The Portrait of Isaac in Genesis 27: Between Synchronic and Diachronic Readings of Patriarch’s Character

Anna Rozonoer

Hellenic College, Boston, MA , United States
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1670-2782


Abstract

Modern critical reception characterizes patriarch Isaac as a particular character type: the schle­miel. This article provides a tour through the cumulative evidence for this comedic read, focusing on Genesis 27, the blessing of Jacob. It provides a revised narratological and literary context, arguing that Isaac’s fivefold questioning demonstrates not confusion, but awareness: he knows exactly which son is in front of him. The paper presents an alternative narratological and literary context for Isaac, framing his questions in terms of the editing process: a synchronic reading of Isaac’s acumen is corroborated by evidence from diachronic reading. The redaction history of the Isaac material in chapter 26 yields a number of points suggesting the dependence of the Abraham material on the Isaac narrative. A num­ber of features indicate a stronger, less subordinate Isaac figure based on the earlier tradition revealed by a complex transmission history than the image arising from the mainstream synchronic reading of chapter 27 seems to depict.

Keywords:

biblical interpretation, patriarchal narratives, history of reception, Isaac

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Published
2022-06-10


Rozonoer, A. (2022). The Portrait of Isaac in Genesis 27: Between Synchronic and Diachronic Readings of Patriarch’s Character. Verbum Vitae, 40(2), 375–385. https://doi.org/10.31743/vv.13351

Anna Rozonoer  anna.rozonoer@gmail.com
Hellenic College, Boston, MA

Dr. Anna Rozonoer, PhD in Biblical Studies, Hebrew Bible, Boston University, (2014) Independent Scholar; Adjunct Assistant Professor at Hellenic College, Brookline, MA, USA.  
Research interests: The Book of Genesis; Old Testament Wisdom Literature.    

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1670-2782



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