Hearing the Scriptures: Liturgical Exegesis of the Old Testament in Byzantine Orthodox Hymnography

Eugen J. Pentiuc's study highlights the creative way in which Byzantine hymnographers expressed their understanding of the Old Testament in their compositions, known as liturgical exegesis. He analyzes the vast and rich hymnography of Byzantine Orthodox Holy Week to demonstrate the many different and imaginative ways in which liturgists incorporated and interpreted scriptural material. This study makes a ground-breaking contribution to the history of the reception of the scriptures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 17 November 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Throughout the ages, the Christian scriptures have been a source of endless fascination for interpreters, who have sought to unravel their mysteries and bring forth their awe-inspiring wonders. However, the recent focus of scholarship on the so-called critical period has somewhat overshadowed the remarkable creativity that has been displayed by these ancient texts' interpreters. In this enlightening study, Eugen J. Pentiuc takes us on a journey to explore the unique way in which Byzantine hymnographers, or liturgists, expressed their understanding of the Old Testament in their compositions. He refers to this interpretive process as liturgical exegesis, a term that sheds light on the imaginative and eclectic nature of their approach.

While patristic exegesis, the study of biblical texts in a linear and sequential manner, follows a more traditional path, liturgical exegesis offers a more diverse and imaginative mode of interpretation. It encompasses various parts of the Bible and allows for a more holistic understanding of the text. Pentiuc likens liturgical exegesis to cubist art, emphasizing its ability to present multiple perspectives and interpretations simultaneously.

To showcase the multifaceted creativity of liturgical exegesis, Pentiuc has chosen the vast and rich hymnography of Byzantine Orthodox Holy Week as a case study. He conducts a detailed lexical, biblical, and theological analysis of selected hymns, unveiling the many different and imaginative ways in which creative liturgists incorporated and interpreted scriptural material. Through his analysis, Pentiuc highlights the ways in which Byzantine hymnographers engaged with the Bible in a living and vibrant Orthodox tradition, contributing to the rich history of the reception of the scriptures.

Hearing the Scriptures: A Study of Liturgical Exegesis in Byzantine Hymnography is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the interpretive practices of ancient Christian communities. It invites readers to explore the depths of the Christian scriptures through the lens of liturgical exegesis and encourages us to appreciate the creativity and diversity of the interpretive traditions that have shaped our understanding of these ancient texts.

Weight: 776g
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190239633