Research Articles (Ancient Languages)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/2263/2773

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The Prayer of Jacob (PGM22b) and speech act theory : a pragmatic analysis
(Classical Association of South Africa, 2024) Khumalo, Sihe
This article uses Speech Act Theory to analyse The Prayer of Jacob, a magical incantation from the fourth-century Greek Magical Papyri (PGM 22b. 1-26). Drawing from Austin and Searle’s Speech Act Theory, I examine various speech acts within the prayer, following Lesses’ methodology. Three primary speech act types (directives, expressives, and direct addresses) are identified, alongside an exploration of phrases invoking the power and names of God, and enigmatic voces magicae. Ultimately, the paper suggests that the combination of verbal utterances with divine names, expressions of power, and voces magicae enhances the prayer’s potential effectiveness, leading to the desired outcomes under appropriate conditions.
Re-examining the representation of the land in Hosea 4–11 in light of sacred space
(Old Testament Society of South Africa, 2024-03-15) Rembold, Stefanie; stefanie.rembold@up.ac.za
This article reconsiders the role of land in the YHWH-Israel relationship in Hos 4–11, a text which reworks positive notions of land—gift, inheritance, homeland—as the land becomes associated with Israel’s iniquitous actions and distorted values. To achieve this, the study explores how land is represented as a sacred space in the text and how sacred space is subject to the actions, ideas and perceptions of the people who inhabit the land. The study employs a synchronic, social-scientific approach and conducts a thematic analysis of the text, focusing on the interconnections of sacred space’s moderators—holiness, cultural memory and covenantal exchange—and their place in the land’s deconstruction and reconstruction. Considering these relational modes, the study shows that the representation of the land is reflected in the text’s movements from deconstruction to reconstruction, which suggests that the state of the YHWH-Israel relationship is interlaced with the physical landscape.
Tertullian, apostolicity, and the apostles
(John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 2024-09) Dunn, Geoffrey D.
How did Tertullian regard the apostles? This article investigates the references to them scattered through his writings both as individuals and as a collective. It reveals that individually the apostles were remote figures who appear in the pages of the New Testament simply as interlocutors of Jesus. Even Peter, significant as he was, was someone whose role was personal to himself and not a pattern for future leadership. Yet collectively the apostles performed an important function in Tertullian’s ecclesiology; they were the first receivers and transmitters of the regula fidei, and their fidelity to that responsibility distinguished authentic Christian communities from heretical associations. The regula fidei was important to Tertullian. As a synthesis of the essentials of faith as preached and lived by Jesus, it provided the measure against which passages of Scripture and Christian belief and practice were to be interpreted. The regula relied upon the accurate and complete transmission of the message of Jesus via the apostles to the church and its leaders. The apostolicity of the church is at the heart of why Tradition is central to Christian theology.
Raised eyes and humble hearts : the body as/in space in Pss 123 and 131
(Old Testament Society of South Africa, 2023) Prinsloo, Gert Thomas Marthinus
As a mobile spatial field, the human body is a space and functions in space. The body governs spatial orientation and perceptions of direction, location and distance and determines human experiences and representations of space on the continuum between positive and negative and/or sacred and profane space. In the Psalter, space is represented and experienced through the eyes of a “lyrical I” whose body is located off-centre, in chaos and despair, or at-centre, in harmony and peace. Supplication and praise, ritual and prayer are all expressions of the lyrical I’s desire to be located at-centre, in the presence of the deity, in sacred space. Sacred space is not an ontological location, but a subjective, bodily experience of being in the presence of the divine. An analysis of the whole-body experience of the lyrical I in Pss 123 and 131 illustrates the poet’s longing for (Ps 123) and experience of being at-centre (Ps 131), in divine presence, i.e., in sacred space.
“Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies” (Ps 68:35) : the theological intent of Pss 65–68 and their connections with the prologue to the Psalter (Pss 1–2)
(Old Testament Society of South Africa, 2023) Botha, Philippus Jacobus
Psalms 65–68 constitute an editorially arranged and adapted cluster of psalms expressing universal praise and thanksgiving near the end of Book II of the Psalms. The article describes the theological purpose of the four psalms. There is a strong emphasis on God’s presence in the temple in Zion as a source of blessing for his elected people, the cosmos he created and all humanity. Through his magnificent involvement in creation and the history of his people, his fame as creator, righteous judge, and supreme ruler of the world will spread to the ends of the earth. By linking the cluster through keywords with Pss 1–2, the editors demonstrated how God’s benevolent and just involvement with his people would lead to his being universally recognised as the only God.
Into your hand, I commit my spirit. You have redeemed me, YHWH, O faithful God” (Ps 31:6) : the purpose of Psalm 31 as a part of the cluster of Psalms 25-34 to exhort the in-group to faithful trust in YHWH
(Stellenbosch University, Department of Ancient Studies, 2023) Botha, Philippus Jacobus
Psalm 31 is characterised by a mixture of earnest supplications for help and thanksgiving for having been helped by YHWH. It also contains two of the most memorable declarations of trust in YHWH, with the psalmist entrusting his spirit and his time into the hand of YHWH. This article interprets the psalm as a composition on its own but also within the context of the cluster of Pss 25-34. It argues that the psalm is well-integrated into the cluster, functioning as an acknowledgement to YHWH for having rescued the psalmist from his distress and serving as proof that YHWH is faithful so that the psalmist could use his experience to exhort the in-group to replicate his trust in seeking refuge in YHWH. Although the cluster contains echoes of David’s military struggle with Saul, the primary conflict in the cluster relates to the ethical-moral battle between the humble, poor, righteous worshippers of YHWH and the arrogant, wicked people who tried to shame them in post-exilic Judah.
Revisiting the ‘kriegerischer Gott’ of the Akkadian period
(MDPI, 2023-09) Van Dijk-Coombe, Renate M.; renate.vandijk-coombes@up.ac.za
Boehmer’s Die Entwicklung der Glyptik während der Akkad-Zeit (1965), although nearly 60 years old, is still the major work on the cylinder seals of the Akkadian Period (2334–2150 BCE). It examines different themes and motifs depicted on the cylinder seals during this period. One of the figures which Boehmer discusses is the ‘kriegerischer Gott’, or martial god. Boehmer records this ‘kriegerischer Gott’ as being depicted on only eight cylinder seals. Despite this limited number of examples, the figure exhibits a unique iconography, which suggests a unique, specific personage. Furthermore, he is depicted on the seal of the scribe Adda (BM 89115), one of the most well-known seals from Mesopotamia, in which he is depicted alongside Utu/Šamaš, Inana/Ištar, Enki/Ea and Isiumud/Usmu. Because the ‘kriegerischer Gott’ is depicted together with these great deities of the Akkadian pantheon, each with their own unique iconography, it suggests that he may likewise be a figure of some importance. Boehmer devotes only one page to his discussion on the ‘kriegerischer Gott’. A more detailed investigation into Boehmer’s ‘kriegerischer Gott’ is, therefore, required. This contribution will, therefore, re-examine this figure by analysing his iconography, the unique attributes which he has, the scenes in which he is depicted, and the figures with which he is associated. The possible identity of the ‘kriegerischer Gott’ will also be addressed.
An African in Rome: Victor I, the Date of Easter, and Pluralist Christianity
(Brill Academic Publishers, 2024-03) Dunn, Geoffrey D.
At the end of the second century, Christianity in Rome existed as a federation of individual communities, despite the narrative provided in the fourth century by Eusebius. There was a multiplicity of leaders, of social backgrounds, of languages, of beliefs, and of practices among the Christians of Rome. How did the church of Rome maintain unity internally and externally in the presence of such diversity? By the end of the second century, with Victor, that forbearance came to a dramatic end. The best-known example is the Quartodeciman controversy over the dating of Easter. Other examples include his reaction to Monarchians, Montanists, and Valentinians. In itself, this is not evidence that Victor was attempting to act as sole bishop of Rome, but simply that he used the structures of the pluralist communities to push for greater theological conformity, which contributed to the centralisation of leadership in Rome. As a qualifier, it will be argued that he was not opposed to pluralism per se, but was opposed to it when he became aware of any particular threat divergence presented to Christian life and thought.
Perception changes over time on the usefulness of language learning strategies
(AOSIS, 2023-04) Perea, Luis A. Lancho; luis.lanchoperea@up.ac.za
This longitudinal study describes and analyses the shifts in students’ perceptions on the usefulness of language learning strategies (LLS) when learning Spanish as a foreign language, and explains the roles that these learning strategies play at various moments in time during students’ language learning journey at the undergraduate level. The richness of this investigation lies in the examination of the changing roles and the perceived usefulness of these strategies over a period of 3 years by using a mixed-method approach. Its main contribution is twofold. On the one hand, it offers practical insights within the linguistic field of language acquisition that can be applied to the learning of foreign languages by students with no previous knowledge of them. On the other hand, its longitudinal design not only goes beyond the traditional quantitative approach that offers a limited snapshot view, but also captures changes in strategy use over time while providing details on why strategies were or were not used in the new language at different proficiency levels. The study found some strategies that were initially perceived as useful and helpful at the beginning of the journey were later perceived as neutral, useless or obstructive by the same group of students who had become more proficient in the foreign language. And, conversely, other strategies that were initially perceived as neutral, unhelpful or frustrating, were later perceived as necessary to improve language proficiency, useful and stimulating by the same cohort of students. In this respect, it was found that the perceived role played by these strategies alternated between essential roles to catalytic roles, imperceptible roles, retarding roles and preventing roles, and vice versa. CONTRIBUTION : The main contribution of this study is that it shows that students’ perceptions on the usefulness of certain LLS over time are influenced by their level of proficiency. This in turn influences, and is influenced by, language attitudes and language learning policy, which fall under the scope of this journal.
A spatial reading of Obadiah on the vertical axis of the ancient near Eastern cosmic geography
(Unisa Press, 2023-07) Schader, Jo-Mari; jo-mari.schader@up.ac.za
Since the 1970s, biblical studies have experienced a “spatial turn,” giving rise to an emphasis on a variety of approaches to the spatial analysis of biblical texts. Space is something that is constructed, produced, and represented by means of words. It is thus possible for the associations and memories of spaces to change. This study’s purpose is threefold: (1) to provide a short overview of the significance of studying space and memory together; (2) to provide an overview of ancient Near Eastern cosmic geography to contextualise our study’s reference to vertical spatial orientation; and (3) to illustrate how such a vertical spatial reading can aid us in better understanding the text of Obadiah, which deals predominantly with space in terms of land and sacred space.
Hannah in stages and places : an exploration of narrative space in 1 Samuel 1
(Old Testament Society of South Africa, 2022) Rembold, Stefanie
The lack of contributions toward the study of narrative space in biblical literature has been lamented for the last four decades. While handbooks on narratology and narrative art have tried to expand discussions on the presentation and functions of space, many of these expositions of narrative space rely on reducing narrative space to setting, which focuses only on providing a basic background to a given narrative. Though these details are important for establishing where, when and how a character’s actions take place, this article proposes that the characters’ perceptions and experiences in and of places in a story must contribute to the representation of narrative space. The article illustrates this by conducting a synchronic analysis of 1 Samuel 1, focusing mainly on how Hannah, the protagonist, interacts with and in the spaces of the narrative. The study finds that the representation of each place changes according to the phases of Hannah’s journey from childless woman to mother and that these changes are a result of Hannah’s changing behaviour, psychology and interactions with other characters. These results indicate that space should not be reduced to static and matter-of-fact statements about context but that space should be treated as a malleable facet of narrative which characters can shape and transform.
“May God bless us, so that all the ends of the earth will fear Him!” (Ps 67:8) : the spatial perspective in the eschatological vision of God’s universal rule in the cluster of Psalms 65–68
(Unisa Press, 2023-02) Botha, Philippus Jacobus
Psalms 65–68 form a tight collection or “cluster” of psalms close to the conclusion of Book II of the Psalter. The implied redactors’ purpose with this cluster was to offer thanksgiving and praise to God for manifesting his eschatological rule over the entire world. This article investigates the function of spatial descriptions in defining God’s rule over the cosmos in these four psalms. After establishing harmony in the world, God is present as King in his temple in Zion. To dwell in his vicinity is the pinnacle of his people’s blessing and privilege. Further away from Jerusalem, all nations, even to the ends of the earth, worship and praise God and bring him gifts. There is a centripetal movement of joy, worship, praise, and tribute toward God from all who accept his benevolent rule over the world, but also a centrifugal movement away from him by those who oppose his rule and refuse to accept it.
Diplomatic or eclectic critical editions of the Hebrew Bible? Considering a third alternative
(AOSIS, 2022-10-17) Prinsloo, Gert Thomas Marthinus; gert.prinsloo@up.ac.za
Ever since the publication of the third edition of Rudolph Kittel's Biblia Hebraica (BHK3) to the present gradual production of the Biblia Hebraica Quinta (BHQ) so-called editiones criticae minores of the Hebrew Bible are diplomatic editions. The Codex Leningradensis, dating from 1008/9 CE, is used as the base text, and the Biblia Hebraica text editors note significant variants in other Hebrew manuscripts and/or the ancient versions in eclectic fashion in a text-critical apparatus. The Hebrew University Bible Project (HUPB) also publishes a diplomatic text based on the Codex Aleppo but with a more detailed text-critical apparatus. The Hebrew Bible: A Critical Edition (HBCE) follows a different route, traditionally more familiar in the production of critical editions of the Septuagint and New Testament, namely to publish an eclectic edition. The text editors produce a theoretical, reconstructed text of what they regard as the 'correct' reading after careful consideration and weighing of variants in all available textual witnesses. I argue that critical editions of the Hebrew at the disposal of Hebrew Bible scholars, whether based on a diplomatic or eclectic text, have two inherent weaknesses, namely eclecticism and lack of context. Taken together, these shortcomings might be classified as subjectivism. I propose at least considering the alternative of a synoptic text-critical approach beyond the diplomatic-eclectic dichotomy. CONTRIBUTION : This research critically reviews the current diplomatic/eclectic approaches in the production of scholarly Hebrew Bibles and proposes at least considering a third alternative, namely a synoptic approach.
“This wine is treacherous” (Hab 2:5a) : reading condemnations against violence in Habakkuk 2:5–20 from an ecotheological perspective
(Unisa Press, 2021) Prinsloo, Gert Thomas Marthinus; gert.prinsloo@up.ac.za
This study engages in an ecotheological reading of Habakkuk 2:5–20, a text riddled with text-critical, redaction-critical, and theological problems. I argue that the central theme permeating this text is the condemnation of human hubris and self-centredness, resulting in violent behaviour, whether it is perpetrated against nature, animals, or humanity in general (Hab 2:17). Utilising a hermeneutics of reminiscence as point of departure, the study argues that the book of Habakkuk is an ancient Near Eastern text bound to its own worldview(s) and societal issues. However, reading Hab 2:5–20 from the perspective of victims of violence against the background of exile and marginalisation opens avenues for ecotheological application. Such a reading recognises both the integrity of the ancient text and its relevance for modern readers struggling with urgent issues that did not exist in biblical times.
A social-scientific analysis of the representation of Jonah and the self perception of the Yehudite literati during the late Persian period
(Unisa Press, 2020) Schader, Jo-Mari; jo-mari.schader@up.ac.za
This article addresses the question of what can be gleaned from the book of Jonah regarding the self-perception of its author(ship) and intended audience through a social-scientific analysis. What does the analysis of Jonah’s representation reflect of the self-perception of the Yehudite literati during or after the period during which the book was written? Firstly, an overview is given of what is known about the authorship of the book of Jonah and how the author(s) is related to the main character. This is followed by an overview of the values of honour and shame, and an application of how Jonah is represented in this regard. This analysis is then related to the self-perception of the author(ship) and audience for whom the book was written, due to their association with the main character.
The interpretation of the parable of the prodigal son by two Latin Patristic authors, St Jerome and St Peter Chrysologus
(Faculty of Theology, University of Ljubljana, 2021) Kritzinger, J.P.K. (Jacobus)
In this paper, a comparison is made between Jerome’s and Petrus Chrysologus’ interpretations of the parable of the prodigal son. In Letter 21, written in 383/384, Jerome responds to a request by Pope Damasus to clarify specific questions about this well-known parable. After an introduction in which the specific questions are mentioned and briefly discussed, he continues with a verse-by-verse commentary of the Lucan passage, followed by a short conclusion. Petrus Chrysologus (c. 380–c. 450), bishop of Ravenna, delivered five sermons on the parable of the prodigal son, of which the fifth sermon offers a spiritual interpretation. A comparison between the two different approaches to the parable highlights Jerome’s usual exegetical method. There is a sharper focus on Jerome’s letter, and in comparison with Chrysologus’ work, the unique character of Jerome’s approach is underlined. An essential aspect of Jerome’s commentary is his identification with the contents of the parable and the fact that he uses this work to promote himself as a biblical scholar and exegete.
Respect for Nature! Umweltethik und -ästhetik in Brandis und Ziemeks Ruf der Tiefe und Julia Boehmes Conni rettet die Tiere
(Association for German Studies in Southern Africa, 2021-12) Tchiha, Klaus Tezokeng
This article endorses Paul Taylors concepts of environmental ethics compiled in the book Respect for Nature. A theory of Environmental Ethics. (1986 / 2011) It is based on the premise that literature plays a pivotal role in addressing environmental degradation and can bring a significant, and perhaps different discourse on the Human-Nature-relationship to the fore. It proposes to read fictional texts under the premises of both Hubert Zapf’s cultural ecology, and other concepts from the field of environmental ethics, using Katja Brandis’ and Hans-Peter Ziemek’s Ruf der Tiefe and Julia Boeme’s Conni rettet die Tiere as focal texts. This contribution investigates aspects of environmental narratives, as well as forms of environmental discourse in the selected fictional texts. In doing so, the paper extends the perspectives on environmental literature and participates in an academic practice of reading fictional texts in the context of the Anthropocene.
Morbi artificum - a post-Ramazzinian academic dissertation on occupational diseases by a pupil of Carl von Linné
(Croatian Scientific Society for the History of Health, 2021) Hannu, Timo; Kritzinger, J.P.K. (Jacobus)
This study presents the first full translation from Latin to English of the Linnaean dissertation Morbi Artificum or Occupational diseases, submitted by Nicholas Skragge in 1765. It consists of an essay that places the dissertation in historical and scientific context and of the translation. Skragge’s thesis has not only significance in the history of occupational medicine but also provides a perspective on Linnaeus’ thinking on dietetics. Skragge’s doctoral thesis is one of the 186 academic dissertations defended by students of Carl Linnaeus. Prior to the present study, only three of these 186 dissertations have been translated from Latin to English in our own times. The first extensive compendium on occupational diseases by Bernardino Ramazzini, with the title De Morbis Artificum Diatriba, served as a blueprint for Skragge’s thesis. The background for Skragge’s thesis was Linnaeus’ general interest in systematizing objects according to certain norms in biology, which methodology he also applied when classifying diseases in medicine. Also, Linnaeus’ life-long emphasis on the importance of dietetics is evident in the thesis. Finally, in the era when Linnaeus lived (Age of Liberty), Sweden focused greatly on improving the country’s economy. Since trade and industry were prioritized by the state, it was reasonable to map the diseases workers were prone to.
From desperation to adoration : reading Psalm 107 as a transforming spatial journey
(University of the Free State, Faculty of Theology, 2021-12-10) Prinsloo, Gert Thomas Marthinus; gert.prinsloo@up.ac.za
Critical spatiality opens avenues to investigate the transforming power of the authors/redactors of the Hebrew Bible’s spatial imagination. I read Psalm 107 as a spatial journey bridging the divide between the desperation of the exile and the longing of the Psalter’s post-exilic authors/ redactors for Israel’s complete restoration and the universal adoration of Yhwh. Psalm 107 plays a crucial role in the transition between Books IV (Pss. 90-106) and V (Pss. 107-145) and acts as a “bridge” between the desperation of the exile and the call to the universal adoration of Yhwh in the post-exilic period. Psalm 107 hints at a continuous transforming spatial journey between present realities and the longed-for eschatological establishment of a universal, divine kingdom.
Two ancient theologians’ interpretations of the withered fig tree (Mt 21:18–22)
(AOSIS, 2021-07-06) Stander, Hennie (Hendrik Frederik), 1953-
This article is an investigation on how two theologians from the Early Church interpreted the withered fig tree, as narrated by the evangelist Matthew (Mt 21:18–22). The two theologians referred to are Origen of Alexandria, who belongs to the pre-Nicene era and represents the Alexandrian School, and Ps.-Chrysostom who belongs to the post-Nicene era, and represents the School of Antioch. Origen believed that when the fig tree withered, it referred to Israel’s withering. This interpretation of the narrative surrounding the withered fig tree was very common in the Early Church. Ps.-Chrysostom makes it very clear that he cannot agree with this interpretation, which was quite common in the Early Church. He stated that it is wrong to liken the fig tree to the synagogue of the Jews. He argues that Jesus could not curse the synagogue, because he said that ‘The Son of Man did not come to destroy, but to seek and save the lost’ (cf. Lk 9:56). Moreover, if the synagogue withered, fruitful branches such as Paul, Stephen, Aquila and Priscilla could not have sprouted from the roots. These names are proof that God did not entirely reject the Jewish people. Ps.-Chrysostom then offers a different explanation to the question why the fig tree withered: He points out that Adam used the leaves of a fig tree to cover his nakedness. When Jesus caused the fig tree to wither, he wanted to show that he can give Adam a new garment of water and spirit that glistens like snow. Christ gave back to Adam what the serpent had robbed him of, namely ‘the angel-like life, the luxuriance of paradise, the garment of incorruptibility’ (PC. cp. 4). CONTRIBUTION : The primary goal of this article is to explore the exegetical practices of two ancient theologians who came from two different schools and from two different eras. This study shows how they interpreted the account of the withered fig tree (Mt 21:18–22), based on their respective theological perspectives.

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