Kenneth C Way | Biola University (original) (raw)

Papers by Kenneth C Way

The Body Lived, Cultured, Adorned: Essays on Dress and the Body in the Bible and Ancient Near East in Honor of Nili S. Fox, eds. Kristine Henriksen Garroway, Christine Elizabeth Palmer, and Angela Roskop Erisman. Cincinnati: Hebrew Union College Press, 2022

Kenneth C. Way’s chapter (pp. 15-48) sees the body take center stage in the literary strategy of ... more Kenneth C. Way’s chapter (pp. 15-48) sees the body take center stage in the literary strategy of the book of judges. The vivid physicality in narrative description draws attention to a reversal in the corporeal fortunes of Israel, from subjecting enemy bodies to slaughter and mutilation, to themselves suffering violence and symbolic national dissolution in a concubine’s dismemberment. Ideological reflections on relationships of power and ethnic identity are communicated through the rhetorical use of the bodies of self and other.

For Us, but Not to Us: Essays on Creation, Covenant, and Context in Honor of John H. Walton, eds. A. E. Miglio, C. A. Reeder, J. T. Walton, and K. C. Way, 2020

The composer uses two different verbs to describe the activities taking place in Judges 16:25, th... more The composer uses two different verbs to describe the activities taking place in Judges 16:25, though they are often considered simply variant spellings of the same verb. But is his choice of spelling arbitrary, or are there reasons motivating his distinction? These two verbs are related by a sibilant phoneme variation (ש/ׂצ), but their meanings are rarely, if ever, distinguished. In fact, most contemporary English translations assign the same (or similar) meaning to both verbs. But is the difference between them merely orthographic, or is it also semantic? Careful
discussion on this question is scant in the literature. For this reason, it is incumbent on interpreters to engage in careful lexical study. I will demonstrate through synchronic analysis that there is semantic differentiation between these two related roots. I will then explore how a phoneme shift took place (from צ to ש), and how certain archaic
usages are preserved in the צ-form. Such analysis requires cataloguing all occurrences of these roots and identifying their nuances. Once these nuances are synchronically established, one is better prepared to explain and translate Judges 16:25.

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 2018

The notices about the so-called " minor judges " (Judg 3:31; 10:1–5; 12:8–15) are strategically a... more The notices about the so-called " minor judges " (Judg 3:31; 10:1–5; 12:8–15) are strategically arranged in the literary structure of the book of Judges. They are " minor " only in the sense that they are shorter than the other stories, but their selective thematic emphases (especially on foreign deliverers, royal aspirations, outside marriages, " canaanization, " the number twelve, etc.) indicate that they are included with editorial purpose. The minor judges therefore have major importance for understanding the theological message of the book.

This paper seeks to build on D. W. Gooding’s well-known proposal (Eretz-Israel 16, 1982) that the... more This paper seeks to build on D. W. Gooding’s well-known proposal (Eretz-Israel 16, 1982) that the book of Judges exhibits a chiastic structure with the Gideon narrative in the central position. Recently, anthropologist Mary Douglas made a significant contribution to our understanding of complex chiastic devices in ancient Mediterranean literature (Thinking in Circles; Yale, 2007), and she calls these patterns “ring compositions.” Based on her exposition of the essential components of ring compositions, it is here suggested that the entire book of Judges also follows the same pattern. It will be demonstrated that the same themes which appear in the prologue and epilogue of Judges also appear in the centrally located Gideon narrative. Also many common motifs will be noted between the parallel accounts of Othniel/Samson, Ehud/Jephthah and Deborah/Abimelech.

3,140-word entry for The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham: Lexham Press, 2014), eds. J. D. Bar... more 3,140-word entry for The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham: Lexham Press, 2014), eds. J. D. Barry and L. Wentz. Available through Logos Bible Software.

Thirty-two entries (~5,000 words) in the Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary edited by T. Longman,... more Thirty-two entries (~5,000 words) in the Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary edited by T. Longman, with P. Enns and M. Strauss (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2013): inlcudes articles on topics like Amarna, Birds, Gaza, Giants, Theocracy and Water.

This study provides the most comprehensive archaeological survey of deliberate donkey burials in ... more This study provides the most comprehensive archaeological survey of deliberate donkey burials in the ancient Near East. It comprises the updated results from a chapter of my doctoral dissertation — The Ceremonial and Symbolic Significance of Donkeys in the Biblical World (Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, 2006). First, donkey burials from sites in Egypt, Israel-Palestine, Syria, and Iraq are summarized in a brief historical overview that spans the entire 3rd and 2nd millennia BC. Second, the donkey burials are interpreted under the rubric of five ceremonial contexts — those associated with human graves, those unrelated to human graves, those situated beneath walls, those situated in a fill covering a temple complex, and finally, those situated in a special tomb beside a temple. This study demonstrates that the donkey held a special status in the ceremonial practices of the ancient Near East.

Zech 9:9b features a clustering of donkey terms which each have a unique semantic range, but the ... more Zech 9:9b features a clustering of donkey terms which each have a unique semantic range, but the nuances are often missed or distorted in the English versions. In order to properly understand and translate Zech 9:9b, one must examine the lexical field for donkeys. Biblical Hebrew employs three terms for the domestic donkey/Equus asinus (hamor, ’aton and ‘ayir) and only one term for the hybrid (pered/pirdah). This study clarifies the semantic ranges of these four terms and also compares/contrasts the terms in order to sharpen the semantic distinctions and to appreciate the degree of semantic overlap between them.

In this article, the stories of Balaam's donkey (num. 22.22-35) and the man of God from Judah (1 ... more In this article, the stories of Balaam's donkey (num. 22.22-35) and the man of God from Judah (1 Kgs 13) are analyzed independently and are also compared for similarities. Features that are common to both accounts include: the importance of the word of Yhwh, the employment of animals as literary characters, the motif of death, and the portrayal of animals as divine agents. This study argues that the literary function of animals as divine agents is a distinctive characteristic of the so-called preclassical phase of biblical prophecy.

The Deir 'Alla Plaster Text and Numbers 22–24 are the most substantial textual witnesses regardin... more The Deir 'Alla Plaster Text and Numbers 22–24 are the most substantial textual witnesses regarding the Balaam traditions. The fact that both of these sources exhibit the prominent use of animals indicates that a distinctive feature of the Trans-Jordanian Balaam traditions is the attention given to animal activity / imagery. Not only do both of these texts feature common animals (e. g., birds and asses), they both also depict animals using the convention of role reversal and the attribution of speech. Balaam's preoccupation with the animal world is explained by the likelihood that Balaam was an expert in the interpretation of omens—especially omens concerning unusual animal behavior.

Entry in Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, eds. Bill T. Arnold and H. G. M. Will... more Entry in Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, eds. Bill T. Arnold and H. G. M. Williamson (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press) pp. 531-534.

Books by Kenneth C Way

For Us, but Not to Us: Essays on Creation, Covenant, and Context in Honor of John H. Walton, 2020

“For us, but not to us” succinctly captures John H. Walton’s approach to Scripture. The phrase pl... more “For us, but not to us” succinctly captures John H. Walton’s approach to Scripture. The phrase places value on both contemporary and ancient contexts of the biblical text, and it also reminds contemporary readers that they are not the implied audience of the human authors or editors. Walton’s vocational calling centers on training biblical interpreters to put aside their own cultural presuppositions in order to comprehend the ancient world of the text to the best of their ability by using all of the resources at their disposal—whether historical, archaeological, cultural, literary, or linguistic.

This hermeneutic, recently termed “cognitive environment criticism,” is implicit in Walton’s earlier publications, such as Ancient Israelite Literature in its Cultural Context (1989) and The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament (2000). However, the phrase “for us, but not to us” does not appear in print, as far as we can tell, until 2008 when it is found in the final sentence of his article, fittingly titled, “Interpreting the Bible as an Ancient Near Eastern Document” (based on a paper presented in January 2004). The phrase (and several variations) subsequently appears throughout Walton’s Lost World volumes and in his Old Testament Theology for Christians: From Ancient Context to Enduring Belief (2017).

First 33 pages of JUDGES AND RUTH (Baker 2016).

The Teach the Text Commentary Series gives pastors the best of biblical scholarship and presents ... more The Teach the Text Commentary Series gives pastors the best of biblical scholarship and presents the information needed to move seamlessly from the meaning of the text to its effective communication. By providing focused commentary, this volume allows pastors to quickly grasp the most important information. Each unit of the commentary includes the big idea and key themes of the passage and sections dedicated to understanding, teaching, and illustrating the text.

Judges covers a dark time in Israel's history, and the narrative often leaves the reader shocked at the actions of God's people. In spite of Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful. He, not the leaders he raises up, is the hero of the story. Way helps the reader understand this perplexing text, using two interpretive questions: What is wrong with this picture? Where is God in this story?

Concurrent with the time of the judges, Ruth provides a counterbalance to the darkness of Judges, showing there were still people who kept the covenant. But it too is a story about God--his love, loyalty, and compassion--and of how he paved the way for King David and, ultimately, Jesus.

In this volume, Kenneth Way explores the role of donkeys in the symbolism and ceremonies of the b... more In this volume, Kenneth Way explores the role of donkeys in the symbolism and ceremonies of the biblical world. His study stands alone in providing a comprehensive examination of donkeys in ancient Near Eastern texts, the archaeological record, and the Hebrew Bible. Way demonstrates that donkeys held a distinct status in the beliefs and rituals of the ancient Near East and especially Canaan-Israel.

The focus on ceremony and symbol encompasses social and religious thoughts and practices that are reflected in ancient texts and material culture relating to the donkey. Ceremonial considerations include matters of sacrifice, treaty ratification, consumption, death, burial, "scapegoat" rituals, and foundation deposits; symbolic considerations include matters of characterization, association, function, behavior, and iconographic depiction. However, the distinction between ceremony and symbol is not strict. In many cases, these two categories are symbiotic.

The need for this study on donkeys is very apparent in the disciplines that study the biblical world. There is not a single monograph or article that treats this subject comprehensively. Philologists have discussed the meaning of the Amorite phrase "to kill a jackass," and archaeologists have discussed the phenomenon of equid burials. But until now, neither philologists nor archaeologists have attempted to pull together all the ceremonial and symbolic data on donkeys from burials, ancient Near Eastern texts, and the Hebrew Bible. Way’s study fills this void.

Book Reviews by Kenneth C Way

Theology Today, 2023

Review of Richard S. Briggs, The Lord Is My Shepherd: Psalm 23 for the Life of the Church (Grand ... more Review of Richard S. Briggs, The Lord Is My Shepherd: Psalm 23 for the Life of the Church (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2021) in Theology Today 79.4 (January 2023): 459-461.

Journal of the American Oriental Society, 2007

Review in JAOS 127.1 (2007): 108-109

JETS, 2003

Review of a recent volume in Hendrickson’s NIBC series containing commentaries by Leslie Allen (o... more Review of a recent volume in Hendrickson’s NIBC series containing commentaries by Leslie Allen (on Ezra and Nehemiah) and Timothy Laniak (on Esther).

The Body Lived, Cultured, Adorned: Essays on Dress and the Body in the Bible and Ancient Near East in Honor of Nili S. Fox, eds. Kristine Henriksen Garroway, Christine Elizabeth Palmer, and Angela Roskop Erisman. Cincinnati: Hebrew Union College Press, 2022

Kenneth C. Way’s chapter (pp. 15-48) sees the body take center stage in the literary strategy of ... more Kenneth C. Way’s chapter (pp. 15-48) sees the body take center stage in the literary strategy of the book of judges. The vivid physicality in narrative description draws attention to a reversal in the corporeal fortunes of Israel, from subjecting enemy bodies to slaughter and mutilation, to themselves suffering violence and symbolic national dissolution in a concubine’s dismemberment. Ideological reflections on relationships of power and ethnic identity are communicated through the rhetorical use of the bodies of self and other.

For Us, but Not to Us: Essays on Creation, Covenant, and Context in Honor of John H. Walton, eds. A. E. Miglio, C. A. Reeder, J. T. Walton, and K. C. Way, 2020

The composer uses two different verbs to describe the activities taking place in Judges 16:25, th... more The composer uses two different verbs to describe the activities taking place in Judges 16:25, though they are often considered simply variant spellings of the same verb. But is his choice of spelling arbitrary, or are there reasons motivating his distinction? These two verbs are related by a sibilant phoneme variation (ש/ׂצ), but their meanings are rarely, if ever, distinguished. In fact, most contemporary English translations assign the same (or similar) meaning to both verbs. But is the difference between them merely orthographic, or is it also semantic? Careful
discussion on this question is scant in the literature. For this reason, it is incumbent on interpreters to engage in careful lexical study. I will demonstrate through synchronic analysis that there is semantic differentiation between these two related roots. I will then explore how a phoneme shift took place (from צ to ש), and how certain archaic
usages are preserved in the צ-form. Such analysis requires cataloguing all occurrences of these roots and identifying their nuances. Once these nuances are synchronically established, one is better prepared to explain and translate Judges 16:25.

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 2018

The notices about the so-called " minor judges " (Judg 3:31; 10:1–5; 12:8–15) are strategically a... more The notices about the so-called " minor judges " (Judg 3:31; 10:1–5; 12:8–15) are strategically arranged in the literary structure of the book of Judges. They are " minor " only in the sense that they are shorter than the other stories, but their selective thematic emphases (especially on foreign deliverers, royal aspirations, outside marriages, " canaanization, " the number twelve, etc.) indicate that they are included with editorial purpose. The minor judges therefore have major importance for understanding the theological message of the book.

This paper seeks to build on D. W. Gooding’s well-known proposal (Eretz-Israel 16, 1982) that the... more This paper seeks to build on D. W. Gooding’s well-known proposal (Eretz-Israel 16, 1982) that the book of Judges exhibits a chiastic structure with the Gideon narrative in the central position. Recently, anthropologist Mary Douglas made a significant contribution to our understanding of complex chiastic devices in ancient Mediterranean literature (Thinking in Circles; Yale, 2007), and she calls these patterns “ring compositions.” Based on her exposition of the essential components of ring compositions, it is here suggested that the entire book of Judges also follows the same pattern. It will be demonstrated that the same themes which appear in the prologue and epilogue of Judges also appear in the centrally located Gideon narrative. Also many common motifs will be noted between the parallel accounts of Othniel/Samson, Ehud/Jephthah and Deborah/Abimelech.

3,140-word entry for The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham: Lexham Press, 2014), eds. J. D. Bar... more 3,140-word entry for The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham: Lexham Press, 2014), eds. J. D. Barry and L. Wentz. Available through Logos Bible Software.

Thirty-two entries (~5,000 words) in the Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary edited by T. Longman,... more Thirty-two entries (~5,000 words) in the Baker Illustrated Bible Dictionary edited by T. Longman, with P. Enns and M. Strauss (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2013): inlcudes articles on topics like Amarna, Birds, Gaza, Giants, Theocracy and Water.

This study provides the most comprehensive archaeological survey of deliberate donkey burials in ... more This study provides the most comprehensive archaeological survey of deliberate donkey burials in the ancient Near East. It comprises the updated results from a chapter of my doctoral dissertation — The Ceremonial and Symbolic Significance of Donkeys in the Biblical World (Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, 2006). First, donkey burials from sites in Egypt, Israel-Palestine, Syria, and Iraq are summarized in a brief historical overview that spans the entire 3rd and 2nd millennia BC. Second, the donkey burials are interpreted under the rubric of five ceremonial contexts — those associated with human graves, those unrelated to human graves, those situated beneath walls, those situated in a fill covering a temple complex, and finally, those situated in a special tomb beside a temple. This study demonstrates that the donkey held a special status in the ceremonial practices of the ancient Near East.

Zech 9:9b features a clustering of donkey terms which each have a unique semantic range, but the ... more Zech 9:9b features a clustering of donkey terms which each have a unique semantic range, but the nuances are often missed or distorted in the English versions. In order to properly understand and translate Zech 9:9b, one must examine the lexical field for donkeys. Biblical Hebrew employs three terms for the domestic donkey/Equus asinus (hamor, ’aton and ‘ayir) and only one term for the hybrid (pered/pirdah). This study clarifies the semantic ranges of these four terms and also compares/contrasts the terms in order to sharpen the semantic distinctions and to appreciate the degree of semantic overlap between them.

In this article, the stories of Balaam's donkey (num. 22.22-35) and the man of God from Judah (1 ... more In this article, the stories of Balaam's donkey (num. 22.22-35) and the man of God from Judah (1 Kgs 13) are analyzed independently and are also compared for similarities. Features that are common to both accounts include: the importance of the word of Yhwh, the employment of animals as literary characters, the motif of death, and the portrayal of animals as divine agents. This study argues that the literary function of animals as divine agents is a distinctive characteristic of the so-called preclassical phase of biblical prophecy.

The Deir 'Alla Plaster Text and Numbers 22–24 are the most substantial textual witnesses regardin... more The Deir 'Alla Plaster Text and Numbers 22–24 are the most substantial textual witnesses regarding the Balaam traditions. The fact that both of these sources exhibit the prominent use of animals indicates that a distinctive feature of the Trans-Jordanian Balaam traditions is the attention given to animal activity / imagery. Not only do both of these texts feature common animals (e. g., birds and asses), they both also depict animals using the convention of role reversal and the attribution of speech. Balaam's preoccupation with the animal world is explained by the likelihood that Balaam was an expert in the interpretation of omens—especially omens concerning unusual animal behavior.

Entry in Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, eds. Bill T. Arnold and H. G. M. Will... more Entry in Dictionary of the Old Testament: Historical Books, eds. Bill T. Arnold and H. G. M. Williamson (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press) pp. 531-534.

For Us, but Not to Us: Essays on Creation, Covenant, and Context in Honor of John H. Walton, 2020

“For us, but not to us” succinctly captures John H. Walton’s approach to Scripture. The phrase pl... more “For us, but not to us” succinctly captures John H. Walton’s approach to Scripture. The phrase places value on both contemporary and ancient contexts of the biblical text, and it also reminds contemporary readers that they are not the implied audience of the human authors or editors. Walton’s vocational calling centers on training biblical interpreters to put aside their own cultural presuppositions in order to comprehend the ancient world of the text to the best of their ability by using all of the resources at their disposal—whether historical, archaeological, cultural, literary, or linguistic.

This hermeneutic, recently termed “cognitive environment criticism,” is implicit in Walton’s earlier publications, such as Ancient Israelite Literature in its Cultural Context (1989) and The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament (2000). However, the phrase “for us, but not to us” does not appear in print, as far as we can tell, until 2008 when it is found in the final sentence of his article, fittingly titled, “Interpreting the Bible as an Ancient Near Eastern Document” (based on a paper presented in January 2004). The phrase (and several variations) subsequently appears throughout Walton’s Lost World volumes and in his Old Testament Theology for Christians: From Ancient Context to Enduring Belief (2017).

First 33 pages of JUDGES AND RUTH (Baker 2016).

The Teach the Text Commentary Series gives pastors the best of biblical scholarship and presents ... more The Teach the Text Commentary Series gives pastors the best of biblical scholarship and presents the information needed to move seamlessly from the meaning of the text to its effective communication. By providing focused commentary, this volume allows pastors to quickly grasp the most important information. Each unit of the commentary includes the big idea and key themes of the passage and sections dedicated to understanding, teaching, and illustrating the text.

Judges covers a dark time in Israel's history, and the narrative often leaves the reader shocked at the actions of God's people. In spite of Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains faithful. He, not the leaders he raises up, is the hero of the story. Way helps the reader understand this perplexing text, using two interpretive questions: What is wrong with this picture? Where is God in this story?

Concurrent with the time of the judges, Ruth provides a counterbalance to the darkness of Judges, showing there were still people who kept the covenant. But it too is a story about God--his love, loyalty, and compassion--and of how he paved the way for King David and, ultimately, Jesus.

In this volume, Kenneth Way explores the role of donkeys in the symbolism and ceremonies of the b... more In this volume, Kenneth Way explores the role of donkeys in the symbolism and ceremonies of the biblical world. His study stands alone in providing a comprehensive examination of donkeys in ancient Near Eastern texts, the archaeological record, and the Hebrew Bible. Way demonstrates that donkeys held a distinct status in the beliefs and rituals of the ancient Near East and especially Canaan-Israel.

The focus on ceremony and symbol encompasses social and religious thoughts and practices that are reflected in ancient texts and material culture relating to the donkey. Ceremonial considerations include matters of sacrifice, treaty ratification, consumption, death, burial, "scapegoat" rituals, and foundation deposits; symbolic considerations include matters of characterization, association, function, behavior, and iconographic depiction. However, the distinction between ceremony and symbol is not strict. In many cases, these two categories are symbiotic.

The need for this study on donkeys is very apparent in the disciplines that study the biblical world. There is not a single monograph or article that treats this subject comprehensively. Philologists have discussed the meaning of the Amorite phrase "to kill a jackass," and archaeologists have discussed the phenomenon of equid burials. But until now, neither philologists nor archaeologists have attempted to pull together all the ceremonial and symbolic data on donkeys from burials, ancient Near Eastern texts, and the Hebrew Bible. Way’s study fills this void.

Theology Today, 2023

Review of Richard S. Briggs, The Lord Is My Shepherd: Psalm 23 for the Life of the Church (Grand ... more Review of Richard S. Briggs, The Lord Is My Shepherd: Psalm 23 for the Life of the Church (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2021) in Theology Today 79.4 (January 2023): 459-461.

Journal of the American Oriental Society, 2007

Review in JAOS 127.1 (2007): 108-109

JETS, 2003

Review of a recent volume in Hendrickson’s NIBC series containing commentaries by Leslie Allen (o... more Review of a recent volume in Hendrickson’s NIBC series containing commentaries by Leslie Allen (on Ezra and Nehemiah) and Timothy Laniak (on Esther).

Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 2003

Overview: Journey through the cycles and psychology of sin in the book of Judges, and recognize G... more Overview: Journey through the cycles and psychology of sin in the book of Judges, and recognize God as the deliverer of sinful people—as you explore the themes of rebellion, Canaanization, and syncretism, you will discover the heroic role God plays in this narrative. Dr. Way applies literary and theological analysis to the text to ultimately derive the core message from the book. Through this study you will also gain insight into the crucial task that Scripture has of filling hearts and minds with the words of God so that we can be transformed today and break the cycles of sin in our own culture.
Contains 8 hours of video lectures.
Lexham Press, 2016.