The Biblical Annals

The Origin and Narrative Function of the Conquest of the Land (2 Kgs 17:5a) in the Account of the Fall of Samaria (2 Kgs 17:3–6)

Krzysztof Kinowski — 2025-07-24

The conquest of the land in 2 Kgs 17:5 is the key element in the account of the fall of Samaria (2 Kgs 17:3–6). The source analysis of this verse leads to the conclusion that its shorter version, witnessed by the Old Latin Palimpsestus Vindobonensis (La115) where the conquest of the land is not mentioned, may be the oldest recoverable form of this text, allowing for the reconstruction of the true Old Greek text and its Hebrew Vorlage, in this regard alternative to the longer version attested to by the Masoretic text. The survey on the possible reasons underlying the postulated textual expansion in 2 Kgs 17:5MT indicates that the mention of the attack on the entire country adds drama to the events narrated, emphasises the totality of the Assyrian invasion, and makes the capture of Samaria more significant. In contrast, the lectio brevior of the OL appears to be less dramatic and somehow ‘flat’ from the narrative point of view. In this way the narrative of the lectio longior takes on an increasingly anti-Samarian tone disclosing possible pragmatic motives underlying postulated textual expansions. Historical contextualisation of the events narrated in 2 Kgs 17:5MT completes the picture, which seems to be much more complex than the straightforward biblical narrative would suggest. The final literary context in which these events are narrated indicates that the biblical editor is mostly interested in theodicy to depict the total defeat of Samaria and the definitive end of the Kingdom of Israel in theological terms. In this regard, the remark about the conquest of the land in the MT, in later Greek versions, and the Targum, intensifies the anti-Samarian rhetoric of the biblical text in comparison with those textual versions which do not mention it (OL and several Greek testimonies).

Joy at the Birth of Christ: A Study of Matthew 2:10 and Luke 2:10

József Nagy — 2025-07-24

The infancy narratives in Matthew and Luke present a mix of similarities and differences, creating challenges for scholars investigating the origins of the Synoptic Gospels and conducting comparative studies. This paper contends that the parallels between the two accounts are not coincidental, proposing that, even under cautious assumptions, they likely stem from a shared source. Exegetes continue to debate the extent of these parallels between Matt 1–2 and Luke 1–2, including the potential connection between Matt 2:10 and Luke 2:10. This study argues that the unifying theme in these verses is joy. Additionally, some minor parallels can also be identified. These similarities can be justified by looking at the texts in their context. In recent years, some scholars have studied the phenomenon of joy in Luke-Acts. Besides relying on these works to explore Luke 2:10, this paper seeks to provide new insights. The analysis of joy in Matthew is itself a fresh approach, as it has received little attention. This is particularly evident in the case of Matt 2:10, which is often overlooked or mentioned only in passing by commentators.

Harm and Mercy: An Analysis of the Characters from the Parable of the Good Samaritan

Krzysztof Mielcarek — 2025-07-24

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the characters in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30 –37). Drawing on extensive scholarly research, the author examines the traits of each character, the historical context, and interpersonal dynamics. The analysis extends beyond the parable’s characters to include participants in the theological dialogue (Jesus and the lawyer) and their audience. A careful examination of all characters reveals their interconnections. While the pair of religious elite travelers (the priest and the Levite) seems obvious, the partnership between the Samaritan and the innkeeper in aiding the victim is less apparent. Due to the sparse depiction of individual character traits by the third Evangelist, the historical background of the narrative serves as a crucial element in the characterisation process. The analysis is further enriched by considering all narrative elements and their interrelations, resulting in a nuanced portrayal of the characters.

The Tenth Hour in John 1:39: From Narrative Detail to Eschatological Symbol

Adam Kubiś — 2025-07-24

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the reference to ‘the tenth hour’ in John 1:39, a detail frequently dismissed as minor or incidental. The study identifies three principal interpretative approaches: (1) literary or narrative readings, which view the hour as a marker of eyewitness memory, narrative precision, or structural closure; (2) temporal-pragmatic interpretations, which link the hour to historical chronology, social customs (e.g., hospitality, Sabbath observance), or practical details of the disciples’ encounter with Jesus; and (3) symbolic-theological interpretations, which understand the tenth hour as a signal of eschatological or theological significance. The central argument affirms a dual-layered Johannine narrative strategy: the tenth hour functions both as a literal temporal detail and as a symbolic expression of divine revelation, discipleship, and eschatological fulfilment. Drawing from early Jewish texts – including Testament of Adam, 2 Enoch, and the works of Philo – the article offers a new proposal that situates the tenth hour within broader traditions of visionary ascent, divine encounter, and symbolic numerology. The study concludes that the ‘tenth hour’ is not merely a temporal detail, but a deeply theological marker that inaugurates a new era of divine revelation and discipleship.

The Rich in the "Epistle of Enoch" and the Epistle of James: A Comparative Analysis

Dorota Muszytowska — 2025-07-24

The article deals with the problem of critical assessment of the negative behaviour of wealthy people, taken up in two different works: the Epistle of Enoch (1 En. 92–105) and the Epistle of James. Due to the incomplete surviving Aramaic and Greek versions of the Epistle of Enoch, which could be a potential source for the author of the Epistle of James, diachronic research would not be fruitful. A comparative analysis in a synchronic approach was used to examine whether one can talk about the dependence or identity of the approach represented in the Epistle of James on the concept of wealth and the rich from the Epistle of Enoch. The conducted analyses indicate far-reaching analogies between these texts. The authors judge the rich by looking at their actions, considering the purpose of human life and the eschatological purpose. The authors are united by the concept of understanding man and his relationship with God and other people. Despite the different persuasive goals of their works, both stigmatise attitudes that oppose God’s will, and their substantively rich sins catalogues can be considered convergent. Both authors point to the irrevocable judgement of God, which includes the punishment of destruction for the rich criticized in those works.

Jesus’ Itineraries in the Light of GIS Research: Three Case Studies

Michał Marciak — 2025-07-24

This paper discusses select itineraries known from the Gospels using the tools of Geographic Information Systems and satellite archaeology. As a result, several conclusions on the geohistorical and sociohistorical context are suggested. First, the Roman imperial road from Jericho to Jerusalem covered an earlier ancient road; given the road’s length (29 km) and inclination (6.9 degrees), it entailed a 9-hour travel route unlikely to be undertaken on foot within one day. Second, it appears that travellers between Kh. Qana and Capernaum had two good options for one-day travel in Early Roman times – a topographic route via the valley of Nahal Tsalmon (28 km/7 hours) or a route via the Arbel Valley (30 km/8 hours). Third, the most probable direct route from the Hajlah ford to Kh. Qana led via the vicinity of the Nazareth Range. The travel distance between the Hajlah ford and Kh. Qana amounts to at least 130 km and as such requires five or six full days of travel on foot. Fourth, as for the routes from the northern identifications of the baptism site (Yardenit, Gesher, Makhadet Abara) to Kh. Qana, travel only from Yardenit may be achieved within one long travel day (40 km).

The Application of Titulus Finalis, Subscriptions, Total Stichometry in the Textual Classification of Early Printed Cyrillic Liturgical Tetraevangelia

Jerzy Ostapczuk — 2025-07-24

Subscriptions and final numerical notations are assumed to be the most succinct text entities in Greek and Church Slavonic Tetraevangelia. Their complex history was widely disregarded in these two traditions. T. Wasserman, along with his colleagues, has recently developed a new typology of subscriptions in Greek codices. The present study attempts to apply this new typological classification of subscriptions, based on their content, wording and gradual development, in a classification of Early Printed Cyrillic liturgical Tetraevangelia. All the Cyrillic Gospel editions issued in the 16th–18th centuries have been successfully divided into two main groups and nine subgroups. This division agrees with the one based on textual classification of several Gospel fragments, some paratexts preceding each Gospel book and the menologion.

Piero Alfonso Carlo Masolo, "Sarai beato perché non hanno da ricambiarti" (Lc 14,14). Dal simposio (Lc 14,1–24) alla convivialità nella duplice opera lucana (Studi e ricerche. Sezione teologica; Assissi: Cittadella 2024)

Wojciech Wasiak — 2025-07-24

Book review: Piero Alfonso Carlo Masolo, “Sarai beato perché non hanno da ricambiarti” (Lc 14,14) . Dal simposio (Lc 14,1–24) alla convivialità nella duplice opera lucana (Studi e ricerche. Sezione teologica; Assissi: Cittadella 2024). Pp. 330. € 20,50. ISBN 978-88-308-1931-3.