Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: By means of literary, linguistic and comparative literary approaches, this study examines the literary structure of the alphabetical acrostic poems in the Psalms. First, a literary approach is used to analyze the form and content of each alphabetical acrostic poem to show that the literary structure of the poems is varied. Selected Psalms 9-10, 111 and 112 are translated from the Hebrew and compared to ancient Near Eastern languages especially Akkadian and Ugaritic. Second, by means of linguistic approaches, the literary structure of each poem is determined on both micro and macro levels using the researcher’s own translations of these psalms. Furthermore, a comparative literary approach is employed to compare the forms of ancient Near Eastern acrostics, in particular Akkadian, Egyptian and Ugaritic poems, to Hebrew acrostics. The analysis reveals both similarities with other ancient Near Eastern forms as well as the uniqueness of the Hebrew alphabetical acrostic poems. Both linguistic and literary insights are used to determine the relationship between the different forms. The findings suggest that the alphabetical acrostic poems were probably written around or after 1000 B.C.E. since the ancient Near Eastern poems were written before 1000 B.C.E. The unique 22-line form of the Hebrew alphabetical acrostics also indicates that Hebrew thought was distinct from what can be observed in other ancient Near Eastern texts. On the basis of this research, a conclusion is reached and suggestions for future research are made. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Deur literêre, linguistiese en vergelykende literêre benaderings ondersoek hierdie studie die literêre struktuur van die alfabetiese akrostiese gedigte in die Psalms. Eerstens word ‘n literêre benadering gebruik om die vorm en inhoud van elke alfabetiese lettervers te ontleed om aan te toon dat die literêre struktuur van die gedigte verskillend is. Die gekose Psalms 9-10, 111 en 112 word uit die Hebreeus vertaal en in vergelyking met die Ou-Nabye-Oosterse tale, veral Akkadiese en Ugarities, bespreek. Tweedens, deur linguistiese benaderings, word die literêre struktuur van elke gedig op beide mikro-en makro vlakke bepaal deur gebruik te maak van die navorser se eie vertalings van hierdie psalms. Verder, word ‘n vergelykende literêre benadering aangewend om die vorms van die Ou-Nabye- Oosterse akrostiese gedigte, in die besonder Akkadies, Egiptiese en Ugaritiese gedigte, met Hebreeuse akrostiese gedigte te vergelyk. Die ontleding toon die ooreenkomste met ander antieke Nabye- Oosterse vorms sowel as die uniekheid van die Hebreeuse alfabetiese akrostiese gedigte. Beide linguistiese en literêre insigte word gebruik om die verhouding tussen die verskillende vorms te bepaal. Die bevindinge dui daarop dat die alfabetiese akrostiese gedigte waarskynlik geskryf is rondom of later as 1000 vC, angesien die antieke Nabye-Oosterse gedigte voor 1000 vC geskryf is. Die unieke 22-reël vorm van die Hebreeuse alfabetiese akrostiese gedigte dui ook aan dat die Hebreeuse denke te onderskei is van wat in ander antieke Nabye-Oosterse tekste gereflekteer word. Gebaseer op hierdie navorsing, word tot ‘n gevolgtrekking gekom, en word voorstelle vir toekomstige navorsing gemaak.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research evaluates and explores the problem of How stories of the beginning impact on the theological understanding of human dignity in relation to Genesis 6:1-4. 1. In this thesis, the first chapter was conducted through a literature study of existing research and current materials which include general articles, monographs and other related materials. It is argued that the stories of the beginning have much impact on the culture of honour and shame in understanding human dignity in southern Kaduna. 2. In the second chapter, the concepts of honour and shame were regarded as reciprocal terms that are defined in webs. As such, semantic fields were used to define and analyse the different views on honour and shame especially from the perspectives of the ancient Near East and Old Testament. 3. In the third chapter, the stories of beginning among the Atyap and their neighbours were related as significant for understanding right and wrong, and identity formation for human dignity and self-respect. 4. Notably in the fourth chapter, honour and shame in narratives are not merely important to the individual but also to the family, clan and tribe. Due to its implication, people worked hard to achieve honour or respect which is mostly bestowed as titles of repute on people. It is established from the creation narratives that Genesis 1-3 has been considered for human dignity research in the past but it is equally important to look at the neglected evidence in Genesis 6:1-4. 5. In the fifth chapter, an exposition of Genesis 6:1-4 was carried out to illustrate the idea of honour from the story about the בְנֵי־הָאֱלֹהִים who disrespectfully married the daughters of Cain. The honourable נְּפִלִים and גִברִֹים were interpreted as the sons of Seth who were active, living and had the likelihood of falling into such temptations. The prospect of giants, ―men of name‖ and ―heroes of renown‖ meekly stooping low to the shameful women was unthinkable at that time; as such, a picture of utter disrespect is painted from different angles. 6. In the sixth chapter, the culture of honour and shame required that so much effort be exerted daily on the populace in order to achieve respect. It was recommended that the Old Testament stories of the beginning remained noteworthy for the stories, ethnic groups and languages of southern Kaduna. Essentially, with respect to our question and hypotheses, honour and shame in Old Testament and ancient Near Eastern stories of the beginning facilitated the understanding of southern Kaduna stories. In view of the fact that everyone desires to be important, the notion of honour and shame became the scale for evaluating respect and value. It was equally useful for appreciating human dignity and not just as a tool of entertainment or for promoting cultural heritage, religious/ethical teaching and community interaction. It was concluded that unfamiliar cultures such as those of southern Kaduna can be useful as case studies for Old Testament research in the future and that scholars could focus on such neglected regions. In this research on honour and shame, we have also uncovered a fresh picture of the recreation of the earth and a new beginning of humankind from the story of the בְנֵי־הָאֱלֹהִים in Genesis 6:1-4. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie ondersoek evalueer die probleem wat verband hou met die vraag: Hoe word die begrippe van eer en skaamte uitgebeeld in die verhale oor die begin in suidelike Kaduna kulture en watter rol speel dit binne die handhawing van menswaardigheid in Genesis 6:1-4. 1. Die eerste hoofstuk word ingelei deur 'n literatuurstudie oor joernaalartikels, monografië en ander verwante materiaal. Daar word geargumenteer dat die verhale oor die begin respek in die vorm van eer en skaamte veronderstel en dat dit belangrik is vir die verstaan van menswaardigheid in die kulture van suidelike Kaduna. 2. In die tweede hoofstuk word die begrippe van eer en skaamte as wederkerige begrippe gedefinieer. Semantiese velde is gebruik om die betekenisnuanses van eer en skaamte vanuit ou Nabye Oosterse en Ou-Testamentiese perspektiewe te definieer en te analiseer. 3. Die derde hoofstuk ondersoek die verhale oor die begin wat deur die Atyap en hulle bure oorvertel word en wat as betekenisvol beskou word vir die begrip van reg en verkeerd, sowel as identiteitsvorming en menswaardigheid. 4. Van besondere belang is die vierde hoofstuk waar eer en skaamte se implikasies vir individue, families, sibbes en stamme uitgespel word. Die meeste mense streef na eer as vorm van respek wat veral in die titels en reputasies van mense gereflekteer word. Navorsing oor die skeppingsverhale het aangetoon dat Genesis 1 – 3 baie klem in die verlede ontvang het wanneer menswaardigheid ondersoek is; terwyl die afgeskeepte Genesis 6:1-4 weinig onder die akademiese soeklig geval het. 5. Die vyfde hoofstuk bestaan uit 'n eksegetiese ondersoek van Genesis 6:1-4 wat aantoon dat eer en skaamte betrokke is by die beskrywing van die seuns van God wat op 'n oneervolle manier met die dogters van Kain trou. Eer en skaamte is ook betrokke in die beskrywing van die Nefilim en die Giborim, wat gesamentlik as die seuns van Set verstaan word. Daar bestaan dus 'n teenstelling tussen die eerbiedwaardige reuse, manne van naam en helde met reputasie en die oneerbiedige omgang met die vroue van die aarde. 6. In die sesde hoofstuk word omskryf hoe daar 'n kultuur van eer en skaamte gevestig word ten einde respek af te dwing en menswaardigheid te handhaaf. Hierdie studie het vasgestel dat eer en skaamte van deurslaggewende belang is vir die verstaan van die verhale oor die begin in Kaduna, die ou Nabye Ooste en die Ou Testament. Die algemene strewe na belangrikheid maak eer en skaamte belangrike aspekte van 'n verwysingsraamwerk in terme waarvan respek en waardes beoordeel word. In dieselfde asem moet genoem word dat eer en skaamte 'n nuwe waardering vir menswaardigheid moontlik maak. Onbekende kulture soos die in suidelike Kaduna bied ook nuttige perspektiewe wat konstruktief in Ou-Testamentiese studie benut kan word – die rol van eer en skaamte in die interpretasie van die seuns van God in Genesis 6:1-4 is 'n goeie voorbeeld daarvan.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research is a synchronic reading of Exodus that investigates the “traces of Joseph’s bones” in the Exodus narratives. The Exodus is depicted in this narrative as Joseph’s funeral procession. Moses carries Joseph’s bones up from the land of Egypt when the Exodus begins (Exod. 13:19) and the sons of Israel bury the bones in the land of Canaan at the end of Exodus (Jos. 24:32). That is, the texts portray the Exodus as the journey of Joseph’s bones from Egypt to the Promised Land. However, the texts offer only a trace of the bones at the beginning and at the end of the narrative. In this study an inter-textual approach to the biblical texts is used to interpret the Ark of the Covenant as the coffin containing Joseph’s bones in the desert. A faithful testator who strongly believed God’s promise intended the narrative of the solemn journey as a way of handing over his faith to his audience as a form of testament. The audience keeps and performs the testament as testamentary executors. Joseph’s funeral narrative is interpreted in this study by focusing on the text itself. The end of the narrative is reached with the burial of the bones as recorded in the book of Joshua. This construction suggests that the burial is a fulfillment of Joseph’s testament, but not the ultimate fulfillment thereof. The testament also has a bearing on further texts beyond the sixth book of Hebrew Bible. This narrative construction also has potential for interpretation in contemporary Christianity. The construction of the narrative reveals to the reader that God was the real executor behind the testamentary executors. The study therefore suggests that the church is a community which stands in continuation with the testamentary executors of the Old Testament. Joseph’s funeral narrative finds renewed fulfillment in the Christian church when expecting the real Executor again. This study concludes with some suggestions for the Church of how the fulfillment of Joseph's testament can be facilitated in contemporary contexts. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsing verteenwoordig ‘n sinkrone lees van die Eksodusverhaal waarin die “aanduidings van Josef se beendere” bestudeer word. Die Eksodus word in hierdie verhaal uitgebeeld as Josef se begrafnisprosessie. Moses dra Josef se beendere op vanuit Egipte waar die Eksodus begin (Eks. 13:19) en die seuns van Israel begrawe die beendere in die land van Kanaän aan die einde van die Eksodusverhaal (Jos. 24:32). Dit wil sê, die tekste beeld die Eksodus uit as die reis van Josef se beendere van Egipte na die Beloofde Land. Die tekste bied egter slegs ‘n spoor van die beendere aan die begin en aan die einde van die verhaal. ’n Inter-tekstuele benadering tot die Bybeltekste word in hierdie studie gebruik om die Verbondsark te interpreteer as die kis met Josef se beendere in die woestyn. ‘n Getroue erflater wat ten sterkste in God se belofte glo het die verhaal van die plegtige reis bedoel as 'n manier waardeur die erflater sy geloof aan sy gehoor in die vorm van 'n testament oorlewer. Die gehoor bewaar en voer die testament uit as testamenêre eksekuteurs. Josef se begrafnis narratief word in hierdie studie geïnterpreteer deur op die teks self te fokus. Die einde van die narratief word bereik met die begrafnis van die beendere waarvan in die boek Josua vertel word. Hierdie konstruksie suggereer dat die begrafnis die vervulling van Josef se testament is, maar dat dit nog nie die finale vervulling daarvan is nie. Die verhaal oor die erflating beïnvloed ook die verdere tekste na die sesde boek van die Hebreeuse Bybel. Hierdie narratiewe konstruksie toon ook potensiaal vir interpretasie in die hedendaagse Christendom. Die opbou van die narratief onthul aan die leser dat God die eintlike uitvoerder agter die testamentêre uitvoerders was.Die studie suggereer dus dat die Kerk ’n gemeenskap is wat in kontinuïteit staan met die testamentêre uitvoerders van die Ou Testament. Josef se begrafnis narratief vind hernude vervulling wanneer die Christelike kerk opnuut die Uitvoerder van die testament verwag. Die werk sluit af met enkele voorstelle oor hoe die uitvoering van hierdie testament in kontemporêre kontekste gefasiliteer kan word.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A biblical truth tends to function in the politics of meaning formation, where cultural norms and values of society direct a biblical reading, which in turn further affirms and constructs social ideals. Specific to this study is the problem of the patriarchal framework that has shaped the prophetic reading of the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Feminist scholars problematize patriarchal characteristics of the text and question religious formulations of gender norms that create unequal gender relations in society. This study presents a prophetic-critical reading of the Magnificat in light of the rhetorical functions of the text. To this end, chapter two evaluates Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza‘s theories of feminist praxis to sharpen a reading lens for the exegetical chapter which follows. In chapter three, it illustrates a propagandistic character of the text, intended by the implied author, in order to free the text from a patriarchal reading. Chapter four illustrates the rhetorical functions of the text in a new contemporary context of HIV/AIDS in South Africa. This is accomplished by means of a variety of social, political, economic and religious systems of meaning formation, in the form of a letter, hypothetically addressed to a contemporary benefactor, Queen Elizabeth II. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Bybelse waarheid is geneig om te funksioneer in die politiek van meningsvorming, waar kulturele norme en sosiale waardes die lees van die Bybel lei, wat op sy beurt sosiale ideale verder bevestig en vorm. Hierdie studie fokus spesifiek op die probleem van die patriargale raamwerk wat die profetiese lees van die Loflied van Maria (Luke 1:46-55) tot op hede gevorm het. Feminsitiese teoloë problematiseer die patriargale karaktertrekke van die teks en bevraagteken godsdienstige formuleringe van gender wat ongelyke geslagsverhoudings in die samelewing skep. Hierdie studie bied 'n profeties-kritiese lees van die Loflied van Maria in die lig van die retoriese funksies van die teks. Gevolglik evalueer hoofstuk twee Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza se teorië van feministiese praksis, om sodoende die lens vir die volgende eksegetiese hoofstuk te verskerp. Hoofstuk drie illustreer die propagandistiese karakter van die teks, soos bedoel deur die geïmpliseerde skrywer, om sodoende die teks te bevry van patriarchal, profetiese lees. Die laaste hoofstuk illustreer die retoriese funksies van die teks via lae van sosiale, politiese, ekonomiese en godsdienste sisteme van betekenisvorming, in 'n nuwe kontemporêre konteks van MIV/VIGS in Suid-Afrika, in die vorm van 'n brief, gerig aan 'n hipotetiese, kontemporêre weldoener, Koningin Elizabeth.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In South Africa there are various gender and health issues. These issues influence and challenge South African faith communities in their daily existence. This is further justified and enhanced by unethical Biblical interpretation. This study proposes that faith communities in present-day South Africa, where faith communities‘ social wellbeing is endangered, could be responsible receivers of the Bible. This may happen through a multidimensional reading of the letter of James towards an ethos of historical reading and accountability. A multidimensional reading of the letter of James proposes that the text, social and moral world of the writer and the first historical receivers, the possible rhetorical effect of the letter, the ideological perspectives that can be seen in the letter as well as the context, as well as the history of reception of this letter must be taken into account when the possible rhetorical effect for present-day receivers is investigated. An ethos of historical reading and accountability asks believers to respect the historical embeddedness of the text, to read the text in ways which do justice to the nature of the text and to account for the possible ethical consequences of their reading of a text. A multidimensional reading of the letter of James has the transformational potential to make the above mentioned a reality. A multidimensional reading of the letter of James furthermore suggests with regards to gender and health issues that present-day receivers of the Bible should become communities of character where the Bible is read in life-giving ways to make ethical biblical interpretation a reality. Thus South African faith communities may become agents of hope in present-day South Africa. Chapter one functions as the introduction to this study. In chapter two the letter of James is read with regards to the textual and literary aspects of the letter. In chapter three the social and moral world of the letter of James is investigated. In chapter four the pragmatic aspects (theological and rhetorical aspects) of the letter of James is focused on. Chapter five consists of a conclusion and summary of this study where gender and health issues, ethical biblical interpretation and the letter of James are brought together. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daar is verskeie gender- en gesondheidskwessies en uitdagings wat Suid-Afrikaanse geloofsgemeenskappe in hulle daaglikse bestaan beïnvloed en uitdaag. Dit word dikwels deur onetiese Bybelinterpretasie geregverdig en vererger. Hierdie studie stel voor, deur ʼn multidimensionele lees van die Jakobus-brief, op weg na ʼn etos van historiese lees en verantwoordbaarheid, dat geloofsgemeenskappe in ʼn hedendaagse Suid-Afrika waar hulle sosiale welstand bedreig word, verantwoordelike ontvangers van die Bybel kan wees. ʼn Multidimensionele lees van die Jakobus-brief stel voor dat die teks, die sosiale- en morele wêreld van die skrywer en eerste historiese ontvangers, die moontlike retoriese effek van die brief, die ideologiese perspektiewe wat in die brief en konteks sigbaar is, sowel as die resepsie-geskiedenis van die brief in berekening gebring word wanneer die retoriese effek vir hedendaagse ontvangers ondersoek word. ʼn Etos van historiese lees en verantwoordbaarheid vra aan gelowiges om die teks se historiese ingebedheid te respekteer, tekste op maniere te lees wat reg aan die teks sal laat geskied en ook die moontlike etiese gevolge van hulle lees van die teks te verreken. ‘n Multidimensionele lees van die Jakobus-brief besit, myns insiens, die transformerende potensiaal om bogenoemde te kan bewerkstellig. In die lig van gender- en gesondheidskwessies, voorsien hierdie leesstrategie dat hedendaagse ontvangers gemeenskappe van karakter sal wees waar die Bybel in lewegewende maniere gelees word, en etiese Bybelinterpretasie aangekweek word. Sodoende kan Suid-Afrikaanse geloofsgemeenskappe agente van hoop wees. Hoofstuk een is die inleidende hoofstuk tot die studie. Hoofstuk twee bestaan uit ‘n tekstuele en literêre ondersoek van die Jakobus-brief. In hoofstuk drie word die sosiale- en morele wêreld van die brief bestudeer. In hoofstuk vier word die pragmatiese aspekte (teologiese- en retoriese aspekte) van Jakobus van nader bekyk. Hoofstuk vyf bestaan uit ‘n gevolgtrekking en samevatting van die studie, waar gender- en gesondheidskwessies, etiese Bybelinterpretasie en die Jakobus-brief bymekaar gebring word.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The goal of the study is to show that Paul’s usage of the Exodus Motif in 1 Corinthians 10 is intertextual in that it contains echoes and allusions from the exodus tradition. These intertextual echoes and allusions also form intratextual echoes and allusions, which show that the pericope is not limited to having significance only for immediate issues found in surrounding chapters 8, 9 and 10 but has intratextual implications for the whole epistle. Special focus has been placed upon 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, and an exegesis done using an intertextual method of interpretation, to show intertextual and intratextual echoes and allusions; and how the pericope is the centre of the whole epistle, and that issues addressed in the epistle find their parallels in the pericope. In the course of the study and as part of its broader scope, vital parallelisms are traced, biblically and theologically, between the Exodus and the Corinthian church. Finally, it has been established that the pericope is a midrashic paraenesis and it is theological in nature since it shows a faithful God in action. It is all about how God and humans act and react to issues of mutual concern. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie is om aan te toon dat Paulus se gebruik van die eksodusmotief in 1 Korinthiërs 10 intertekstueel is, in die sin dat dit eggo’s van en verwysings na die eksodustradisie bevat. Hierdie intertekstuele eggo’s en verwysings vorm ook intratekstuele eggo’s, wat aandui dat die belang van die perikoop hom nie tot onmiddellike kwessies in die omliggende hoofstukke 8, 9 en 10 beperk nie, maar ook intertekstuele implikasies het vir die brief in geheel. Daar word in die besonder gefokus op 1 Korinthiërs 10:1 – 3, waarvan ‘n eksegese deur middel van ‘n intertekstuele interpretasiemetode gedoen word. Dit dui inter- en intratekstuele eggo’s aan, sowel as hoe die perikoop die middelpunt van die hele brief is en ook dat kwessies wat in die brief aangespreek word, hul parallelle in die perikoop vind. Deur die loop van die studie en as deel van die breëer omvang daarvan, word essensiële parallelle op bybelse en teologiese gronde nagetrek, tussen die Eksodus en die Korinthiese kerk. Laastens is daar vasgestel dat die perikoop ‘n midrash paranese is en dat dit teologies van aard is, aangesien dit ‘n getroue God in aksie uitbeeld. Dit handel oor hoe God en mense optree en reaggeer op kwessies wat hulle wedersyds raak.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study argues that rape is an instrument of patriarchy, functioning in the same way as torture to keep patriarchal power hierarchies intact. Rape robs women of their voices, making and keeping them invisible. The body is a symbol for power and the female body represents patriarchal angst about losing power. The development of ontologies of body over the ages is traced, showing how these ontologies eventually led to the dualistic devaluing of the body. The body came to be seen as a commodity while the so-called inner or spiritual world became the body of theology. The body of Christ in 1 Corinthians is analysed, showing how Paul placed the body in the centre of theology and Christian life, while he simultaneously undermined the seemingly natural societal hierarchies by (re)constructing the body of Christ in a subversive way. The body of Christ re-members (remembers and reconstructs) the body in a way that controverts the abuse of women’s bodies. By subverting patriarchy’s power hierarchies, by valuing bodies and thereby making them visible, by transforming bodies and by imagining a body beyond patriarchy, the body of Christ re-members the social and individual body in a way that resists the violently abusive patriarchal body. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie argumenteer dat verkragting ’n instrument van patriargie is. Verkragting funksioneer op dieselfde manier as marteling met die doel om patriargale mag-strukture in stand te hou. Verkragting beroof vroue van hul identiteit en maak en hou hulle sodoende onsigbaar. Die liggaam is ‘n simbool van mag en die vroulike liggaam verteenwoordig patriargale angs oor magsverlies. Die ontwikkeling van liggaamsontologieë word nagespeur om aan te toon hoe hierdie ontologieë uiteindelik ontwikkel het tot ’n dualistiese devaluasie van die liggaam. Die liggaam is gesien as ’n kommoditeit, terwyl die sogenaamde innerlike of geestelike wêreld die liggaam van teologie geword het. Die liggaam van Christus in 1 Korintiërs word geanaliseer, om aan te toon hoe Paulus die liggaam in die sentrum van die Christelike lewe geplaas het, terwyl hy terselfdertyd die oënskynlik natuurlike samelewingshiërargieë ondermyn deur die liggaam van Christus op subversiewe wyse te (her)konstrueer. Die liggaam van Christus onthou en rekonstrueer die liggaam op so ‘n wyse dat dit die misbruik van vroue se liggame opponeer. Deur patriargie se magstrukture te ondergrawe, deur liggame te waardeer en hulle sodoende sigbaar te maak, deur liggame te transformeer en deur ’n liggaam anderkant patriargie voor te stel, onthou en rekonstrueer die liggaam van Christus die gemeenskaplike en individuele liggaam op ’n manier wat die gewelddadige misbruik deur die patriargale sisteem teëstaan.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Mark 11:12-25 has been identified as an intercalation or sandwich structure (A-B-A) by many scholars as consisting of three linked episodes: the cursing of the fig tree (11:12- 14), the cleaning of the temple (11:15-19), and the withered fig tree (11:20-25). Using the function of intercalation, Mark 11:12-25 is then interpreted symbolically as a prophecy of the destruction of the temple. This interpretation, however, the researcher argues, is implausible. To substantiate this claim, the research aims to interpret Mark 11:12-25 in the light of narrative criticism and the oral aspect of Mark. Chapter 2 lays the basic foundation for the current research. This includes a brief history of the study of Mark, the historical interpretation of Mark 11:12-25, a comparison between Matthew and Mark, and of studies concerned with intercalation. Various differing opinions of intercalation are given that complicate our understanding of its function. The main goal of chapter 3 is to examine Mark 11:12-25 according to three narrative elements, namely setting, characters and events. On the grounds that every scene in Mark 11 is connected naturally in the time and space setting, it will be argued that Mark did not arrange the two stories in Mark 11:12-25 as intercalation with a theological purpose. Although some argue that the two stories do not fit the character of Jesus, on the contrary, it will be argued that both stories strengthens the authority and power of Jesus as it is depicted in the Gospel of Mark. If Jesus teaching is considered (11:20-25), then the symbolic interpretation of the prophecy of the destruction of the temple cannot be sustained. Chapter 4 deals with the oral aspect of Mark. Mark’s community were in all likelihood not readers, but hearers. Dewey offers some characteristics of oral narratives, particularly their additive and aggregative structures and their participatory character. These, she argues, helps the reader to interpret the various aspects of Mark that have divided both scholars and literary critics of the Gospel. Therefore, the fig tree story and the temple story will be examined in the light of the oral aspect of Mark. The final chapter will offer a summary of each chapter and a synthesized conclusion. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Om Markus 11:12-25 korrek te interpreteer is vir 'n lang tyd reeds ʼn debatteerbare saak. Die gedeelte word dikwels as 'n invoeging (A-B-A) geïdentifiseer wat uit drie verweefde episodes bestaan: die vloek van die vyeboom (11:12-14), die skoonmaak van die tempel (11:15-19), en die verdorde vyeboom (11:20-25). Deur klem te lê op die funksie van die invoeging, interpreteer baie geleerdes Markus 11:12-25 as 'n simboliese voorspelling van die vernietiging van die tempel. Hierdie interpretasie, argumenteer die navorser egter, is onhoudbaar. Om die stelling te staaf, poog die navorsing om Markus 11:12-25 in die lig van vertellingskritiek en die mondelinge aspek van Markus te lees. Hoofstuk 2 lê die basiese fondasie van die skripsie. Dit sluit ‘n kort geskiedenis in van die studie van Markus, die historiese interpretasie van Markus 11:12-25, ‘n vergelyking tussen Matteus en Markus, en 'n opsomming van studies gemoeid met invoegings. Die verskillende menings oor die funksie van invoegings, wat die verstaan van Markus 11:12- 25 bemoeilik sal ook bespreek word. Die hoofdoel van hoofstuk 3 is om Markus 11:12-25 te ondersoek volgens drie narratiewe elemente, naamlik die setting, die karakter en die gebeure daarin vervat. Op grond daarvan dat elke toneel in Markus 11 verbind is ten opsigte van tyd en ruimte word aangevoer word dat Markus nie die twee stories in Markus 11:12-25 as invoeging met 'n teologiese doel georden het nie. Alhoewel sommige argumenteer dat die twee stories nie by die karakter van Jesus pas nie, sal dit in teendeel aangevoer word naamlik dat beide stories die gesag en mag van Jesus, soos dit uitgebeeld word in die evangelie van Markus, versterk. Hoofstuk 4 handel oor die mondelinge dimensie van Markus. Markus se gemeenskap was in alle waarskynlikheid nie lesers nie, maar hoorders. In die verband bied Dewey 'n paar eienskappe van mondelinge vertelling aan, veral die toevoeging en kumulatiewe strukture en deelnemende karakter daarvan. Hierdie, betoog sy, help die leser om die verskillende aspekte van Markus wat kritici van die Evangelie verdeel, te interpreteer. Die laaste hoofstuk bestaan uit ‘n opsomming van elke hoofstuk en ‘n gesintetiseerde gevolgtrekking.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis concerns itself with the discussion of the piety of Job in the biblical book that bears his name in order to closely examine the motivation and potential of his piety in light of his oath of innocence in Job 31, so that we might respond to some crucial issues of life, primarily in African contexts. The background to this study in chapter one takes into consideration the lack of interest in studying Wisdom Literature in Africa, especially the Book of Job, except on an occasional basis that calls for discussions on suffering. We discovered that only a few African scholars have tried to explore some aspects of wisdom literature, which poses the challenge of providing other materials from the area of study to further enrich Old Testament biblical studies in Africa and beyond. Moreover, we also observed the separation of faith and ethics in African contexts, which further invites us to examine the life of Job in terms of what he believed and how that constituted his piety and related to his ethical life. This attempt also has as a point of interest the on-going quest of scholarship in the contemporary contexts in which theological-ethical questions with regard to wisdom theology, human dignity, gender equality, and prosperity theology, amongst other concerns seek decisive responses. Thus, the second chapter of this thesis explores some contributions in wisdom literature in order to see how scholars have contributed to the study of the wisdom concerns, especially regarding the theological-ethical possibilities. In doing this we also highlighted some ancient texts that carry the theme of ‘the innocent sufferer’ like the Book of Job. Accordingly, we also note how the question of Job’s piety in his declaration of innocence has almost been neglected by different scholars, which poses us the challenge of considering it as the golden thread of this thesis. In chapter three we provide a close reading of Job 31 in order to closely examine its textual details and interpretation that set the stage for the theological-ethical study of the same passage in chapter four, in which Job’s piety is used to respond to the issues we raised in chapter one and also pose some challenges that call for a reconsideration of faith and ethics in terms of practical reality and profitability which if done well, as reflected on in chapter five, would greatly improve our lives from personal to external and social dimensions. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis handel oor die bespreking van die vroomheid van Job in die Bybelse boek wat sy naam dra, om die motivering en potensiaal van sy vroomheid in die lig van sy eed van onskuld in Job 31 te ondersoek en hoofsaaklik te reageer op 'n paar belangrike kwessies van lewe in Afrika kontekste. Die agtergrond van hierdie studie in hoofstuk een, neem die gebrekkige belangstelling in die bestudering van Wysheidsliteratuur in Afrika, veral die Boek van Job, met die uitsondering van gesprekke aangaande lyding, in ag. Ons het ontdek dat slegs ‘n paar Afrika vakkundiges al probeer het om van die aspekte van wysheidsliteratuur te ondersoek wat die uitdaging bied om materiaal te vind binne hierdie studieveld om Ou-Testamentiese Bybelse studies in Afrika en verder te bevorde. Verder het ons ook die skeiding van geloof en etiek in die Afrika-konteks waargeneem, wat ons ook uitnooi om die lewe van Job in terme van wat hy geglo en hoe dit sy vroomheid gevorm het te ondersoek en in verband te bring met sy etiese lewe. Hierdie poging het ook as punt van belang om die voortgaande soektog na kundigheid in die hedendaagse konteks waarin teologies-etiese vrae onder andere in verband met wysheidsteologie, menswaardigheid, geslagsgelykheid, en voorspoedsteologie, vra na beslissende antwoorde. Dus ondersoek die tweede hoofstuk van hierdie tesis party bydraes tot die wysheidsliteratuur om te sien hoe vakkundiges bygedra het tot die wysheidsvrae, veral in verband met die teologies-etiese moontlikhede. Sodoende lig ons ook party antieke tekste uit wat die tema van ‘die onskuldige lyer‘ dra, soos die Boek van Job. So let ons ook op hoe die kwessie van Job se vroomheid in sy verklaring van onskuld verwaarloos is deur verskillende geleerdes, wat die uitdaging aan ons bied om dit te oorweeg as die goue draad van hierdie tesis. In hoofstuk drie bied ons 'n noukeurige lees van Job 31 om die tekstuele besonderhede en interpretasie noukeurig te ondersoek. Hierdie besonderhede baan die weg vir die teologies-etiese studie van dieselfde gedeelte in hoofstuk vier waarin Job se vroomheid gebruik word om te reageer op die kwessies wat ons reeds in hoofstuk een vind en ook ander uitdagings wat vra vir 'n heroorweging van geloof en etiek in terme van die praktiese werklikheid en nuttigheid wat, as dit goed gedoen word, soos in hoofstuk vyf weerspieël word, ‘n groot verbetering inhou vir baie van ons lewens, van persoonlike na eksterne en sosiale dimensies.

Thesis (DTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / As the title indicates, our study is focused on a theological interpretation of the city in Isaiah 24-27 from the point of view of God’s judgment and salvation. The main reason for the study is that in Isaiah 24-27, the city plays a very significant role. The research therefore employs the socio-rhetorical approach which is a method that explores a multi-dimensional way of dealing with the text. Applying Robbins’ (1966a & b) textural analysis to the text of Isaiah 24-27, the inner and inter textures are examined in order to demonstrate the narrator’s rhetorical strategy. Through the prophetic genre of judgement and salvation, the narrator challenges the audience/reader to change their minds and attitudes, especially about the city. The challenge is that the fortified city alone would never provide safety and peace but rather bring God’s judgment. In contrast, God alone provides salvation and protection through God’s reign on Mount Zion/Jerusalem. It is shown that this rhetorical strategy is deeply embedded in the social and cultural context. The expectation was that the historical and political chaos which was triggered by international pressures and Israel’s unfaithfulness and injustice might cause Israel to reflect on what happened and what would happen to the city in God’s eschatological time. The rhetorical strategy also highlights the eschatological-apocalyptic character of the text and the author of Isaiah 24-27 uses it to focus on the ideological and theological textures by means of which he warned that “Zion theology” could become “Zion ideology” if it became located beyond prophetic voice and criticism. Furthermore, it is shown that the theological texture highlights God’s theological viewpoint that is symbolized by subjects such as universalism and the restoration of Zion/Jerusalem through judgment and salvation both of which are dialectically reflected in the destiny of the city of Zion/Jerusalem. At a deeper level, this theological engagement is based on God’s steadfast covenant love and justice, through which, God as husband and king, makes a demand on the city Jerusalem/Zion, the wife and the faith community. We have attempted to show from Isaiah 24-27 that God’s kingship is expressed in an apocalyptic manner which is beyond human power and intervention in order to emphasize God’s absolute sovereignty in controlling human destiny, especially the city. In line with the odd literary genre of the text, there still exist traditional prophetic thoughts which demand human responsibility on issues such as repentance, execution of social justice and righteousness in life.