Form Criticism of the Old Testament

by Gene M. Tucker

Overview

Because of its long oral tradition the Old Testament includes an array of different literary types and compositions. Analysis of these genres in the biblical material is known as form criticism. Gene Tucker draws on contemporary speech patterns to illustrate how the scholar pinpoints various categories or genres. The basic principles of form criticism are outlined and many biblical examples given. The story of Jacob's struggle at the Jabbok and the prophetic literature are treated in detail. While form criticism does not solve all the interpreter's problems, it forms an essential tool for exegesis and for recovering the living history of Old Testament literature.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780800601775
Publisher:	1517 Media
Publication date:	09/01/1971
Series:	Guides to Biblical Scholarship Old Testament
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	96
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Gene M. Tucker is Associate Professor of Old Testament at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Table of Contents

Preface

I. The Form Critical Method

The Beginning of Old Testament Form Criticism

Basic Principles and Aims of Form Criticism

The Methods of Old Testament Form Criticism

Form Criticism and Other Old Testament Disciplines

II Form Criticism at Work:

Some Representative Genres and Texts

Narrative Genres

Myths and Folktales

Saga

History

Legend and Novelette

An Example:

Jacob's Struggle at the Jabbok (Gen. 32:22-32)

Prophetic Literature

Gunkel's Contributions

A General View

Messenger Speech

The Prophetic Word as Announcement

Other Genres

Setting

Some Examples

Epilogue

Bibliography