Teremtés és születés
Creation and Birth

The Anthropological Problems of Psalm 139:13-16

Summary/Abstract: From an anthropological point of view, Psalm 139:13-16 is an exciting addition to the classical reconstruction of ancient Israel's view on the creation of humanity. Although much less widespread and less influential than the classical biblical stories of creation, the ideas permeating Ps 139:13-16 appear to be rooted in folk religion. Making lavish use of motifs familiar from ancient Near Eastern mythological texts, the poem considers the divine act of creation a repetitive action taking place at the birth of every individual. In contrast to the historical (or historicising) interpretations of Gen 1-2, this text emphasises the personal character of creation. The present study examines the biblical and Near Eastern background of the language of these verses.

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