Diese Ausarbeitung geht der Frage nach der Authentizität der Perikope 2 Cor 6:14-7:1 nach. Ist diese Textstelle von Paulus geschrieben oder wurde sie von einer anderen Person oder Gruppe in die Paulinischen Briefe hineingetragen? Die Autorin überprüft dabei die unter Wissenschaftlern häufig vertretene These, dass es sich hier um eine Essenische Interpolation handelt. Damit wird auch exemplarisch dargelegt, wie die Studien der Qumranrollen von Interesse für die Neutestamentliche Wissenschaft sein können und gleichsam inwiefern eine Beziehung zwischen den Schriften aus Qumran und dem Neuen Testament besteht.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Preliminary considerations: Genesis of 2 Cor and justification of the use of parallels
3. Brief analysis of 2 Cor 6:14-7:1
3.1 Pericope in context
3.2 Verse to verse analysis and noteworthy terms
3.3 First conclusion
4. Comparison of 2 Cor 6:14-7:1 with Qumran scrolls
5. Conclusions
Research Objectives and Themes
This essay examines the potential interrelationship between the Qumran scrolls and the Pauline letters, specifically focusing on the textual unit of 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1. The central research question investigates whether this specific passage represents an Essene interpolation by comparing its linguistic and theological characteristics with texts found in the Qumran scrolls.
- The literary analysis of 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 and its status as a non-Pauline interpolation.
- Evaluation of "hapax legomena" and antithetical dualisms within the pericope.
- Comparative study of Qumranic elements, such as the temple of God concept and separation from impurity.
- Critique of scholarly arguments regarding direct parallels between Pauline texts and Essene literature.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2 Verse to verse analysis and noteworthy terms
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 opens with a prohibition (Μὴ γίνεσθε). The addressee, obviously the believers, shall not be mismated with the unbelievers. This strong separation is unusual for Paul. The prohibition is followed by a multi faceted reason in the form of five rhetorical questions from v. 14b till 16a. In 6:14b the explanation begins, the causal connection is very clear because of the γὰρ (“for”). The rhetorical question is indicated with τίς γὰρ. That shows also that we have to consider all five questions as related and referring back to the prohibition in 6:14a, because each one of them starts with τίς (5 times τίς in 14b till 16a). The rhetorical questions, which should be answered with “no”, and which give the reasons for the prohibition not to mix with unbelievers, include several dualisms: righteousness – iniquity (14b), light – darkness (14c), Christ – Belial (15a), believer –unbeliever (15b) and temple – idols (16a). Verse 16b presents the reason (γὰρ) for the previous verses but especially for 16a because it depicts the temple of God again. In more detail, it is an identification of the believers, the in-group from the perspective of the writer (as “we”), with the temple “of the living God” (16b). This is followed by a scriptural composition (16c-18) which is introduced with καθὼς εἶπεν ὁ θεὸς ὅτι (“as God said”). Key topics of that composition are that God will live among his people (16), separation (17a,b), purification (17c,d) and the description of the relationship God to believers as father to daughter and son (18). God is named as κύριος παντοκράτωρ (“Lord Almighty”) (18c). The pericope ends with 2 Corinthians 7:1 which is a conclusion of all that is said before. Because of having these promises (Ταύτας οὖν ἔχοντες τὰς ἐπαγγελίας), there follows a demand for cleaning and making holiness perfect (7:1).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the research intent to analyze 2 Cor 6:14-7:1 as a possible Essene interpolation in light of Dead Sea Scrolls research.
2. Preliminary considerations: Genesis of 2 Cor and justification of the use of parallels: Discusses the theoretical framework for religio-historical comparisons and addresses the debated literary unity of 2 Corinthians.
3. Brief analysis of 2 Cor 6:14-7:1: Provides a close reading of the passage, identifying its structural interruptions, rhetorical dualisms, and unique linguistic features like hapax legomena.
4. Comparison of 2 Cor 6:14-7:1 with Qumran scrolls: Evaluates specific theological parallels such as the Christ-Belial dualism, the concept of the temple of God, and the polemic against idols.
5. Conclusions: Summarizes the findings, suggesting that while some Qumranic similarities exist, the passage is likely a non-Pauline interpolation that reflects broader early Christian concerns.
Keywords
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1, Pauline Epistles, Qumran scrolls, Essene Community, interpolation, hapax legomena, dualism, Beliar, temple of God, textual criticism, religio-historical comparison, New Testament, early Christianity, paraenesis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the passage 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 and investigates the scholarly theory that it is a non-Pauline, Essene-influenced interpolation inserted into the letter.
What primary methodology is utilized?
The author employs a religio-historical comparative method, contrasting the specific vocabulary and theological concepts of the Pauline pericope with known texts from the Qumran scrolls.
What are the major thematic fields covered?
The paper covers New Testament textual criticism, the study of Dead Sea Scrolls, the history of Pauline theology, and the identification of non-Pauline source materials.
What is the central research question?
The research seeks to determine whether the striking differences in style and content in 2 Cor 6:14-7:1 can be explained by an Essene influence, and whether this justifies classifying the section as an interpolation.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body examines the pericope's context, performs a verse-by-verse analysis of its unusual rhetorical dualisms, and evaluates specific arguments for Essene parallels provided by scholars like Fitzmeyer.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1, Essene interpolation, Qumran scrolls, hapax legomena, and Pauline authorship.
Why is the term "hapax legomena" significant in this analysis?
The frequent occurrence of words that appear only once in the New Testament or the Pauline corpus within this short section serves as evidence for the theory that the passage was not written by Paul himself.
How does the author interpret the "Christ vs. Belial" dualism?
The author views this as a strong indicator of Christian influence and a "Christian reworking" of concepts, noting that Belial appears as a personified opponent to God, which is a rare feature.
- Quote paper
- M.Phil Lydia Einenkel (Author), 2011, 2 Cor 6.14-7.1 - an Essene Interpolation?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/262945
