Many reviewers of Ecclesiastes assert that the general message is of despair and cynical wisdom. Others understand the book to be a more positive education tool that instructs the reader how to enjoy life in an obstreperous world by means of an attentive relationship with God. Well respected theologians settle firmly on either side of the debate. At the centre of the dispute is the interpretation of the most dominant motif, “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’”(Ecc 1:2, NIV) Much of the challenge regarding this phrase is due to the translation of the word hebel, which the NIV renders as meaningless, while others render it alternatively. Inasmuch as hebel occurs many times in each chapter of the book it is vital that readers apprehend its denotation and significance to accurately establish the …show more content…
Some translators recognized the various uses of hebel throughout the Old Testament and attempted to apply these diverse renderings within the book of Ecclesiastes itself. Consequently, the NASB uses various translations of hebel; vanity (1:2, 14; 2:11, 17; 4:4; 6:9), fleeting (6:12; 7:15; 9:9), and futility (2:1, 6:4, 9; 7:6). Additionally, “Other scholars suggest several nuances: temporal ephemerality and existential futility or absurdity (Crenshaw), mainly futility but sometimes brevity (Whybray), senseless or absurd (Fox), and the notion that life is enigmatic, and mysterious; that there are many unanswered and unanswerable questions (Ogden).” However, Bartholomew challenges scholars’ dependency upon the Old Testament variant renderings to support the necessity of such an approach within Ecclesiastes. He asserts that, “in the majority of places in the OT where hebel is used—and in Ecclesiastes in particular—it is used metaphorically, and the challenge is to work out in this context the connotations of
In Hesiod’s Theogony, the tensions within a family seem to be an intensified version of issues that are relatable to people. The results of these tensions are also dramatic and have a tendency to have a fulfillment of the fears that were causing the tensions as a result. This implies that there is a natural cycle of destruction between father and son. Tension seems to arise with the implication of the woman’s creative nature juxtaposed to the destructive nature of her husband.
In the poems, “EΡΩΣ” by Robert Bridges and “Eros” by Anne Stevenson both have similar yet distinct concepts of the God of love. “EΡΩΣ” describes the concept of love as being conflicted between humans view of Eros as the god of love and lust; where as Stevenson’s poem describes Eros as being bruised and beat up as a result of this constant misunderstanding by humanity. Thus, both poems are similar with their description of Eros’ constant struggles with human nature.
Although Hester and Pearl are isolated for a while after their punishment (85), the Puritan society’s view of her changes in chapter 13. In chapter 13, Hester is shown to have become a servant of the community, and, rather than scorning her, the community praises her as holy (134). Even the symbol that embodies her punishment, the scarlet letter A, transforms into a symbol of her holiness, being interpreted by the people as meaning “Able” (134). In chapter 24, the story’s conclusion, Hester mentors young women, furthering the idea that she brings redemption from her sin by using her lessons to help others
Hester is indeed a sinner, adultery is no light matter, even today. On the other hand, her sin has brought her not evil, but good. Her charity to the poor, her comfort to the broken-hearted, her unquestionable presence in times of trouble are all direct results of her quest for repe...
Walvoord, John F., Roy B. Zuck, and Harnold W. Hoehner. "Ephesians." The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1983. 613-45. Print.
It is easy to place the blame on fate or God when one is encumbered by suffering. It is much harder to find meaning in that pain, and harvest it into motivation to move forward and grow from the grief. It is imperative for one to understand one’s suffering as a gateway to new wisdom and development; for without suffering, people cannot find true value in happiness nor can they find actual meaning to their lives. In both Antigone and The Holy Bible there are a plethora of instances that give light to the quintessential role suffering plays in defining life across cultures. The Holy Bible and Sophocles’ Antigone both mirror the dichotomous reality in which society is situated, underlining the necessity of both joy and suffering in the world.
The very heart of the novel’s conflict begins with the protagonist, Hester Prynne. Her crime of adultery is presented
Hester is being considered as the devil (Bellis 1), which is a sign that the town’s people are slanderous and judgmental. Their judgment has caused her to be isolated. “… A woman who had once been innocent…” is now considered as “…the reality of sin” (Hawthorne 39). They look at her as a threat diminishing their community’s chance for purification because “there was the taint of deepest sin…” (Hawthorne 24). My apprehension of Pearl is that she is the fruit of evil, because she is seen as “immortal” (Hawthorne 11). Because, she has caused a ruckus, her immoral acts have disturbed the nature of their society. They think this is morally correct because, “Political and generational ambivalence has its psychological counterpart…” (Bellis 2), which give them the right to make her an evil outcast.
Every day her daughter Pearl reminds her of her sin. The only way to freedom is to avoid being defined by the society in which she finds herself. It is a gradual process but slowly, due to her compassion for the poor and sick, people start to view Hester's badge as meaning “Able” rather than “Adulteress”. Eventually her badge becomes a blessing as other women come to her for advice and counseling in that, “people brought all their sorrows and perplexities, and besought her counsel, as... ... middle of paper ... ...
Schlegel, Catherine. "Introduction to Hesiod." Introduction. Theogony and Works and Days. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan, 2006. 1-10. Print.
The story discusses a sin, which is adultery, and how viewing it differs from society and the sinner. Society views Hester's sin as shameful and disgraceful. Th...
One of Hester’s greatest qualities is her unrelenting selflessness. Despite her constant mental anguish due to her sin, the constant stares and rude comments, and the
Fifth The Editors of The Encyclopædia Britannica, ed. " Allegory. " The Encyclopædia Britannica.
Hester’s principal qualities of strength and honesty are revealed throughout the novel. Her strength is seen in her actions after her sin is revealed. Foremost, she thinks of her adultery as an act committed out of passion and denies the belief that man’s nature is corrupt
... for personal reasons you to are using exegetical approaches to the scriptures. We do this every time we read something or hear it spoken. The Bible is no different besides that you have to decipher it correctly. By reading other commentaries on that book or verse you can form your own exegetical hypothesis, but make sure it is a biblical one.