Language:
English
Year of publication:
2020
Titel der Quelle:
Vetus Testamentum
Angaben zur Quelle:
70,1 (2020) 104-123
Keywords:
Bible Criticism, interpretation, etc.
;
Spirit Biblical teaching
;
Soul Biblical teaching
;
Human body Biblical teaching
;
Bible and anthropology
;
Wisdom literature Criticism, interpretation, etc.
Abstract:
This paper examines various ways in which ancient Israelite texts speak of the relationship of divine spirit to human bodies. Methodologically, it takes its cue from recent work in cognitive anthropology, specifically the study of cultural cognitive models. This approach pays attention to keywords, metaphors, and aspects of syntax and grammar to attempt to elicit implicit assumptions that lie behind and enable the discourse itself. With respect to divine spirit and human bodies the texts reveal a particular focus on the modalities of the relationship. Although the two major models are “wind-against-object” and “breathwind-in-container,” a surprising number of expressions featuring spirit-as-liquid are attested. Moreover, certain aspects of how death is modeled become clearer when one distinguishes a rûaḥ model of vitality from a nepeš model. Implications for further research in the areas of selfhood and personal agency are suggested.
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