The Anchor Yale Bible: Proverbs 1–9 (AYB)

by Michael V. Fox

Publisher:

Yale University Press

, 2008

Overview

In Proverbs 1–9, Bible scholar Michael V. Fox translates and explains the meaning of the first nine chapters of this profound, timeless book, and examines their place in the intellectual history of ancient Israel. This thorough study of Proverbs includes a survey of the collections of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, as well as innovative and insightful comments. In addition to the translation and commentary proper, Fox includes several extended thematic essays on Proverbs 1–9, covering such themes as the origins of personified wisdom, what wisdom is, and where wisdom can be heard, plus an appendix of textual notes. The format of the commentary makes it accessible to the general reader and also provides materials of special interest to scholars. This is the first of a two-volume commentary that accords Proverbs the depth of study it deserves.

Logos Bible Software gives you the tools you need to use this volume effectively and efficiently. With your digital library, you can search for verses, find Scripture references and citations instantly, and perform word studies. Along with your English translations, all Scripture passages are linked to Greek and Hebrew texts. What’s more, hovering over a Scripture reference will instantly display your verse! The advanced tools in your digital library free you to dig deeper into one of the most important contributions to biblical scholarship in the past century!

Key Features

• Offers original translations, including alternative translations, annotations, and variants
• Provides verse-by-verse commentary on the text
• Presents the reader with historical background, including analysis of authorship and dating
• Features an extensive bibliography of primary and secondary literature

Contents

• Part I: Proverbs 1–9
• Essays on Proverbs 1–9
  • The Formation of Proverbs 1–9
  • The Origins of Personified Wisdom
  • Wisdom in the Lectures
  • Wisdom in the Interludes
• Textual Notes on Proverbs 1–9

Top Highlights

“The fear of God is so valued because it motivates right behavior even when socially enforced sanctions do not exist or cannot be effective.” (Page 70)

“The tenet that knowledge of God must permeate all one’s behavior is at the core of the message of Prov 1–9, fusing knowledge, piety, and action into one principle. Knowledge of God must be realized in a person’s ways—his behavior—not merely in cognition and certainly not in theological erudition. Knowledge of God is an attitude, awareness of what he wants as well as a desire to do it. To ‘know God in all your ways’ means giving constant attention to the divine will and presence (Hameʾiri).” (Page 149)

“This is correct, ʾiwwelet is the willful refusal to make moral choices, ʾiwwelet is moral corruption from the standpoint of its impact on judgment and reason.” (Page 40)

“The syntax of this passage—a noun defined by a long series of infinitives of purpose—is without parallel in the Bible.” (Page 58)

“To ‘incline the heart’ (or for the heart to incline) means to desire and choose something, not only to pay attention.” (Page 109)

Product Details

• Title: Proverbs 1–9
• Author: Michael V. Fox
• Series: Anchor Yale Bible (AYB)
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication Date: 2000
• Pages: 496

About Michael V. Fox

Michael V. Fox received his rabbinical ordination from Hebrew Union College. He received a Ph.D. in Bible, Semitics, and Egyptology from the Hebrew University. He is currently Halls-Bascom Professor of Hebrew at the University of Wisconsin.

The Jewish Publication Society of Americawas founded in Philadelphia in 1888 to provide the children of Jewish immigrants to America with books about their heritage in the language of the New World. As the oldest publisher of Jewish titles in the English language, the mission of JPS is to enhance Jewish culture by promoting the dissemination of religious and secular works of exceptional quality, in the United States and abroad, to all individuals and institutions interested in past and contemporary Jewish life.

Over the years JPS has issued a body of works for all tastes and needs. Its many titles include biographies, histories, art books, holiday anthologies, books for young readers, religious and philosophical studies, and translations of scholarly and popular classics. It is perhaps known best for its famous JPS Tanakh, the translation of the Hebrew Bible in English from the original Hebrew.