'Mother of the Nation (mḗtēr éthnous)' (4 Macc. 15:29): Mother of Seven Maccabaean Sons as Patriarchess of New-Quality Nation

Updated by: 
Oz Tamir
Research notes: 
OT/not checked/04/06/2020
Reference type: 
Journal Article
Author(s): 
Baran, Grzegorz M.
year: 
2020
Full title: 

'Mother of the Nation (mḗtēr éthnous)' (4 Macc. 15:29): Mother of Seven Maccabaean Sons as Patriarchess of New-Quality Nation

Journal / Book Title || Series Title: 
Revue Biblique
Volume: 
127
Issue / Series Volume: 
1
Abbreviated Series Name: 
RB
Pages: 
5-34
Work type: 
Essay/Monograph
Abstract: 

The mother of seven sons, during the martyrdom of her children, was notable for the same attitudes as Abraham. Describing her with typically masculine features also underlines her great authority and special role in the patriarchal society. Her title of mḗtēr éthnous – considered in the context of 4 Macc. – can therefore be interpreted in the light of the person and mission of the patriarch Abraham. The mother can be seen as 'a patriarchess of a new-quality nation', i.e. of those who, through obedience to the Law, despite various difficulties, inherit not so much earthly goods, but eternal reward.

Primary Texts: Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha: 
Composition / Author: 
4 Maccabees
Passage: 
15
URL: 
https://poj.peeters-leuven.be/content.php?url=article&id=3287278&journal_code=RBI
Label: 
08/06/2020
Record number: 
106 850