Abstract
Frequently, δεῖ is associated with salvation history and the exercise of
divine will and identified as “theological δεῖ” or “divine δεῖ”. In the
history of scholarship, there is an increasing emphasis on interpreting
δεῖ along these lines, thereby marginalizing other shades of meaning
that this verb may have. The question is whether this course of
interpretative action is justified. This will be tested in this article.
In order to do so, first a brief overview of the possible shades of
meaning of δεῖ will be provided; second, the occurrences of δεῖ in the
Gospel of Mark are systematically reviewed; third and finally,
concluding reflections will be offered, including a word of caution when
it comes to deifying δεῖ. In this manner, the current study seeks to
contribute to the undoing of the theosis of this particular part of early Christian vocabulary.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 40-54 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Novum Testamentum |
Volume | 61 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 5 Dec 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Dec 2018 |
Keywords
- Determinism
- Divine will
- Gospel of Mark
- Greek lexicography
- Hermeneutics
- History of interpretation
- Predestination
- Salvation history
- Theological δε