Author

Gregory R. Vruggink, Calvin Theological Seminary

Hebel' in Ecclesiastes : Abel as symbol referent

Division

Biblical Division

Department

Old Testament

Supervisor

Amanda Benckhuysen

Reader 1

Arie C. Leder

Advisor

Joan Beelan

Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Theology (Th.M)

Keywords

Abel, Referent, Hebel, Book of Ecclesiastes

Abstract

This work contends that Abel should be considered as a possible referent for hebel in some contexts in the book of Ecclesiastes. The attempt to rightly understand the usage of hebel has employed several translation philosophies, but the theory of hebel in Ecclesiastes as a metaphor functioning with multiple referents best explains the variety and complexity of its usage in Ecclesiastes. This thesis contends that Abel should be considered an additional referent in cases where the usage of hebel is framed by the concepts of death and transience, a relationship which is made stronger in nearby allusions to Gen 1-4 in Ecclesiastes.

Recommended Citation

Vruggink, Gregory R., "Hebel' in Ecclesiastes : Abel as symbol referent" (2016). CTS Master of Theology (ThM) Theses. 18.
https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/cts_theses/18