Bibliography
| Title: Hybris In Josephus' Jewish Antiquities 1-4 Secondary Title: HUCA Volume: 64 Pages: 51-87 Type: Journal Article Year: 1994 Abstract: "This paper argues: 1) that Josephus uses Classical notions of hubris, 'outrageous behavior' - also attested in Philo - to introduce the term into Pentateuchal material; 2) that he often associates marriage and sexual impropriety with the term; and 3) that there are possible apologetic reasons for Josephus' use of hubris in Antiquities 1-4".
"The author argues that Josephus, being well-trained in the language and themes of the classical canon, uses Greek ideas about hubris to highlight his own views of Jewish history in the Antiquities 1-4. This task would not have been difficult, since the meaning of hubris, "the notion of excess and disobedience leading to punishment", is compatible with themes in the Torah. In books 1-4 of the Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus uses hubris in a wide variety of senses, including damage by rain and "harm". The biggest category of sin for which he employs the word, however, is sexual impropriety. Levine notes that the range of meanings Josephus utilizes is to be expected, since hubris was already used in a number of different ways, and because Josephus is not strictly consistent in the application of other terms, either. The author reviews ancient definitions of hubris, the modern interpretations, followed by an examination of specific exampeles in Josephus' work where he employs the word. He goes on to suggest that Josephus may have had an apologetic agenda in trying to confront anti-Jewish accusations about homosexuality and godlessness. By using the word hubris, Josephus may have been hoping to reach his gentile readers more effectively". Keywords: Antiquities |