The Meaning of the Noun φθόνος in Wis 2:24
Marcin Zieliński
The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin , Polandhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-9965-2196
Abstract
The interpretation of the noun φθόνος in Wis 2:24 may raise some difficulties. In exegesis, φθόνος is generally referred to the attitude of the devil who, jealous of man, rebelled against God. This meaning already appears in apocryphal and patristic literature. This article presents the context of the analyzed verse, issues related to its translation, and possible interpretations. First, it explores the nature of death, then tries to show what reality is behind the term διάβολος and why the author describes his action as motivated by envy. Based on the texts of Philo of Alexandria, the article argues that envy, understood as sadness related to the lack of various goods that others have, is only a definition of the essence of this feeling. It seems that the inspired author primarily wanted to show envy as a negative attitude, radically opposed to the idea of wisdom, virtue and closeness to God. In such an interpretation, envy reveals a state of moral evil, an absolute lack of wisdom, which results in separation from God, causes discord between people, and ultimately leads to spiritual death.
Keywords:
envy, devil, death, incorruptibilityReferences
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The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin
Ks. Marcin Zieliński jest kapłanem anchidiecezji lubelskiej. Po ukończeniu studiów w Wyższym Semianrium Duchownym w Lublinie e dwuletniej pracy na parafii został skierowany na studia specjalistyczne w Papieskim Instytucie Biblijnym w Rzymie. Uzyskał licencjat z nauk biblijnych w 2008 roku, następnie rozpoczął prace nad doktoratem na Papieskim Uniwersytecie Gregoriańskim. Obronił doktorat pod tytułem: "La gioia e la tristezza nel libro della Sapienza" na KUL. Obszarem jego zainteresowań są księgi mądrościowe.
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