Van der Zwan, Pieter2020-02-282019Van Der Zwan, P. 2019, 'Possible psychoanalytic meanings of the foreskin in the Hebrew Bible', Journal for Semitics, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 1-22.1013-8471 (print)2663-6573 (online)10.25159/2663-6573/4298http://hdl.handle.net/2263/73591Amongst the approximately 250 body parts which are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, the foreskin is mentioned infrequently, even when it is closely linked to circumcision, an essential religious, national, and identity marker. While the foreskin must therefore be highly cathected, this background position may be indicative of either unconscious or constantly assumed meaning(s) which it has in its literary contexts. A psychoanalytic exploration of its possible significance can widen the hermeneutic horizon by investigating what has remained unsaid. This can range from idealisation to shame and can at least serve as a heuristic stimulant.en© Unisa Press 2019ForeskinPrepuceCircumcisionIdealisationShameNakednessPurityPatriarchyPsychoanalyticBody-partMeaningTheology articles SDG-03SDG-03: Good health and well-beingTheology articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationTheology articles SDG-05SDG-05: Gender equalityTheology articles SDG-10SDG-10: Reduced inequalitiesTheology articles SDG-16SDG-16: Peace, justice and strong institutionsArticle