Historical-critical analysis of the narratives Wife–sister narratives in the Book of Genesis

1 historical-critical analysis of narratives

1.1 comparison other cultures
1.2 source criticism
1.3 literary analysis
1.4 wife , sister relationships

historical-critical analysis of narratives

the jewish encyclopedia s article sarah notes that

story of sarah s life, brief , incomplete is, presents nevertheless curious repetitions, e.g., incident pharaoh , similar incident abimelech (genesis 22:10 , genesis 20:1).

according jewish encyclopedia, recurring story has unified purpose:

point of view of history of culture these episodes instructive. not probable abraham have run risk twice. moreover, similar incident reported in regard isaac , rebecca (genesis 26:7-11). recurrence indicates none of accounts accepted historical; 3 variations of theme common popular oral histories of patriarchs. women married in way here supposed not doubted. purpose of story extol heroines beautiful , show patriarchs under special protection of deity.

this view takes marital framework @ face value, historical.

comparison other cultures

political marriages common occurrences in ancient near east, typically meant resident alien offer 1 of daughters monarch diplomatic action , protect himself , family. hoffmeier interprets wife-sister narratives found in book of genesis reflecting practice; in view abraham , isaac traveling in foreign territory without daughters offer local ruler , attempted create similar diplomatic relationships presenting wives potential gifts.

source criticism

from perspective of source criticism, these 3 accounts appear variations on same theme, oldest explication being in gen. 12. in past, first , third accounts have been attributed yahwist source (or j source), , second account has been attributed elohist source (or e source) via source criticism. however, has been proposed similarities between these narratives because oral variations of 1 original story. recently, has been thought second , third accounts based on , had knowledge of first account. according critics, such t.d. alexander, there different theories sources none can proven flawless.

literary analysis

additionally, scholars have argued 3 tales not true historic occurrences, rather purposeful tales. according niditch, there 1 wife-sister story has many different versions, there inconsistencies , refer same story. niditch associates wife-sister entries potential folklore written target particular audience , in hopes of conveying message regarding sinful nature of deception , adultery.

the 3 wife-sister narratives related each other in way, according coats, sharing common content, structure , genre communicating content. in 3 stories promise progeny not factor in content , structure rather narratives have focus on blessing.

the wife , sister relationships

hepner concludes, through biblical exegesis , semantics, plausible union of abraham , sarah incestuous sarah being abraham s half-sister. example, in genesis 20: 13, abraham, talking abimelech, alludes leviticus laws or holiness code, using phrase lovingkindness. same word found referring sin of incestuous relationships , can take alternative meaning of disgrace. abraham, in discourse abimelech, openly confessing disgraceful relations wife/sister sarah whichever translation of word taken, shows abraham s knowledge of holiness code , clauses pertaining incest found within leviticus.