Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 68:2 (NA 2017)
Article: The Meaning Of Χειρόγραφον In Colossians 2:14 Revisited
Author: Kyu Seop Kim

---

TynBull 68:2 (2017) p. 223

The Meaning Of Χειρόγραφον In Colossians 2:14 Revisited

Kyu Seop Kim

([email protected])

Summary

In this article we explore the uses of χειρόγραφον in ancient papyri and ostraca and conclude that χειρόγραφον does not refer to a debt certificate, contrary to scholars’ consensus (except for Peter Arzt-Grabner). Instead, χειρόγραφον was used to express various handwritten declarations including receipts, loans, contracts, and records of oath in ancient Greek papyri. In particular, χειρόγραφον and its cognate words are used in the formula of declaration (ὁμολογῶ κατὰ τοῦτο τὸ χειρόγραφον) and with the expression of oath (χειρογραφία ὅρκου). Χειρόγραφον in Colossians 2:14 can be interpreted in this context. Declaration or oath on the observance of religious regulations was significant in ancient paganism and Judaism. Thus, χειρόγραφον τοῖς δόγμασιν in Colossians 2:14 can be read as the handwritten document which contains the declaration or oath with regard to the observance of religious regulations.

1. Introduction

There has been a long history of scholarly disputes surrounding the meaning of the phrase χειρόγραφον τοῖς δόγμασιν in Colossians 2:14, but the solutions suggested by interpreters remain unsatisfactory. In general, most scholars agree that χειρόγραφον in Colossians 2:14 refers to a certificate of indebtedness. In his monumental work Licht vom Osten1 Adolf Deißmann argues that χειρόγραφον in Colossians 2:14

TynBull 68:2 (2017) p. 224

was meant as ‘Schuldhandschrift’ (i.e. an i.o.u.), according to his papyrological evidence.

Deißmann’s interpretation has been supported by the majority of scholars,2 who maintain that the term in Colossians 2:14 reflects a Jewish idea ...

visitor : : uid: ()