Arbitrary Allegory, Typical Typology, or Intertextual Interpretation? Paul’s Use of the Pentateuch in Galatians 4:21–31

Bibliographic information:

Emerson, Matthew Y. “Arbitrary Allegory, Typical Typology, or Intertextual Interpretation? Paul’s Use of the Pentateuch in Galatians 4:21–31.” Biblical Theology Bulletin 43.1 (2013): 14-22.

Description:

Description:

This article begins by surveying the modern history of interpretation of Galatians 4:21–31, and in doing so demonstrates that virtually no commentator from the time of Calvin has concluded that Paul accurately conveys the message of the Pentateuch’s narratives to which he alludes in his “allegory.” It then provides an alternate approach to the analysis of Paul’s interpretation of the Pentateuch in this passage, relying on the hermeneutical tool of intertextuality. It demonstrates, through four sets of intertextual connections within the Pentateuch, that the Hagar and Sinai narratives are intricately related and therefore appropriately read by Paul. It concludes that, instead of viewing Paul’s interpretation in Galatians 4:21–31 as arbitrary allegory, modern commentators should give Paul a bit more grace in their analysis of his hermeneutic.

Publisher:

Biblical Theology Bulletin (website: http://btb.sagepub.com/)

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