Dépouillements

“Surely There Is God in This Place”: Ugaritic ỉṯt and Hebrew [inline-graphic 01i] Reconsidered in Light of Kirta’s Vow (KTU 1.14 IV 38) / Yitzhaq Feder in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, vol 86/3 (2024)

Public ISBD [article]  inThe Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 429-449 Titre : “Surely There Is God in This Place”: Ugaritic ỉṯt and Hebrew [inline-graphic 01i] Reconsidered in Light of Kirta’s Vow (KTU 1.14 IV 38) Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Yitzhaq Feder, Auteur ; Tania Notarius, Auteur Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : pp. 429-449 Langues : Anglais (eng) Résumé : In this article we examine the meaning of the Ugaritic term ỉṯt and its implications for Ugaritic and biblical lexicography in light of ancient Near Eastern vowing practices. We reevaluate the association of ỉṯt with vows and its influential translation as “gift,” which has served as the basis for viewing it as etymologically related to the biblical offering term ʾiššeh. Our analysis reveals that all of the nonfragmentary attestations of ỉṯt can be convincingly understood as conjugated forms of the verb of existence ỉṯ. This understanding sets the stage for a new interpretation of its appearance in Kirta’s vow (KTU3 1.14 IV 38) as a reference to the divine presence at the moment of vow making, a reading that is corroborated by a wide body of ancient Near Eastern votive inscriptions and literary texts in which statements of divine presence are explicit. Based on this analysis, it becomes clear that the Ugaritic data are not relevant to understanding the biblical term [inline-graphic 02i] (ʾiššeh), which can only be elucidated based on its contextual evidence. In the final part of the article, we address challenges to the traditional interpretation of [inline-graphic 03i] as a “fire-offering” and show how this has led to a widespread misunderstanding of this term. [article] “Surely There Is God in This Place”: Ugaritic ỉṯt and Hebrew [inline-graphic 01i] Reconsidered in Light of Kirta’s Vow (KTU 1.14 IV 38) [texte imprimé] / Yitzhaq Feder, Auteur ; Tania Notarius, Auteur . - 2025 . - pp. 429-449. Langues : Anglais (eng) in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 429-449 Résumé : In this article we examine the meaning of the Ugaritic term ỉṯt and its implications for Ugaritic and biblical lexicography in light of ancient Near Eastern vowing practices. We reevaluate the association of ỉṯt with vows and its influential translation as “gift,” which has served as the basis for viewing it as etymologically related to the biblical offering term ʾiššeh. Our analysis reveals that all of the nonfragmentary attestations of ỉṯt can be convincingly understood as conjugated forms of the verb of existence ỉṯ. This understanding sets the stage for a new interpretation of its appearance in Kirta’s vow (KTU3 1.14 IV 38) as a reference to the divine presence at the moment of vow making, a reading that is corroborated by a wide body of ancient Near Eastern votive inscriptions and literary texts in which statements of divine presence are explicit. Based on this analysis, it becomes clear that the Ugaritic data are not relevant to understanding the biblical term [inline-graphic 02i] (ʾiššeh), which can only be elucidated based on its contextual evidence. In the final part of the article, we address challenges to the traditional interpretation of [inline-graphic 03i] as a “fire-offering” and show how this has led to a widespread misunderstanding of this term.

Is There Brawn in Gilead? The Figure of Esau in the East / Spencer J. Elliott in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, vol 86/3 (2024)

Public ISBD [article]  inThe Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 450-468 Titre : Is There Brawn in Gilead? The Figure of Esau in the East Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Spencer J. Elliott, Auteur Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : pp. 450-468 Langues : Anglais (eng) Résumé : Characters in the ancestor narratives of Genesis, and especially in the Jacob cycle, are often modeled on the places and peoples that are thought to descend from them. Both Esau and Jacob, as national progenitors of Edom and Israel, occupy similar spaces to their later polities, and behave in similar ways. Yet, strangely, Jacob encounters a threatening Esau at the Jabbok River, far from where the Edomites would have reasonably interacted with the kingdom of Israel. In this article, I look at the literary history and narrative description of Esau and his relationship with the lands east of the Jordan. Before he was made the father of Edom, the character of Esau reflected monarchic-period projections of the broad networks of mobile groups involved in movement throughout the eastern highlands, and which were presented as threatening to inhabitants east of the Jordan. [article] Is There Brawn in Gilead? The Figure of Esau in the East [texte imprimé] / Spencer J. Elliott, Auteur . - 2025 . - pp. 450-468. Langues : Anglais (eng) in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 450-468 Résumé : Characters in the ancestor narratives of Genesis, and especially in the Jacob cycle, are often modeled on the places and peoples that are thought to descend from them. Both Esau and Jacob, as national progenitors of Edom and Israel, occupy similar spaces to their later polities, and behave in similar ways. Yet, strangely, Jacob encounters a threatening Esau at the Jabbok River, far from where the Edomites would have reasonably interacted with the kingdom of Israel. In this article, I look at the literary history and narrative description of Esau and his relationship with the lands east of the Jordan. Before he was made the father of Edom, the character of Esau reflected monarchic-period projections of the broad networks of mobile groups involved in movement throughout the eastern highlands, and which were presented as threatening to inhabitants east of the Jordan.

Daubing, Materiality, and Prophecy in Ezekiel 13: 10–16 / Leslie Virnelson in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, vol 86/3 (2024)

Public ISBD [article]  inThe Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 469-484 Titre : Daubing, Materiality, and Prophecy in Ezekiel 13: 10–16 Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Leslie Virnelson, Auteur Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : pp. 469-484 Langues : Anglais (eng) Résumé : Ezekiel 13:10–16 has long been understood by translating the word [inline-graphic 01i] as “whitewash” or some kind of building material, on the assumption that v. 10 metaphorizes censured prophecy as building something in a shoddy and deceptive way. It is preferable to read [inline-graphic 02i] in this passage as [inline-graphic 03i] I, meaning something insipid, as a censorious reference to an underlying practice of inscribing prophecy. There are multiple examples of West Semitic inscriptions of divinatory messages, including most notably the Deir ‘Alla and Amman Citadel inscriptions. This suggestion aligns the usage of [inline-graphic 04i] clearly with related passages in Ezek 22:28 and Lam 2:14, and with the discussion of censured prophets ([inline-graphic 05i]) and their various activities throughout Ezekiel 13. Theories of space and materiality enrich the discussion of the purpose and meaning of inscriptions of prophecy and how they might have functioned in an ancient context underlying Ezekiel 13. [article] Daubing, Materiality, and Prophecy in Ezekiel 13: 10–16 [texte imprimé] / Leslie Virnelson, Auteur . - 2025 . - pp. 469-484. Langues : Anglais (eng) in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 469-484 Résumé : Ezekiel 13:10–16 has long been understood by translating the word [inline-graphic 01i] as “whitewash” or some kind of building material, on the assumption that v. 10 metaphorizes censured prophecy as building something in a shoddy and deceptive way. It is preferable to read [inline-graphic 02i] in this passage as [inline-graphic 03i] I, meaning something insipid, as a censorious reference to an underlying practice of inscribing prophecy. There are multiple examples of West Semitic inscriptions of divinatory messages, including most notably the Deir ‘Alla and Amman Citadel inscriptions. This suggestion aligns the usage of [inline-graphic 04i] clearly with related passages in Ezek 22:28 and Lam 2:14, and with the discussion of censured prophets ([inline-graphic 05i]) and their various activities throughout Ezekiel 13. Theories of space and materiality enrich the discussion of the purpose and meaning of inscriptions of prophecy and how they might have functioned in an ancient context underlying Ezekiel 13.

The Theology of Sacrifice as Gift in Ben Sira / Stephen A. Long in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, vol 86/3 (2024)

Public ISBD [article]  inThe Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 485-506 Titre : The Theology of Sacrifice as Gift in Ben Sira Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Stephen A. Long, Auteur Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : pp. 485-506 Langues : Anglais (eng) Résumé : In this article, I endeavor to advance discussion of the symbolic “meaning” of sacrifice during the Second Temple period by examining the wisdom instruction of Ben Sira. As part of his longest exposition of his views on sacrifice, Ben Sira emphasizes the “gift” aspects of the regular, literal altar service initiated by an individual (35:6–13). Such ritual gifts sought to be “acceptable” (35:9a) and communicated a relationship of gratitude for God’s prior generosity (35:11–13). These gifts may also have aimed, as the contemporaneous Samaritan inscriptions would have it, at “good remembrance” (cf. Sir 35:9b)—perhaps concretely realized as Yhwh’s bestowal of benefits like healing upon his pious dependent (38:9–11). The ritual joy and generosity initiated by the individual participated in a divinely ordained temple cultus by which the cosmos was thought to be properly ordered, and contributed conceptual support for broad circles of reciprocity encompassing God, the pious Israelite, and neighbors who may never have been able to “repay” (35:3–4; cf. 29:8–13). [article] The Theology of Sacrifice as Gift in Ben Sira [texte imprimé] / Stephen A. Long, Auteur . - 2025 . - pp. 485-506. Langues : Anglais (eng) in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 485-506 Résumé : In this article, I endeavor to advance discussion of the symbolic “meaning” of sacrifice during the Second Temple period by examining the wisdom instruction of Ben Sira. As part of his longest exposition of his views on sacrifice, Ben Sira emphasizes the “gift” aspects of the regular, literal altar service initiated by an individual (35:6–13). Such ritual gifts sought to be “acceptable” (35:9a) and communicated a relationship of gratitude for God’s prior generosity (35:11–13). These gifts may also have aimed, as the contemporaneous Samaritan inscriptions would have it, at “good remembrance” (cf. Sir 35:9b)—perhaps concretely realized as Yhwh’s bestowal of benefits like healing upon his pious dependent (38:9–11). The ritual joy and generosity initiated by the individual participated in a divinely ordained temple cultus by which the cosmos was thought to be properly ordered, and contributed conceptual support for broad circles of reciprocity encompassing God, the pious Israelite, and neighbors who may never have been able to “repay” (35:3–4; cf. 29:8–13).

The Riddle of Mark 7:15 / Will Robinson in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, vol 86/3 (2024)

Public ISBD [article]  inThe Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 507-527 Titre : The Riddle of Mark 7:15 Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Will Robinson, Auteur Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : pp. 507-527 Langues : Anglais (eng) Résumé : Analyses of Mark 7:15 are absent from sustained discussion in studies of Jesus’s use of figurative language, despite its description as a παραβολή (“parable,” 7:17). Studies typically label this text a “riddle,” but this is generally undefined and its relationship to other figurative devices in language is mysterious. Accordingly, I discuss some modern categories of figurative language, like metaphor, riddle, and metaphorical riddle and consider how they are related to the topic of this article. I then analyze Mark 7:15 in the light of these discussions, concluding that the category of metaphorical riddle could be helpful in interpreting the Marcan text. In the context of the metaphorical riddle, Jesus, without providing a source domain, misleads the audience into thinking that the subject of 7:15b is something physical (probably excrement), when the true meaning relates to something abstract (sin). On this reading, Jesus’s metaphorical riddle implies something like, “excrement is to the body as sin is to the heart.” Regardless of one’s interpretation, I argue that greater clarity regarding definitions and methods would be beneficial to this conversation, which can be ad hoc and idiosyncratic. In my view, the interpretation can be improved by utilizing approaches of modern literary criticism concerning figurative language, which offers relatively coherent and stable terms by which we might continue this discussion. [article] The Riddle of Mark 7:15 [texte imprimé] / Will Robinson, Auteur . - 2025 . - pp. 507-527. Langues : Anglais (eng) in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 507-527 Résumé : Analyses of Mark 7:15 are absent from sustained discussion in studies of Jesus’s use of figurative language, despite its description as a παραβολή (“parable,” 7:17). Studies typically label this text a “riddle,” but this is generally undefined and its relationship to other figurative devices in language is mysterious. Accordingly, I discuss some modern categories of figurative language, like metaphor, riddle, and metaphorical riddle and consider how they are related to the topic of this article. I then analyze Mark 7:15 in the light of these discussions, concluding that the category of metaphorical riddle could be helpful in interpreting the Marcan text. In the context of the metaphorical riddle, Jesus, without providing a source domain, misleads the audience into thinking that the subject of 7:15b is something physical (probably excrement), when the true meaning relates to something abstract (sin). On this reading, Jesus’s metaphorical riddle implies something like, “excrement is to the body as sin is to the heart.” Regardless of one’s interpretation, I argue that greater clarity regarding definitions and methods would be beneficial to this conversation, which can be ad hoc and idiosyncratic. In my view, the interpretation can be improved by utilizing approaches of modern literary criticism concerning figurative language, which offers relatively coherent and stable terms by which we might continue this discussion.

Elijah and Elisha in the Signs of the Gospel of John: Assessing Prophetic Christologies / Matthew J. Klem in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, vol 86/3 (2024)

Public ISBD [article]  inThe Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 528-549 Titre : Elijah and Elisha in the Signs of the Gospel of John: Assessing Prophetic Christologies Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Matthew J. Klem, Auteur Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : pp. 528-549 Langues : Anglais (eng) Résumé : Many interpreters have observed allusions to Elijah and Elisha in the signs of the Gospel of John. Older studies typically evaluated the parallels to determine either John’s use of a signs source, the provenance of the Gospel, or the christology of early Christian communities. But several recent studies taking a more narrative-oriented approach have asked what kind of christology is generated when one reads the signs in light of the miracles of Elijah and Elisha. They have generally concluded that the resulting prophetic christology functions as a stepping-stone toward higher christologies. On the intertextual reading of this article, however, the prophetic chris-tology relates to other christologies not as a stepping-stone but in terms of the theology of prophecy from Kings: the signs of Jesus validate his prophetic authority, and Jesus takes up not only the role of Elijah and Elisha but also the role of the prophets’ God. [article] Elijah and Elisha in the Signs of the Gospel of John: Assessing Prophetic Christologies [texte imprimé] / Matthew J. Klem, Auteur . - 2025 . - pp. 528-549. Langues : Anglais (eng) in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 528-549 Résumé : Many interpreters have observed allusions to Elijah and Elisha in the signs of the Gospel of John. Older studies typically evaluated the parallels to determine either John’s use of a signs source, the provenance of the Gospel, or the christology of early Christian communities. But several recent studies taking a more narrative-oriented approach have asked what kind of christology is generated when one reads the signs in light of the miracles of Elijah and Elisha. They have generally concluded that the resulting prophetic christology functions as a stepping-stone toward higher christologies. On the intertextual reading of this article, however, the prophetic chris-tology relates to other christologies not as a stepping-stone but in terms of the theology of prophecy from Kings: the signs of Jesus validate his prophetic authority, and Jesus takes up not only the role of Elijah and Elisha but also the role of the prophets’ God.

The Brothers in the Praetorium: Syntax and History in Philippians 1:12–14 / Ryan S. Schellenberg in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, vol 86/3 (2024)

Public ISBD [article]  inThe Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 550-571 Titre : The Brothers in the Praetorium: Syntax and History in Philippians 1:12–14 Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Ryan S. Schellenberg, Auteur Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : pp. 550-571 Langues : Anglais (eng) Résumé : In this article, I reassess the syntax and historical significance of Phil 1:12–14 in light of recent studies reevaluating the provenance of Philippians, the meaning of τὸ πραιτώριον, the circumstances of Paul’s imprisonment, and the identity of the “saints” from “Caesar’s household” mentioned in 4:22. More specifically, I contest the largely unexamined consensus that when Paul speaks of those ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ πραιτωρίῳ he refers to persons outside the local Christ group. Instead, I argue, Phil 1:12–14 is concerned throughout with Paul’s perception by local believers. Whatever the unsavory allegations against him, it has become clear, Paul asserts, to those brothers in the praetorium and the rest as well that his chains are defined by their relation to Christ, and this has emboldened many of them in their gospel proclamation. [article] The Brothers in the Praetorium: Syntax and History in Philippians 1:12–14 [texte imprimé] / Ryan S. Schellenberg, Auteur . - 2025 . - pp. 550-571. Langues : Anglais (eng) in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 550-571 Résumé : In this article, I reassess the syntax and historical significance of Phil 1:12–14 in light of recent studies reevaluating the provenance of Philippians, the meaning of τὸ πραιτώριον, the circumstances of Paul’s imprisonment, and the identity of the “saints” from “Caesar’s household” mentioned in 4:22. More specifically, I contest the largely unexamined consensus that when Paul speaks of those ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ πραιτωρίῳ he refers to persons outside the local Christ group. Instead, I argue, Phil 1:12–14 is concerned throughout with Paul’s perception by local believers. Whatever the unsavory allegations against him, it has become clear, Paul asserts, to those brothers in the praetorium and the rest as well that his chains are defined by their relation to Christ, and this has emboldened many of them in their gospel proclamation.

An Earlier terminus ante quem for the Epistle of James? The Influence of James on Clement of Alexandria’s Transmission of 1 Clement 17 / Nicholas List in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, vol 86/3 (2024)

Public ISBD [article]  inThe Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 572-586 Titre : An Earlier terminus ante quem for the Epistle of James? The Influence of James on Clement of Alexandria’s Transmission of 1 Clement 17 Type de document : texte imprimé Auteurs : Nicholas List, Auteur Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : pp. 572-586 Langues : Anglais (eng) Résumé : The current terminus ante quem for the Epistle of James is the third century, with the first clear quotations of the epistle located in Origen. Aside from a few contentious correspondences with the Apostolic Fathers, no earlier allusions to James have received any serious consideration. I argue that an earlier reference should in fact be detected in Origen’s predecessor, Clement of Alexandria. In book 4 of his Stromata, the Alexandrian quotes from 1 Clement 17, a text that presents the figure of Job as an exemplum of humility. Clement significantly alters his source text in such a way that seems to betray knowledge of James, producing a synthesis of Joban tradition in early Christianity. If this claim is substantiated, it would effectively push the terminus ante quem for James back by one generation, to the late second century c.e. [article] An Earlier terminus ante quem for the Epistle of James? The Influence of James on Clement of Alexandria’s Transmission of 1 Clement 17 [texte imprimé] / Nicholas List, Auteur . - 2025 . - pp. 572-586. Langues : Anglais (eng) in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - pp. 572-586 Résumé : The current terminus ante quem for the Epistle of James is the third century, with the first clear quotations of the epistle located in Origen. Aside from a few contentious correspondences with the Apostolic Fathers, no earlier allusions to James have received any serious consideration. I argue that an earlier reference should in fact be detected in Origen’s predecessor, Clement of Alexandria. In book 4 of his Stromata, the Alexandrian quotes from 1 Clement 17, a text that presents the figure of Job as an exemplum of humility. Clement significantly alters his source text in such a way that seems to betray knowledge of James, producing a synthesis of Joban tradition in early Christianity. If this claim is substantiated, it would effectively push the terminus ante quem for James back by one generation, to the late second century c.e.

Biblical News in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, vol 86/3 (2024)

Public ISBD [article]  inThe Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - p. 587 Titre : Biblical News Type de document : texte imprimé Année de publication : 2025 Article en page(s) : p. 587 Langues : Anglais (eng) Résumé : In the January 1984 issue of CBQ, the Publishing Editor listed was Christopher T. Begg, and he was the Publishing Editor of CBQ for every issue after that through the April issue of 2024. Recently, Fr. Begg suffered a health setback that has made it impossible for him to continue with CBQ. We are grateful for Fr. Begg’s forty years of shepherding the Quarterly through the production process. He read two sets of proofs for every issue, turning the proofs around in a matter of a few days. His unfailing eye and broad grasp of languages and the many nuances of the field of biblical studies caught countless lapses in the articles and reviews in CBQ. Fr. Begg’s legacy also includes serving as co-editor and then General Editor of Old Testament Abstracts from 1991 through the June issue of 2024. According to Joe E. Jensen, Begg’s longtime colleague at OTA, “Fr. Begg took great care and pride in creating each issue of OTA. He rarely left his office before 9:30 p.m. each evening, always leaving a stack of abstracts for inclusion in the next issue of OTA.” Scholars, researchers, and students have benefitted from Chris Begg’s commitment to making the highest level of scholarship available to readers of OTA and CBQ. [End Page 587] [article] Biblical News [texte imprimé] . - 2025 . - p. 587. Langues : Anglais (eng) in The Catholic Biblical Quarterly > vol 86/3 (2024) . - p. 587 Résumé : In the January 1984 issue of CBQ, the Publishing Editor listed was Christopher T. Begg, and he was the Publishing Editor of CBQ for every issue after that through the April issue of 2024. Recently, Fr. Begg suffered a health setback that has made it impossible for him to continue with CBQ. We are grateful for Fr. Begg’s forty years of shepherding the Quarterly through the production process. He read two sets of proofs for every issue, turning the proofs around in a matter of a few days. His unfailing eye and broad grasp of languages and the many nuances of the field of biblical studies caught countless lapses in the articles and reviews in CBQ. Fr. Begg’s legacy also includes serving as co-editor and then General Editor of Old Testament Abstracts from 1991 through the June issue of 2024. According to Joe E. Jensen, Begg’s longtime colleague at OTA, “Fr. Begg took great care and pride in creating each issue of OTA. He rarely left his office before 9:30 p.m. each evening, always leaving a stack of abstracts for inclusion in the next issue of OTA.” Scholars, researchers, and students have benefitted from Chris Begg’s commitment to making the highest level of scholarship available to readers of OTA and CBQ. [End Page 587]