Theology
Andrew Bowden
Desire in Paul's Undisputed Epistles
Semantic Observations on the Use of epithymeō, ho epithymētēs, and epithymía in Roman Imperial Texts
[»Verlangen« in Paulus' unumstrittenen Briefen. Semantische Beobachtungen zur Verwendung von epithymeō, ho epithymētēs, und epithymía in Texten der römischen Kaiserzeit.]
129,00 €
including VAT
including VAT
sewn paper
ISBN 978-3-16-159630-8
available
Also Available As:
Published in English.
In this study, Andrew Bowden analyzes Paul's use of »desire« (ἐπιθυμέω, ἐπιθυμητής, and ἐπιθυμία) in his undisputed epistles. After introducing critical research on these lexemes, the author applies John Lyons's theory of semantic analysis to the use of ἐπιθυμέω κτλ in Roman imperial texts. Based on these observations, he makes a hypothesis concerning the common co-occurrences of »desire« in Roman imperial texts, its antonyms, the objects it longs for, and its use within metaphorical discourse. This hypothesis is then tested by looking at the use of »desire« in Dio Chrysostom, Epictetus, Lucian of Samosata, the Cynic epistles, and Second Temple Jewish texts. Andrew Bowden illustrates how, contrary to the view of many scholars, these Roman imperial authors consistently mention positive objects of »desire.« He then applies these findings concerning »desire« to Paul, yielding important and sometimes unexpected discoveries.