Old Testament Narratives and Speech Act Theory - Creating Worlds With Words

Old Testament Narratives and Speech Act Theory explores the creative power of words in Old Testament narratives. While the most famous example of this phenomenon might involve divine utterances such as, "Let there be light" (Gen. 1:1), Steven T. Mann argues that human characters can also create worlds with their words in an attempt to influence the imaginations, and therefore actions, of their listeners. This study focuses on the performative nature of speeches that are found in several key Old Testament narratives, including Genesis 4:1-26; 18:16-33, Exodus 1:8-22; 32:1-14, Numbers 13-14, 2 Samuel 7:1-17, Amos 7:1-6, and Jonah 2:1-10; 4:2-3. Within these narratives, characters use their words to create competing worlds that clash as they attempt to advance their own agendas. The storyteller's portrayal of these narrative worlds invites the audience to incorporate viewpoints of certain characters into their own world.

List of contents

Chapter One: Speech Act Theory and Biblical Narrative
Chapter Two: A Clash of Imaginations in Genesis 4
Chapter Three: Prayerful Imaginations: The Power of "Perhaps" (Genesis 18:16-33; Exodus 32:1-14; Amos 7:1-6)
Chapter Four: Predatory and Protective Worlds in Exodus 1:8-22
Chapter Five: Imagining the Land: A Duel of Descriptions in Numbers 13-14
Chapter Six: Imagining the Temple (2 Samuel 7:1-17)
Chapter Seven: Performative Prayers of a Prophet (Jonah 2:1-10 [2-11]; 4:2-3)
Chapter Eight: How to Do Things with Worlds

About the author

Steven T. Mann is associate professor of biblical and theological studies at Azusa Pacific Seminary, Azusa Pacific University.

Product details

• Authors: Steven T Mann, Steven T. Mann, Mann Steven T., Steven T Mann
• Publisher: Rowman and Littlefield
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 15.01.2025
• EAN: 9781978716865
• ISBN: 978-1-978716-86-5
• No. of pages: 136
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > Christianity; RELIGION / Biblical Studies / Exegesis & Hermeneutics, Bibles, LITERARY CRITICISM / Subjects & Themes / Religion, Religion & beliefs, Translation & interpretation, Literature: history & criticism, Religion and beliefs, Literature: history and criticism, Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts, Biblical Studies & Exegesis, Translation and interpretation, Old Testaments