Tom Finley - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Tom Finley
The MT of Zech 11:7 has a phrase which has been translated "hence the afflicted of the flock... more The MT of Zech 11:7 has a phrase which has been translated "hence the afflicted of the flock" (NASB). A nearly identical sequence of consonants occurs in v 11 and has been read, "thus the afflicted of the flock."A survey of the versions and various interpretations shows a great deal of confusion over what the Hebrew actually meant. Further analysis reveals that the grammatical structure of both passages is unique in Hebrew. Therefore, an examination is made of a variant in the LXX which points to the phrase, "sheep merchants," in both passages. It is shown how the LXX gives the more difficult reading. Finally, analysis of the context shows that the LXX reading fits better than that of the MT.
Here is the dilemma instructors in the biblical languages face: How can they teach for skills tha... more Here is the dilemma instructors in the biblical languages face: How can they teach for skills that will have a lasting and decisive effect on the students throughout their ministries? In considering how to incorporate effective methods into a course it would be helpful to reflect on the ministry situation itself. That is, how will students use their knowledge in real-life settings? Modern linguists advocate a similar approach which demands knowledge of the social setting of language as a communication event in order for the language teacher to organize a useful course. The question of how the biblical languages function in the church, then, has great importance for teachers of both Greek and Hebrew, but it has enhanced significance for those who teach Hebrew. Of the two languages Hebrew tends to be used less than Greek, a fact reflected in the general tendency for seminaries to require less Hebrew than Greek. Therefore I propose to examine the social setting or function of Hebrew within the church and to consider some implications for how the language ought to be taught in seminary. Admittedly my observations are impressionistic, and there also is a need to obtain hard data for more objective verification
Deciphering the Dead Sea Scrolls
The Dead Sea scrolls and the Bible / James C. VanderKam. p. cm. "Six of the seven chapters in The... more The Dead Sea scrolls and the Bible / James C. VanderKam. p. cm. "Six of the seven chapters in The Dead Sea scrolls and the Bible began as the Speaker's Lectures at Oxford University, delivered during the first two weeks of May 2009"-Introd. Includes bibliographical references.
... Edgington, Thomas J.; Theological Research Exchange Network. (1985.). An evaluation of Fenton... more ... Edgington, Thomas J.; Theological Research Exchange Network. (1985.). An evaluation of Fenton Road Baptist Church using the self guided church consultant [electronic resource] / by Thomas J. Loyola. Loyola, Thomas J.; Theological Research Exchange Network. (2004.). ...
JETS, 1985
... He cries out against practices that were harmful to the poor among the Israelites, human rela... more ... He cries out against practices that were harmful to the poor among the Israelites, human relation-Thomas Finley is associate professor of Semi tics and Old Testament at Talbot Theological Seminary in La Mirada, California. ...
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1984
This article attempts to relate the scope, definition, and criteria of the biblical concept of cr... more This article attempts to relate the scope, definition, and criteria of the biblical concept of creativity to recent research in creative behavior, as well as writings of scientists, artists, and Christian thinkers. Extensive word study led to the conclusion that creativity in Scripture refers exclusively to God's achievements and that those achievements are in two dimensions which mirror human creativity. In one dimension God creates by making or constructing things or entities. In the other dimension he creates by doing or performing rather than making. His creations are characterized by a newness that is unprecedented, unforseeable, valuable, transformational, and lasting. Creating involves envisioning, fashioning, and linking the product to societal needs. Grounds for an interface between divine and human creativity are proposed within the areas of newness, wisdom, and the image of God in humans.
The MT of Zech 11:7 has a phrase which has been translated "hence the afflicted of the flock... more The MT of Zech 11:7 has a phrase which has been translated "hence the afflicted of the flock" (NASB). A nearly identical sequence of consonants occurs in v 11 and has been read, "thus the afflicted of the flock."A survey of the versions and various interpretations shows a great deal of confusion over what the Hebrew actually meant. Further analysis reveals that the grammatical structure of both passages is unique in Hebrew. Therefore, an examination is made of a variant in the LXX which points to the phrase, "sheep merchants," in both passages. It is shown how the LXX gives the more difficult reading. Finally, analysis of the context shows that the LXX reading fits better than that of the MT.
Here is the dilemma instructors in the biblical languages face: How can they teach for skills tha... more Here is the dilemma instructors in the biblical languages face: How can they teach for skills that will have a lasting and decisive effect on the students throughout their ministries? In considering how to incorporate effective methods into a course it would be helpful to reflect on the ministry situation itself. That is, how will students use their knowledge in real-life settings? Modern linguists advocate a similar approach which demands knowledge of the social setting of language as a communication event in order for the language teacher to organize a useful course. The question of how the biblical languages function in the church, then, has great importance for teachers of both Greek and Hebrew, but it has enhanced significance for those who teach Hebrew. Of the two languages Hebrew tends to be used less than Greek, a fact reflected in the general tendency for seminaries to require less Hebrew than Greek. Therefore I propose to examine the social setting or function of Hebrew within the church and to consider some implications for how the language ought to be taught in seminary. Admittedly my observations are impressionistic, and there also is a need to obtain hard data for more objective verification
Deciphering the Dead Sea Scrolls
The Dead Sea scrolls and the Bible / James C. VanderKam. p. cm. "Six of the seven chapters in The... more The Dead Sea scrolls and the Bible / James C. VanderKam. p. cm. "Six of the seven chapters in The Dead Sea scrolls and the Bible began as the Speaker's Lectures at Oxford University, delivered during the first two weeks of May 2009"-Introd. Includes bibliographical references.
... Edgington, Thomas J.; Theological Research Exchange Network. (1985.). An evaluation of Fenton... more ... Edgington, Thomas J.; Theological Research Exchange Network. (1985.). An evaluation of Fenton Road Baptist Church using the self guided church consultant [electronic resource] / by Thomas J. Loyola. Loyola, Thomas J.; Theological Research Exchange Network. (2004.). ...
JETS, 1985
... He cries out against practices that were harmful to the poor among the Israelites, human rela... more ... He cries out against practices that were harmful to the poor among the Israelites, human relation-Thomas Finley is associate professor of Semi tics and Old Testament at Talbot Theological Seminary in La Mirada, California. ...
Journal of Psychology and Theology, 1984
This article attempts to relate the scope, definition, and criteria of the biblical concept of cr... more This article attempts to relate the scope, definition, and criteria of the biblical concept of creativity to recent research in creative behavior, as well as writings of scientists, artists, and Christian thinkers. Extensive word study led to the conclusion that creativity in Scripture refers exclusively to God's achievements and that those achievements are in two dimensions which mirror human creativity. In one dimension God creates by making or constructing things or entities. In the other dimension he creates by doing or performing rather than making. His creations are characterized by a newness that is unprecedented, unforseeable, valuable, transformational, and lasting. Creating involves envisioning, fashioning, and linking the product to societal needs. Grounds for an interface between divine and human creativity are proposed within the areas of newness, wisdom, and the image of God in humans.