Those Who Weep Shall Laugh: Reversal of Weeping in the Gospel of Luke
The purpose of this study is to identify and develop appreciation for the theme of the reversal of weeping in Luke's gospel. Lukan scholarship has not fully recognized the reversal of weeping as a distinctive theme. By understanding Luke's third beatitude (6:21b) and third woe (6:25b) as two pegs on which the theme of the reversal of weeping is hung, it proposes that the reversal of weeping is a distinctive theme in Luke. In doing so, Luke repetitively uses κλαίω to highlight the theme. This technique of Leitwort leads readers to focus on the reversal of weeping more effectively. Luke's presentation of the reversal of weeping is not limited to identifying it as a distinctive theme. There are narrative intentions and theological implications that Luke also targets. First, Luke wants to demonstrate concern for marginalized groups in society. He also shows how their fortunes are reversed by Jesus. Second, Luke portrays Jesus as the promised prophet, describing him as like Elijah and Jeremiah, but superior to them. Finally, Luke provides the reversal of weeping as a significant phenomenon of the kingdom of God, particularly to show that the presence of God's kingdom is inaugurated and realized in Jesus Christ.
“An excellent, detailed study on Luke, which helps to fit
weeping and laughing and the blessings of Jesus into the larger
theme of reversal and mercy in the kingdom of God.”
—Vern Poythress, Westminster Theological Seminary
“Hong has identified an important but often overlooked Lukan
theme—the reversal of weeping. He provides sustained discussions of
key texts, and helps the reader consider in fresh ways the nature
of the kingdom of God in Luke, along with its implications
today.”
—Brandon D. Crowe, Westminster Theological Seminary
“An excellent, detailed study on Luke, which helps to fit
weeping and laughing and the blessings of Jesus into the larger
theme of reversal and mercy in the kingdom of God.”
—Vern Poythress, Westminster Theological Seminary
“Hong has identified an important but often overlooked Lukan
theme—the reversal of weeping. He provides sustained discussions of
key texts, and helps the reader consider in fresh ways the nature
of the kingdom of God in Luke, along with its implications
today.”
—Brandon D. Crowe, Westminster Theological Seminary
- Title: Those Who Weep Shall Laugh: Reversal of Weeping in the Gospel of Luke
- Author: Sung Min Hong
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2018
- Logos Release Date: 2020
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781532635458, 9781532635441, 9781532635465, 1532635451, 1532635443, 153263546X
- Resource ID: LLS:9781532635458
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T14:41:12Z
Sung Min Hong is Adjunct Professor and Department Coordinator of
New Testament at Central Baptist Theological Seminary. He has
translated several books into Korean, including Raymond Brown’s
The Death of the Messiah and The Epistles of John
(Anchor Bible Commentary).