Miriam's Image in Patristic and Rabbinic Interpretation
- Author(s)
- Agnethe Siquans
- Abstract
The article presents patristic interpretations of the biblical figure of Miriam alongside rabbinic interpretations. Miriam is depicted in manifold images: based on Ex 15,20f. she is portrayed as a female prophet. Christian writers interpret her as a virgin, and thus also as type of the Church and of Mary. Rabbinic texts focus on Miriam as a midwife and a mother, even of kings – on the basis of Ex 1-2. Patristic and rabbinic texts judge Miriam’s criticism of Moses in Num 12 negatively. In both traditions, also Miriam’s stance toward Moses’ Cushite wife is discussed. Patristic and rabbinic interpretations often deal with the same topics, yet they are situated in different religious-cultural contexts, presuppose different hermeneutical concepts and look at the biblical texts and its characters from different, sometimes even opposing, perspectives.
- Organisation(s)
- Department of Biblical Studies
- Journal
- Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses
- Volume
- 96
- Pages
- 521-536
- ISSN
- 0013-9513
- Publication date
- 2020
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 603201 Old testament studies, 603218 Patrology, 603906 Jewish religion
- Keywords
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/70c92935-acc5-43fc-b31d-fc818992f646