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: Paperback / softback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2022
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 diverse manner in which these liturgists approached the scriptures.

While patristic exegesis, the study of biblical interpretation in the context of early Christian literature, follows a linear and sequential approach, liturgical exegesis takes a more imaginative and eclectic path. It encompasses various parts of the Bible and offers a rich tapestry of interpretations. 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 scriptures 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 ways in which the Bible has been interpreted and utilized by Byzantine hymnographers throughout the ages. It challenges our preconceived notions of biblical interpretation and encourages us to appreciate the diverse and imaginative ways in which the scriptures have been cherished and celebrated by different religious communities. This study is a valuable addition to the field of biblical studies and will undoubtedly inspire further exploration into the rich tapestry of liturgical exegesis.

Weight: 650g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190239640