The Performative Dimensions of Rhetorical Questions in the Hebrew Bible: Do You Not Know? Do You Not Hear? (The Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies)

Jim W. Adams

ISBN 10: 0567697894 / ISBN 13: 9780567697899

Published by T&T Clark, 2022

About this Item

Seller Inventory # V9780567697899

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Performative Dimensions of Rhetorical Questions in the Hebrew Bible: Do You Not Know? Do You Not Hear? (The Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies)
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Publication Date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0567697894
• ISBN 13: 9780567697899
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

This book sets out to describe the multi-dimensional nature and function of rhetorical questions in the Old Testament. Biblical scholars have previously analyzed the use of rhetorical questions in both Testaments, but consistently describe their function in persuasive terms. While this understanding is appropriate in a number of instances, many rhetorical questions do not operate this way, and Jim W. Adams focuses in particular on rhetoric expressing the self-involvement of both the speaker and hearer.

Among linguistic philosophers, speech act theory has illuminated the fact that uttering a sentence does not merely convey information; it may also involve the performing of an action. The concept of communicative action provides additional tools to the exegetical process as it points the interpreter beyond the assumption that the use of language is merely for descriptive purposes. Language can also have performative and self-involving dimensions. In relation to speech act theory, linguistic specialists continue to research the nature of rhetorical questions.

About the Authors

James W. Adams is Associate Professor and Chair of Biblical Languages at LIFE Pacific College in San Dimas, California. He also is an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University and Fuller Theological Seminary.

Jacqueline Vayntrub is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at Yale University, USA

Laura Quick is Assistant Professor of Religion and Judaic Studies at Princeton University, USA.