Words and Meanings: ידה in Hebrew Research -- By: Mark J. Boda

Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 57:2 (Fall 1995)
Article: Words and Meanings: ידה in Hebrew Research
Author: Mark J. Boda


Words and Meanings: ידה in Hebrew Research*

M. J. Boda

* I am grateful to Dr. G. I. Davies for his helpful comments on this article. The first body to support my doctoral work at Cambridge was the Westminster faculty through the Edwin Jones scholarship. This article represents the firstfruits of that investment. I would like to dedicate it to the memory of late professor R. B. Dillard.

The following study is directed at the history of research on words associated with the Hebrew root ידה. Debate over the meanings of these words (הודה, תודה, התודה) has been conducted on two fronts. First, considerable effort has been expended ascertaining the purpose of the occasion when these words are used: was the purpose confession of sins or praise of God? Secondly, many scholars have sought to determine the mode of the occasion when one of these words (תודה) is used: was the mode verbal (words) or material (sacrifice)? In both cases, the understanding of the words in question has had serious implications for a much larger issue in biblical study. In the first, it has affected the genre designation of several texts; in the second, the typology of Hebrew sacrifice. A careful examination of the arguments in each direction of research reveals several serious flaws and invites a proper reconsideration.

I. Purpose: Confession or Praise?

Two major disciplines within OT research are highly concerned with the identification of the genre of a biblical passage. The first, rhetorical criticism, focuses on the synchronic meaning of a given text and sees genre as a “reading strategy.”1 The second, form criticism, also seeks for a careful delineation of genre; however, in contrast to rhetorical criticism, its interest lies in diachronic aspects of the text. The form critic looks to the setting, both literary and historical, in which the text originated.2

Because genre identification is an important element in the study of the OT, an accurate description of genre is essential. This is important not only for the elements that constitute a genre, but also for the label attached to it. There have been two approaches to

the labeling of genre.3 The first, the emic approach, labels a genre in the language of the native culture, while the second, the etic approach, uses a term from the language of the researcher.4<...

You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe
visitor : : uid: ()