Those Who Weep Shall Laugh: Reversal of Weeping in the Gospel of Luke

by Sung Min Hong

Overview

The purpose of this study is to identify and develop appreciation for the theme of the reversal of weeping in Luke's gospel. Lukan scholarship has not fully recognized the reversal of weeping as a distinctive theme. By understanding Luke's third beatitude (6:21b) and third woe (6:25b) as two pegs on which the theme of the reversal of weeping is hung, it proposes that the reversal of weeping is a distinctive theme in Luke. In doing so, Luke repetitively uses κλαίω to highlight the theme. This technique of Leitwort leads readers to focus on the reversal of weeping more effectively. Luke's presentation of the reversal of weeping is not limited to identifying it as a distinctive theme. There are narrative intentions and theological implications that Luke also targets. First, Luke wants to demonstrate concern for marginalized groups in society. He also shows how their fortunes are reversed by Jesus. Second, Luke portrays Jesus as the promised prophet, describing him as like Elijah and Jeremiah, but superior to them. Finally, Luke provides the reversal of weeping as a significant phenomenon of the kingdom of God, particularly to show that the presence of God's kingdom is inaugurated and realized in Jesus Christ.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781532635458
Publisher:	Wipf & Stock Publishers
Publication date:	08/22/2018
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	182
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Sung Min Hong is Adjunct Professor and Department Coordinator of New Testament at Central Baptist Theological Seminary. He has translated several books into Korean, including Raymond Brown’s The Death of the Messiah and The Epistles of John (Anchor Bible Commentary).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Abbreviations x

Introduction xiii

Chapter 1 History Of Research and Methodology 1

History of Research 1

Methodology 16

Conclusion 23

Chapter 2 Reversal Of Weeping in the Old Testament and Second Temple Literature 24

The Use of χλαιω 25

The Reversal of Weeping in the Old Testament 27

Reversal of Weeping in Second Temple Literature 42

Conclusion 57

Chapter 3 The Reversal of Weeping to Joy 60

Luke 6:21b as the Programmatic Statement of the Reversal of Weeping 61

The Weeping Widowed Mother of Nain (Luke 7:11-17) 68

The Weeping Woman (Luke 7:36-50) 80

The Weeping Father (Luke 8:40-56) 90

The Weeping Disciple (Luke 22:54-62) 102

Conclusion 108

Chapter 4 The Reversal of Joy to Weeping 109

Luke 6:25b as the Programmatic Statement of the Reversal of Weeping 109

The Weeping Generation (Luke 7:31-3 5) 111

The Weeping Savior (Luke 19:41-44) 119

The Weeping Women (Luke 23:27-31) 127

Conclusion 136

Chapter 5 The Narrative Intention and Implication of the Reversal of Weeping 137

Lukes Purpose in Telling of the Reversal of Weeping 138

Theological Implication: Phenomenon of the Kingdom of God 144

Conclusion 147

Chapter 6 Conclusion 148

Bibliography 151

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“An excellent, detailed study on Luke, which helps to fit weeping and laughing and the blessings of Jesus into the larger theme of reversal and mercy in the kingdom of God.”

—Vern Poythress, Westminster Theological Seminary



“Hong has identified an important but often overlooked Lukan theme—the reversal of weeping. He provides sustained discussions of key texts, and helps the reader consider in fresh ways the nature of the kingdom of God in Luke, along with its implications today.”

—Brandon D. Crowe, Westminster Theological Seminary

Editorial Reviews

An excellent, detailed study on Luke, which helps to fit weeping and laughing and the blessings of Jesus into the larger theme of reversal and mercy in the kingdom of God.”

—Vern Poythress, Westminster Theological Seminary



“Hong has identified an important but often overlooked Lukan theme—the reversal of weeping. He provides sustained discussions of key texts, and helps the reader consider in fresh ways the nature of the kingdom of God in Luke, along with its implications today.”

—Brandon D. Crowe, Westminster Theological Seminary

From the Publisher