A Comparative Analysis Of Psalm 1 And The Beatitudes In Matthew 5:3-12 -- By: Daniel T. Lioy

Journal: Conspectus
Volume: CONSPECTUS 22:1 (Sep 2016)
Article: A Comparative Analysis Of Psalm 1 And The Beatitudes In Matthew 5:3-12
Author: Daniel T. Lioy


A Comparative Analysis Of Psalm 1 And The Beatitudes In Matthew 5:3-12

Dan Lioy1

Abstract

This journal article undertakes a comparative analysis of Psalm 1 and the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12. One incentive for doing so is to advance the field of scholarship concerning the intertextuality between the Old and New Testaments by examining two seminal passages in the Judeo-Christian canon. A second motivation is that this topic has received only a cursory consideration in the academic literature. The major claim affirmed by the study is that there are discernible connections between these two passages at the linguistic and conceptual levels. In turn, recognising the latter helps to clarify the meaning and significance of Psalm 1 and the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12 for ministers of the Gospel.

1. Introduction

The concept of blessing dominates both Psalm 1 and the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12.2 With respect to Psalm 1, the Hebrew noun אַ֥שְֽׁרֵי (‘ǎšrê)3 only appears at the beginning of verse 1. Even so, it establishes the theological foundation for the entire sacred song. For instance, it is not only the prevalent theme in verses 1-3, but also stands in sharp contrast to the wretched state of the ungodly described in verses 4-6. Concerning the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12, the Greek adjective μακάριος (markarios)4 appears in every verse but the final one in the series. This datum indicates that the term is a central leitmotif of the passage.

An immediate query concerns whether there are discernible connections between the above two passages at the linguistic and conceptual levels. The comparative analysis undertaken in the upcoming sections of this journal article affirms the existence of such linkages. In particular, section 2 explores the linguistic as...

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