David M Heath | Theological College of Northern Nigeria (original) (raw)
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Papers by David M Heath
Scholars use various terms for the phenomenon of discourse peak. Only in the last forty years hav... more Scholars use various terms for the phenomenon of discourse peak. Only in the last forty years have some scholars suggested different types of peak. This study explores the application of multiple types of peak in the book of Hebrews. The problem of peak in Hebrews is evident by the diverse assertions concerning linguistic peaks by Neeley (1987), Guthrie (1994), and Westfall (2005) and the discrepancies of these peaks with the chiastic centre in Hebrews 8 as asserted by Vaganay (1940), Vanhoye (1977, 1989), Neeley (1987, 63), Gelardini (2009) and Heath (2011). Until more refinement of the notion of discourse peak and uniformity of terms emerges, it may be helpful to analyse the peaks of biblical texts in light of their natures (thematic peak, climax, and apex).
Since the 1940s, many concentric patterns have been observed in the book of Hebrews on the phrase... more Since the 1940s, many concentric patterns have been observed in the book of Hebrews on the phrase, macro-structure, and book levels. This study considers chiastic macro-structures in Hebrews from semantic, syntactical, morphological, and discourse levels. Instead of linking macro-structures together into a book-level structure on the bases of lexical correspondences alone, this study suggests that the focal point of each macro-structure provides structural nodes for clarifying the nature and purpose of a book-level structure. While there is strong evidence for linking Heb 3 and Heb 11, as well as Heb 5:11-6:12 with Heb 10:19-39, the author suggests that there is sufficient evidence to link Heb 1:7-14 and Heb 12:26-29 in an overall booklevel structure. In addition to lexical correspondences, the structural nodes of both macro-structures stress the temporary nature of heaven and earth and the eternal nature of the Son. Within the overall argument of Hebrews, these macro-structures give the eternal perspective that only Jesus and his kingdom will remain into eternity. Neotestamentica 46.1 (2012) rhetorical feature.
Westfall claim to apply linguistic principles to the text, but with quite different conclusions. ... more Westfall claim to apply linguistic principles to the text, but with quite different conclusions. This study focuses on the form and function of the literary units and the relationship of these units to the overall book-level structure. Initial considerations include defining the individual literary units and determining the significance of lexical and syntactical recurrences within the pericopes. Such recurrences are important features for determining textual boundaries, transitions, and compositional patterns. Subsequently, this study evaluates literary units in relation to each other in light of book-level correspondences (syntactical and semantic) as a means of positing an overall structure and compositional strategy for the book of Hebrews. Unlike the linear study of Westfall, the relationships of non-sequential literary units are considered as well as sequential units (i.e., both linear and concentric patterns).
Scholars use various terms for the phenomenon of discourse peak. Only in the last forty years hav... more Scholars use various terms for the phenomenon of discourse peak. Only in the last forty years have some scholars suggested different types of peak. This study explores the application of multiple types of peak in the book of Hebrews. The problem of peak in Hebrews is evident by the diverse assertions concerning linguistic peaks by Neeley (1987), Guthrie (1994), and Westfall (2005) and the discrepancies of these peaks with the chiastic centre in Hebrews 8 as asserted by Vaganay (1940), Vanhoye (1977, 1989), Neeley (1987, 63), Gelardini (2009) and Heath (2011). Until more refinement of the notion of discourse peak and uniformity of terms emerges, it may be helpful to analyse the peaks of biblical texts in light of their natures (thematic peak, climax, and apex).
Since the 1940s, many concentric patterns have been observed in the book of Hebrews on the phrase... more Since the 1940s, many concentric patterns have been observed in the book of Hebrews on the phrase, macro-structure, and book levels. This study considers chiastic macro-structures in Hebrews from semantic, syntactical, morphological, and discourse levels. Instead of linking macro-structures together into a book-level structure on the bases of lexical correspondences alone, this study suggests that the focal point of each macro-structure provides structural nodes for clarifying the nature and purpose of a book-level structure. While there is strong evidence for linking Heb 3 and Heb 11, as well as Heb 5:11-6:12 with Heb 10:19-39, the author suggests that there is sufficient evidence to link Heb 1:7-14 and Heb 12:26-29 in an overall booklevel structure. In addition to lexical correspondences, the structural nodes of both macro-structures stress the temporary nature of heaven and earth and the eternal nature of the Son. Within the overall argument of Hebrews, these macro-structures give the eternal perspective that only Jesus and his kingdom will remain into eternity. Neotestamentica 46.1 (2012) rhetorical feature.
Westfall claim to apply linguistic principles to the text, but with quite different conclusions. ... more Westfall claim to apply linguistic principles to the text, but with quite different conclusions. This study focuses on the form and function of the literary units and the relationship of these units to the overall book-level structure. Initial considerations include defining the individual literary units and determining the significance of lexical and syntactical recurrences within the pericopes. Such recurrences are important features for determining textual boundaries, transitions, and compositional patterns. Subsequently, this study evaluates literary units in relation to each other in light of book-level correspondences (syntactical and semantic) as a means of positing an overall structure and compositional strategy for the book of Hebrews. Unlike the linear study of Westfall, the relationships of non-sequential literary units are considered as well as sequential units (i.e., both linear and concentric patterns).