«Tὸ μυστήριον τοῦτο μέγα ἐστίν» (Ef 5:32) alla luce dei testi del Mar Morto

Full title
«Tὸ μυστήριον τοῦτο μέγα ἐστίν» (Ef 5:32) alla luce dei testi del Mar Morto
Updated By
Research notes

SB/not checked/02/08/2021

Reference type
Author(s)
Mariotti, Giulio
Editor(s)
Jean-Sébastien Rey
Patrick Pouchell
Year
2020
Journal / Book Title || Series Title
Henoch
Volume
42
Issue / Series Volume
2
Abbreviated Series Name
Hen
Publisher
Morcelliana
Pages
409-428
Work type
Language
Label
30/08/2021
Abstract

In the Epistle to Ephesians we find six occurrences of the term μυστήριον, a rendering of Aramaic רז or רזא. There are several points of view about the unitary use of μυστήριον in Ephesians. In this article I focus on the expression τὸ μυστήριον τοῦτο μέγα ἐστίν (Eph 5:32), which can be more deeply appreciated through a comparison with some occurrences of רזא/רז in the Dead Sea Scrolls (4Q416 2ii 7b-2iv; 1QS 9:18b-19a; 1QS 11:3b-4a; 1QHa 16:6b-12; 1QpHab 7:4-5a; 1Q27 1i 1-8). Though we cannot find a perfect parallel in Second Temple apocalyptic literature, we can identify texts that may have inspired the author of Ephesians. The knowledge and contemplation of mystery show that human relationships are shaped on the relationship between God and mankind, according to God’s eternal plan, as enclosed, for instance, in the רז נהיה of 4QInstruction. Moreover, like the Teacher of Righteousness, the author of Ephesians, too, knows and reveals the mystery of Scriptures and «ancient matters».

Primary Texts: Judean Desert Documents
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