Dr J o d y A. B a r n a r d
articles
"The Erasmian Pronunciation of Greek: Whose Error is It?"
Erasmus Studies 37 (2017): 109-132
ABSTRACT: In 1528 Erasmus published his Dialogue on the Correct Way of Pronouncing Latin and Greek (1528). Shortly afterwards it was claimed that Erasmus' work was the result of a practical joke, a claim which has largely been accepted by those concerned. In this article I argue that it is a most unlikely explanation with several serious flaws. Although the alleged horseplay could have taken place, it seems that it was subsequently misconstrued as the incentive for Erasmus’ Dialogue. On the contrary, I argue that the Dialogue was intended as a sincere popularization of an ongoing academic inquiry, but that the hypothetical reconstruction of ancient Greek pronunciation therein was never intended as a cue to replace the traditional (native) pronunciation. This article shows that the so-called “Erasmian” pronunciation of Greek at large today is not only un-Greek, but also un-Erasmian, for it has little to do with Erasmus and contradicts his example and counsel. You may click the image to access a pdf of this article.
"Anti-Jewish Interpretations of Hebrews: Some Neglected Factors"
Melilah: Manchester Journal of Jewish Studies 11 (2014): 25-52
ABSTRACT: Perhaps one of the most significant developments within contemporary Jewish Studies is the reclamation of the New Testament. The recovery of this particular part of Jewish history, however, has highlighted the problem of anti-Semitism that has long been associated with these documents. Although there is nothing as brazen as the Matthean ‘blood cry’ (Mt. 27:25), or the Johannine denouncement of ‘the Jews’ (e.g. Jn. 8:44), Hebrews is often placed among the most anti-Jewish texts of the New Testament. On the other hand, it is often noted that this ‘radical supersessionism’, as it has been called, must be qualified by the author’s own Jewish identity and context, making charges of anti-Judaism, or even anti-Semitism, somewhat misleading, not to mention anachronistic. This paper revisits the anti-Jewish character of Hebrews in the light of recent developments in Jewish and New Testament Studies, showing how the classifications of this text as ‘anti-Jewish’ are not as straightforward as many have supposed. (This article is freely available online; click the image to be taken there.)
"Ronald Williamson and the background of Hebrews"
The Expository Times 124.10 (2013): 469-479
ABSTRACT: In 1976 Ronald Williamson published a brief article in The Expository Times suggesting that an early form of Jewish (Merkavah) mysticism best explains some of the distinctive features of Hebrews. Unfortunately, there were some significant flaws with Williamson's thesis, and, as a result, it was not widely embraced. This article, however, revisits this suggestion in the light of subsequent research, and sets forth a revised and more robust version of it which addresses the difficulties raised by Williamson's thesis, and offers a more coherent and historically plausible account of the mysticism of Hebrews. This article also serves as an accessible introduction to my major study on The Mysticism of Hebrews. (I am permitted to supply copies of this article to individuals on a not-for-profit basis. If this applies to you, contact me for a free copy.)