Light as a Symbol of Wisdom and the Law in the Book of Wisdom
Marcin Zieliński
Instytut Nauk Biblijnych KUL , PolandAbstract
In the present article, the author analyzes the meaning and symbolic sense of light in the Book of Wisdom. The Wisdom in Wis 7:10 is interpreted not as superior to light but rather as a light which is a guide for the sage and a symbol of the wisdom of God. In pursuit of a deeper comprehension of this text, the author points to Wis 18,1-4 as important in developing the sense of light, and in particular the strong connection between light and the Jewish Law–the supreme light of wisdom that God gave to all the nations. The central position of these verses within the unit of Wis 16–19 points out the absolute importance of the Law, which is described as a true light. At the same time, the writer of the Book of Wisdom emphasizes the importance of the Law as imperishable and unchangeable, a cornerstone of religious life.
Keywords:
light, Law, wisdom, guidance, Wis 18, incorruptibilityReferences
Bizzeti P., Il libro della Sapienza. Struttura e genere letterario (Rivista Biblica. Supplementi 11; Bologna: Paideia, 1984)
Conzelman H., „φῶς, κτλ”, Theologisches Wörterbuch zum Neuen Testament (red. G. Kittel) (Stuttgart 1933-1979) IX, 302-349.
Gilbert M., „Le ragioni della moderazione divina (Sap 11,21-12,2)”, La Sapienza di Salomone (red. M. Gilbert) (Bibbia e Preghiera 22; Roma; Edizioni ADP, 1995) I, 165-181.
Gilbert M., Mądrość Salomona (Myśl Teologiczna 37; Kraków: WAM, 2002) I-II.
Mazzinghi L., Notte di paura e di luce. Esegesi di Sap 17,1-18,4 (Analecta Biblica 134; Roma: Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1995).
Larcher C., Le Livre de la Sagesse, ou, La Sagesse de Salomon (Études Bibliques. Nouvelle série 1, 3, 5; Paris: Gabalda, 1983, 1984, 1985) I-III.
Offerhaus U., Komposition und Intention der Sapientia Salomonis (Bonn: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, 1981).
Pohlenz M., La Stoa. Storia di un movimento spirituale (Firenze: La nuova Italia, 1978) I-II.
Poniży B., Księga Mądrości. Wstęp – przekład z oryginału – komentarz (NKB.ST 20; Częstochowa: Edycja Świętego Pawła, 2012).
Reese J.M., „Plan and Struture in the Book of Wisdom”, Catholic Biblical Quarterly 27 (1965) 391-399.
Reese J.M., Hellenistic Influence on the Book of Wisdom and Its Consequences (Analecta Biblica 41; Roma: Pontificio Istituto Biblico, 1970).
Romaniuk K., Księga Mądrości. Wstęp – przekład z oryginału – komentarz (PŚST 8/3; Poznań –Warszawa: Pallottinum, 1969).
Sisti A., Il Libro della Sapienza. Introduzione, versione, commento (Assisi: Edizioni Porziuncola, 1992).
Vílchez Líndez J., Sapienza. Traduzione e commento (Commenti Biblici; Roma: Borla, 1990).
Wright A.G., „The Structure of Wisdom 11-19”, Catholic Biblical Quarterly 27 (1965) 28-34.
Zieliński M., „Boża miłość w procesie karcenia grzeszników w Mdr 11,21-12,2”, Verbum Vitae 18 (2010) 61-78.
Instytut Nauk Biblijnych KUL
ks. Marcin Zieliński, ur. w 1977 r., doktor teologii biblijnej, adiunkt w katedrze Teologii Biblijnej i Proforystyki w Instytucie Nauk Biblijnych KUL. Studiował w Papieskim Instytucie Biblijnym oraz na Papieskim Uniwersytecie Gregoriańskim w Rzymie. Jest autorem opracowania „La gioia e la tristezza nel libro della Sapienza” (w druku) oraz kilku artykułów biblijnych. Przedmiotem jego zainteresowań jest literatura mądrościowa.
License
The author(s) grant (s) to the Licensee a non-exclusive and royalty-free license in accordance with the provisions of the Appendix: LICENSE TO USE THE WORK
