Insight into Two Biblical Passages: Anatomy of a Prohibition I Timothy 2:12, the TLG Computer, and the Christian Church by Leland E. Wilshire

by Leland Wilshire

This work comprises new insights into two Biblical passages. The first study, titled 'The Anatomy of a Prohibition,' uses the TLG computer database to offer a new interpretation of I Timothy 2:12. The author provides insight that the TLG computer, with its data selections from 200 BC/BCE to 200 AD/CE, supports the interpretation of one of the key words 'authentein' as 'committing violent action,' not 'having authority.' It then explores the effect of this interpretation on exegesis, gender pronouncements, hermeneutics, tradition, theology, and relevance. As a supplement, it offers a history of traditional translations, mistranslations, and interpretations. The second insight study discusses seeing the 'suffering servant' of Isaiah 40-55 as the city of Jerusalem. This 'Servant City' study is based upon a comparison with the material outside the songs and with other ANE city descriptions that are also in the first millennium.

Paperback

First published August 16, 2010

Reviews

[Gerald Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

...an excellent book, especially for those of us who know that surface clarity is not always the truth. To dig more deeply into the subject of equal personhood of men and women, this book guides into "true truth" that is really clear. I do wish Wilshire had gone further in understanding of the Gnostic threat at Ephesus. I believe he underestimates the influence of Gnostic "oral tradition" and its influence in the church and community. But, Wilshire does superb work with the exegetical problems of I Timothy 2:12, which is one of the most grossly misinterpreted verses in all of scripture. Wilshire is definitely "valiant for truth".