The Cambridge Companion to Biblical Narrative

Offers an overview and a concise introduction to an exciting field within literary interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament.

Keith Bodner (Edited by)

9781108841290, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 February 2025

344 pages
23.5 x 15.9 x 2.6 cm, 0.65 kg

'Analysis of biblical narrative focuses on a synchronic reading of the text, in contrast to a diachronic approach that focuses on the sources of the text. This collection of essays by a distinguished cast of scholars shows how this approach, enriched by the insights of literary criticism, has proven fruitful in enabling the understanding of the conventions of biblical storytelling … Recommended.' F. Arriola, Choice

The Cambridge Companion to Biblical Narrative offers an overview and a concise introduction to an exciting field within literary interpretation of the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament. Analysis of biblical narrative has enjoyed a resurgence in recent decades, and this volume features essays that explore many of the artistic techniques that readers encounter in an array of texts. Specially commissioned for this volume, the chapters analyze various scenes in Genesis, Exodus and the wilderness wanderings, Israel's experience in the land and royal experiment in Kings and Chronicles, along with short stories like Ruth, Jonah, Esther, and Daniel. New Testament essays examine each of the four gospels, the book of Acts, stories from the letters of Paul, and reading for the plot in the book of Revelation. Designed for use in undergraduate and graduate courses, this Companion will serve as an excellent resource for instructors and students interested in understanding and interpreting biblical narrative.

List of contributors
Introduction: the state of the art of biblical narrative Keith Bodner
1. The literary worlds of genesis Tremper Longman III
2. Exodus: the journey to Sinai Adriane Leveen
3. Reading the wilderness narratives Carmen Joy Imes
4. Prospects and perils in the land of promise Cameron B. R. Howard
5. Saul the undead and David the bringer of life Stephen B. Chapman
6. Monarchic collapse: from Solomon to Jehoiachin in the book of kings Rachelle Gilmour
7. Ruth and Jonah: inner-biblical explorations of the patriarchs and prophets Marian Kelsey
8. Theaters of empire and exile in Daniel and Esther Laura Carlson Hasler
9. Narrative art in chronicles Matthew J. Lynch
10. The genesis of Jesus in the narrative of Matthew Scott S. Elliott
11. Fear and grief: emotions at the endings(s) of Mark's story Elizabeth E. Shively and Kara J. Lyons-Pardue
12. Luke's gospel as a narrative of restoration Raj Nadella
13. Signs cultivating imperfect belief in the fourth gospel Tyler Smith
14. The acts of the apostles Matthew L. Skinner
15. Stories from letters: Paul's correspondence and the narrative approach Lynn H. Cohick
16. Reading revelation for its plot David L. Barr
Index.

Subject Areas: Biblical studies & exegesis [HRCG]