Ephrem, a 'Jewish' sage
Subtitle: a comparison of the exegetical writings of St. Ephrem the Syrian and Jewish traditions
By: Elena Narinskaya
Series: Studia traditionis theologiae -- 7; Studia traditionis theologiae -- 7.
Publisher: Brepols Publishers
Published: 2010
Place of publication: Turnhout, Belgium
Language: eng
Number of pages: 357
ISBN-13: 9782503534329
Subjects: Bible; Judaism; Antisemitismus; Relations; Christianity; Christianity and antisemitism; History of doctrines; Altes Testament; Textual Criticism; Christianity and other religions; History; Judaism (Christian theology); Criticism, interpretation; Exegese; Judentum; Sources; Early works to 1800; Interfaith relations; Commentaries
Other titles: Comparison of the exegetical writings of St. Ephrem the Syrian and Jewish traditions
Description: This book seeks to reconsider the commonly held view that some of Ephrem's writings are anti-Semitic, and that his relationship with Judaism is polemical and controversial. The outcome of the research highlights several key issues. First, it indicates that the whole emphasis of Ephrem's critical remarks about Jews and Judaism is directed towards Christian conduct, and not towards Jews; and second, it considers Ephrem's negative remarks towards Jews strictly within the context of his awareness of the need for a more clearly defined identity for the Syriac Church. Furthermore, this book examines discernible parallels between Ephrem's commentaries on Scripture and Jewish sources. Such an exercise contributes to a general portrait of Ephrem within the context of his Semitic background. And in addition, the book offers an alternative reading of Ephrem's exegetical writings, suggesting that Ephrem was aiming to include Jews together with Christians among his target audience. Further analysis of Ephrem's biblical commentaries suggests that his exegetical style resembles in many respects approaches to Scripture familiar to us from the writings of Jewish scholars. A comparison of Ephrem's writings with Jewish sources represents a legitimate exercise, considering ideas that Ephrem emphasises, exegetical techniques that he uses, and his great appreciation of 'the People' - the Jews as a chosen nation and the people of God - an appreciation which becomes apparent from Ephrem's presentation of them. The process of reading Ephrem's exegetical writings in parallel with Jewish sources strongly identifies him as an heir of Jewish exegetical tradition who is comfortably and thoroughly grounded in it. This reading identifies Ephrem on a theological, exegetical and methodological level as a Christian writer demonstrating the qualities and features of a Jewish sage.
Notes: Originally presented as the author's thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Durham, 2007.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 325-343) and index.
Table of contents: title: Ephrem and anti-Judaism; title: Ephrem and Judaism; title: An illustrative comparison of Ephrem's exegetical style with an external Christian source : Ephrem and Theodoret; title: Dealing with difficulties in the text : a comparative analysis of Ephrem's writings with Jewish sources; title: Presenting biblical figures; title: Ephrem presenting Israel : the ability of Israel to see God.