῦθεν), suggesting a thematic framework for the ensuing passion narrative. The article then examines the actualization of such a kingdom in John 19:16b-42 by means of Johannine polarized thought and literary devices such as structure of John 19:16b-42, irony, double entendre, and, above all, the fulfillment of the Scriptures in John 19:23-24.31-37.
Post-biblical Hebrew in the Gospels
Jan JOOSTEN
Volume 18, Issue 1, 2026, pages 85-111
Abstract
The article collects old and new evidence showing that, alongside Aramaic, Jesus and his disciples also used a post-biblical variety of Hebrew as their spoken language.
Crux interpretum in 1Cor 4:6
Petr MAREČEK
Volume 18, Issue 1, 2026, pages 112-139
Abstract
In the history of exegesis, we encounter a wide range of different interpretations of the phrase τὸ μὴ ὑπὲρ ἃ γέγραπται in 1 Corinthians 4:6, which is a notorious crux interpretum for all commentators. After presenting an overview of a total of 14 ways of interpreting these five enigmatic words with their evaluation, it must be stated that their meaning remains controversial and unclear among scholars. It cannot be ruled out that the Apostle Paul refers to Scripture as a whole, i.e., that he encourages living according to Scripture. Based on the context of the words τὸ μὴ ὑπὲρ ἃ γέγραπται, which is a warning against boasting, it can be assumed that Paul wants to use this expression primarily to point to the essence of Scripture, which is the commandment of love. He clearly summarizes this principle in his letter to the Galatians: “For the whole law is summed up (literally: ‘is fulfilled’) in a single word: Love your neighbour as yourself” (Gal 5:14). The fact that Paul considers love to be the greatest value is emphasized in 1 Corinthians itself, where, after instructing on the diversity of spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12:1-31a), he focuses on highlighting the highest value, which is love (12:31b-13:13) and which he repeatedly contrasts with boasting (8:1; 13:4).
Liber Annuus LXXXIV (2024)
Radoslav MITRO
Volume 18, Issue 1, 2026, pages 140-148
BRAULIK, Georg – LOHFINK, Norbert: Kommentar zur Deuteronomium 1 (Österreichische biblische Studien 60), Berlin: Peter Lang, 2024. 601 s. ISBN 978-3-631-89521-4.
Miroslav VARŠO
Volume 18, Issue 1, 2026, pages 149-153
ROSKOVEC, Jan – HUŠEK, Vít (eds.): Interactions in Interpretation: The Pilgrimage of Meaning through Biblical Texts and Context (Biblical Interpretation Series 185), Leiden – Boston: Brill, 2021. 255 s. ISBN 978-90-04-42963-5.
Branislav KĽUSKA
Volume 18, Issue 1, 2026, pages 154-161
Obhajoba doktorskej práce Petra Olasa
Miroslav HOSŤOVECKÝ
Volume 18, Issue 1, 2026, pages 162