The Original Language of the Lukan Infancy Narrative

(Hardback)

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It has long been recognized that the Greek of the Lukan infancy narrative (chapters 1-2) displays numerous Semitic features. Although the majority of recent scholarship assumes that such features stem from an imitation of the Septuagint (imitation theory), the issue has not been settled satisfactorily. Others argue that Luke probably relied on a written source for the infancy narrative -- or at least for some parts of it -- and that this source material was composed in imitation of the Septuagint. Luke was not, however, merely the reviser or compiler of his source; rather, he rewrote the source employing his own style and language for his own purpose. Here, Chang-Wook Jung examines the arguments most commonly put forward by both sides and considers their merits. This is volume 267 in the Journal for the Study of the New Testament Supplement series.

Reviews

"This discussion is important...Jung's work is meticulous. I find his analysis and conclusion entirely convincing." -Craig A. Evans, Bulletin for Biblical Research, Vol. 20
'Jung's work is meticulous. I find his analysis and conclusion entirely convincing' Bulletin for Biblical Research 20.2
Review ~ International Review of Biblical Studies, vol 51, 2004/05
"...a dissertation worthy of note and ... a scholar worth reading."- John Clabeaux, 68, 2006 * Catholic Biblical Quarterly *
'This book represents a useful...contribution to the debate about the Greek of Lk. 1-2'. ~ Peter M. Head, Vol 28.5, 2006 -- Peter M. Head * Journal for the Study of the New Testament *
"The study is well organized and structured, with clear descriptions of the purpose of the book and of each chapter. In general, Jung's analysis and arguments are consistent and convincing, since he works carefully and meticulously through the data. I would recommend this work for scholars working on the language of the New Testament as well as those who are working on Luke-Acts." -RBL, January 2006 * RBL *
Most NT scholarship assume that Luke 1-2 were composed in imitation of Septuagintal style and were not originally composed in Hebrew. Jung's study analyzes the Greek of Luke's infancy narrative to settle the question with linguistics, finding no basis for a Semitic original. Further, he suggests that Luke 1-2 was not composed but co-opted by the Evangelist. Jung's work is filled with charts, diagrams, and systematic tables of exegetical options; further, the book is permeated with cross-references to LXX and NT Greek, making it often a slow and laborious reading. Substantial skill with Hellenistic Greek and more than general acquaintance with Greek syntax and formalist structuralist modes of NT exegesis are assumed. Further, knowledge of biblical Hebrew is needed to evaluate Jung's analysis of whether biblical quotations in Luke derive from the Greek or Hebrew text. It is not a good work for introductory students and is more suited to advanced scholars. Robert Paul Seesengood University of North Carolina at Pembrokev * Religious Studies Review *

Author Bio

Chang-Wook Jung studied at the Calvin Seminary (Th.M.) and received his Ph.D. from the Free University in Amsterdam. He is currently part-time lecturer in New Testament Studies at Chongshin University in Seoul, Korea.