Christian Interpretation of Kohelet [Ecclesiastes]: Three Examples from History and the Present. Issue 2 (1st September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Birnbaum, Elisabeth
• Is Part Of: European Judaism. Volume 54:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 17
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2021-09-01
• Subjects: biblical interpretation -- hermeneutics -- history of interpretation -- Jerome -- Kohelet -- vanity; Judaism -- Periodicals; Judaism -- Europe -- Periodicals; 296.05
• DOI: 10.3167/ej.2021.540203
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-2323

Abstract

Abstract: The book of Kohelet has been interpreted in very different, even opposing ways. There are rather divergent views on its main theme. Is Kohelet a God-fearing sage or a hedonistic sceptic? A godly preacher or a godless provocateur? This article shows three important interpretations of the book through the centuries and highlights their presuppositions, methods and results.