The Oxford Handbook of Wisdom and the Bible

by Will Kynes

Publisher:

Oxford University Press

, 2021

Overview

This collection of leading scholars presents reflections on both wisdom as a general concept throughout history and cultures, as well as the contested nature of the category of Wisdom Literature.

The first half of the collection explores wisdom more generally with essays on its relationship to skill, epistemology, virtue, theology, and order. Wisdom is examined in a number of different contexts, such as historically in the Hebrew Bible and its related cultures, in Egypt and Mesopotamia, as well as in Patristic and Rabbinic interpretation. Additionally, wisdom is examined in its continuing relevance in Islamic, Jewish, and Christian thought, as well as from feminist, environmental, and other contextual perspectives. The second half of the volume considers “Wisdom Literature” as a category. Scholars address its relation to the Solomonic Collection, its social setting, literary genres, chronological development, and theology. Wisdom Literature's relation to other biblical literature (law, history, prophecy, apocalyptic, and the broad question of "Wisdom influence") is then discussed before separate chapters on the texts commonly associated with the category. Contributors take a variety of approaches to the current debates surrounding the viability and value of Wisdom Literature as a category and its proper relationship to the concept of wisdom in the Hebrew Bible.

Though the organization of the volume highlights the independence of wisdom as concept from "Wisdom Literature" as a category, seeking to counter the lack of attention given to this question in the traditional approach, the inclusion of both topics together in the same volume reflects their continued interconnection. As such, this handbook both represents the current state of Wisdom scholarship and sets the stage for future developments.

Key Features

• Includes leading scholars of wisdom and Wisdom Literature during a critical point in the field's development
• Demonstrates the continuing relevance of the topic to a broad range of readers who bring fresh perspectives on its interpretation
• Provides comprehensive coverage of the texts commonly associated with wisdom in the Bible along with reflections on the concept in related cultures ranging from the ancient Near East and early Judaism to modern Jewish, Christian, and Islamic theology.

Contents

• Part I. The Concept of Wisdom In the Hebrew Bible
• Part II. The Concept of Wisdom in Related Cultures
• Part III. The Concept of Wisdom in the Modern World
• Part IV. The Category of Wisdom Literature
• Part V. Wisdom Literature and Other Literature
• Part VI. Texts

Praise for The Oxford Handbook of Wisdom and the Bible

This volume of the Oxford Handbook series serves as an excellent entry into current conversations and debates surrounding wisdom and the wisdom tradition in the Hebrew Bible. Contributors come from a variety of vantage points, ranging from those who defend the traditional designation of wisdom as a genre to those who view this as an artificial designation imposed on disparate texts by modern scholarship. But the chapters are of consistently high quality while also still being highly readable. Scholars will come away from these chapters with much to debate, and students will gain a solid understanding of both the history and the current state of wisdom scholarship.

—Brandon R. Grafius, Review of Biblical Literature

The Handbook contains a cornucopia of delights to readers, with such rich contentions as 'Proverbs invites its readers and learners to frolic in the pursuit of wisdom

—John Jarick, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament

Product Details

• Title: The Oxford Handbook of Wisdom and the Bible
• Author: Will Kynes
• Series: Oxford Handbooks
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Print Publication Date: 2021
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Pages: 683
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Wisdom literature › Criticism, interpretation, etc; Wisdom › Religious aspects; Wisdom › Biblical teaching
• ISBNs: 9780190661267, 9780190661281, 9780190661298, 0190661267, 0190661283, 0190661291
• Resource ID: LLS:OXFORDHBKWISDOM
• Resource Type: text.monograph.handbook
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-05-21T18:21:40Z