Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Mary - the bold women in Ephrem the Syrian's Hymn De Nativitate 9
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Date
Authors
Botha, Philippus Jacobus
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Ancient Languages, University of Pretoria
Abstract
Ephrem the Syrian's hymn De Nativitate 9 is translated and its structure and the presence and function of various literary tropes in it are discussed. It is concluded that the most important polarities in the hymn are those between Christ's divinity and his humanity, between fear and love, between impurity and holiness, and between symbol and truth. It is argued that the purpose of the hymn was to instil awe for the wonder of Christ's birth from a woman, but also to encourage Christians in fourth century Syria to emulate the bold dedication of women like Tamar, Rahab, and Ruth to Christ alone, and to provide answers to Jewish criticism and ridicule of the virgin birth of Christ.
Description
Keywords
De Nativitate 9, Ephrem the Syrian
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Botha, PJ 2006, 'Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Mary - the bold women in Ephrem the Syrian's Hymn De Nativitate 9', Acta Patristica et Byzantina, vol. 17, pp. 1-21. [http://journals.sabinet.co.za/ej/ejour_patris.html]