The paradox between appearance and truth in Ephrem the Syrian’s Hymn de Crucifixione IV

Abstract

The presence and literary function of certain polarities in this particular hymn are investigated. It concerns polarities formed by the contrast between what was visible during the trial and crucifixion of Christ and what was believed by the Christian community who created and used these hymns to be the truth. It is found that Ephrem expressed the polarities in the form of ironic paradoxes. These paradoxes were supposed to strengthen the unity of the Christian community by focusing on the increase in honour of Christ during what seemed to be a process of shaming him.