Naming the Messiah: A Contribution to the 4Q246 ‘Son of God’ Debate

Full title
Naming the Messiah: A Contribution to the 4Q246 ‘Son of God’ Debate
Updated By
Research notes

NR\Reader checked\16/02/2015

Reference type
Author(s)
Ferda, Tucker S.
Year
2014
Journal / Book Title || Series Title
Dead Sea Discoveries
Volume
21
Issue / Series Volume
2
Pages
150 –175
Work type
Label
18/08/2014
Abstract

The attempt to identify the obscure “son of God” figure in 4Q246 often begins with discussion of the structure of the fragment and the background of the titles employed. This article suggests there are problems with both approaches and offers an alternative: an examination of biblical naming traditions and a rhetorical analysis of the way in which the figure “is called” the son of God in i 9 and ii 1. It concludes that the “son” is probably identified positively given the fragment’s similarity with positive naming traditions in the biblical text, as well as its dissimilarity with other examples of Jewish and Christian polemic. Further, it is probable that the divine naming of the figure participates in a widespread messianic topos.

Primary Texts: Judean Desert Documents
Scroll / Document