Minor Variant of Hebrews 2:9

New article:

Clivaz, Claire. “The Minor Variant of Hebrews 2.9, with Mark 15.34 and Psalm 22.2.” New Testament Studies 70 (2024): 291–306.

Abstract

This article explores the relationship of a minor variant in Hebrews 2.9 – Jesus dead ‘apart from God’ (χωρὶς θɛοῦ) – with the minor variant of Mark 15.34 and more broadly with Psalm 22.2, as suggested by Harnack, Michel, Zuntz, Elliott, Ehrman and Rodgers. First, it highlights new elements in the file of the evidence of Heb 2.9 and compares it with the case of Mark 15.34. Secondly, it demonstrates that paying attention to the minor variants of Heb 2.9 and Mark 15.34 allows one to grasp better the diversity of Jewish and early Christian readings of Ps 22.2 or Ps 21.2 LXX: these readings provide a plausible context to explain the emergence of these two minor variants.

 

Majority World Perspectives on Hebrews

This book has recently been published. I expect I'll pick up a copy at SBL:

 

Abebe, Sofanit T., Elizabeth W. Mburu, and Abeneazer G. Urga, eds. Reading Hebrews and 1 Peter from Majority World Perspectives. (Bloomsbury  T&T Clark). 

 

Description from the website:

 

The contributors to this volume offer a bold re-reading of Hebrews and 1 Peter from the perspective of the Global South. The chapters provide enriching new hermeneutical and theological insights, revealing facets of the text that may not at first be apparent to readers within a Eurocentric context.

The volume is thus able to explore topics ranging from the authorship of Hebrews in the Ethiopian Orthodox tradition and the Batak reading of Christus Victor, to a Xhosa perception of the solidarity and sacrifice of Jesus, and intercultural readings of Christian identity in the context of persecution. With an introduction and final response by scholars from the Global North, this volume encourages awareness of how the Global South contributes to world Christianity.

A Theology of Hebrews

I just picked up a copy of this book, which I should make mention of:

Johnson, Dennis E. Perfect Priest for Weary Pilgrims: A Theology of Hebrews. Crossway.

Description from the website:

An Introduction to the Biblical Theology of Hebrews

The book of Hebrews can be intimidating for modern-day Christians due to its connection to Old Testament text. However, once understood, this New Testament epistle offers great insights into the superiority and sufficiency of Jesus—rightly justifying his place as high priest. 

In this addition to the New Testament Theology series, scholar Dennis E. Johnson highlights the main biblical-theological themes of Hebrews. Johnson explores how Jesus fulfills perfect priesthood by becoming the covenant mediator and the trailblazer who leads his people into a better inheritance. Hebrews calls Christian believers, both of the early church and today, to hold fast to their faith even when faced with persecution and exclusion. It reminds us to cling to the eternal Son who offered his body and blood as the everlasting sacrifice for our sin.

• Ideal for Anyone Wanting to Study the Bible More Deeply: Perfect for pastors, seminarians, college students, and laypeople
• Helpful Bible Study Resource: A great companion to commentaries on Hebrews 
• Part of the New Testament Theology Series: Other volumes include Ministry in the New Realm and Hidden with Christ in God

Review Essay: On Earth as It Is in Heaven?

Review Essay: On Earth as It Is in Heaven?

Katie Macar with response from Philip Church.

 

Katie Marcar interacts with Philip Church’s view of the Temple in the Letter to the Hebrews.