Origin of Evil Spirits: The Reception of Genesis 6:1-4 in Early Jewish Literature (Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen Zum Neun Testament) (Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen Zum Neun Testament) - Softcover

Archie T. Wright

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3161486560 ISBN 13: 9783161486562

Publisher: Coronet Books, 2005

Synopsis

How do we account for the explosion of demonic activity in the New Testament? Archie Wright's work traces the development of the concept of evil spirits from the Hebrew Bible through post biblical Jewish literature. The author is concerned with the reception history of Genesis 6:1-4 in early Enochic and Philonic Judaism during the Second Temple Period. He suggests that the non-specificity inherent in the biblical text of Genesis 6:1-4 opened the basis for the later emergence of an aetiology of evil spirits as Jewish authors engaged with the text. As a result, Genesis 6 1:1-4 played an important part in the development of demonology in Second Temple Period Judaism. The author has lectured on Ancient History & Modern Hebrew at Oral Roberts University and taught Biblical languages & New Testament at the University of Durham, UK.

Partial Contents: 1 Enoch 1-36--The Book of Watchers: Structure. Date, Place, Authorship. Source-Critical Approach. Strategies for Interpreting Genesis 6.1-4. Reception of the "Sons of God" in the Book of Watchers. Rebellion Motif in the Book of Watchers. Reception of the Watcher Tradition in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Philo of Alexandria: Interpreting Genesis 6.1-4. Conclusions. Bibliography. References. Modern Authors. Index of Subjects.

About this title

About the Author:

Archie Wright, University lecturer for 7 years, taught Ancient History and Modern Hebrew at Oral Roberts University and Biblical languages and NT Introduction at the University of Durham, England.

Review:

"I would in fact recommend this book, not because of the answers it gives, but the questions it raises." --Philip R. Davies, Emeritus, University of Sheffield, UK

"This work is marked by several strengths. First, Wright shows an impressive command of the primary and secondary literature. Second, this writer appreciates Wright's tendency to express cautious conclusions regarding historical and source-critical matters. These qualities are especially helpful in a work dealing with the reception history of a given text. Third, Wright has an extremely helpful discussion of the identity of the nephilim of Gen. 6:4." --Mark D. Owens, Luther Rice University & Seminary

"This is an important book that ought to feature in any discussion of the Book of the Watchers, of Jewish demonology, and of the interpretation of Gen. 6:1-4. Wright's book is helpful in suggesting that the chapters in question may not so much speak of the origin of evil per se as of the origin of evil spirits. This in itself is an important contribution. In addition, the fine detail of the text contains a wealth of helpful analysis." --Grant Macaskill, St. Mary's College, University of St. Andrews

About this edition

• Publisher: Coronet Books
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 3161486560
• ISBN 13: 9783161486562
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 280