Onomastics and Numerical Composition in the Genealogy of Matthew

It has long been speculated that Matthew made use of the numerical values of the Hebrew letters of David’s name in structuring his genealogy. This article proposes criteria for discerning numerical composition and shows that Matthew sees numerical significance not just in the name David but in each...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Bryan, Steven M. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Eisenbrauns 2020
In: Bulletin for biblical research
Year: 2020, Volume: 30, Issue: 4, Pages: 515-539
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Onomastics / Numerology / Bible. Matthäusevangelium 1 / Genealogy / Jesus Christus
IxTheo Classification:HC New Testament
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Description
Summary:It has long been speculated that Matthew made use of the numerical values of the Hebrew letters of David’s name in structuring his genealogy. This article proposes criteria for discerning numerical composition and shows that Matthew sees numerical significance not just in the name David but in each of the key figures that fall at the junctures of the genealogy: Abraham—David—Jeconiah—messiah. These are the genealogical terms that evoke the themes that Matthew will develop in narrating the identity of Jesus and his messianic people. To highlight these four figures, Matthew has calculated the numerical values of all the names in his list, using a discernible rationale to adjust a handful of names. The literary effect he achieves imbues the 3 × 14 scheme with a heightened sense of divine purpose.
ISSN:2576-0998
Contains:Enthalten in: Bulletin for biblical research
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.5325/bullbiblrese.30.4.0515