Światło jako obraz odzwierciedlający specyfikę teleologiczną myślenia o świecie i człowieku w Biblii Hebrajskiej
Light as an image reflecting a specific teleology of thinking about the world and humans in the Hebrew Bible

Author(s): Joanna Nowińska
Subject(s): Theoretical Linguistics, Semantics
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: light; image; God; teleological aspect; Hebrew Bible; purpose
Summary/Abstract: The use of the image of light in the Hebrew Bible to reflect the question of the purpose of the world and humans is a typical Semitic way of capturing the specificity of God’s thought that does not limit it to verbal expressions but leaves room for its diverse components. Placing the image of light in the context of interpersonal relationships with humans makes it possible to grasp the emotions accompanying the image, and works in favour of interiorization of the content. The light offered to humans reveals God’s intention to enable them to know the purpose of the world and their own existence. When accepted, the light will emanate through human attitudes, thus revealing and drawing towards YHWH. First, God’s intention for human life is revealed to the recipient of light; then the recipient is given the opportunity to choose the path leading to their indicated destination. This is accompanied by images of light showing God’s entry into the history of the world and heralding the achievement of the goal, right up to the crossing of the border of death. At the end of the formulation of the teleological thought using the image of light in the Hebrew Bible is the call from Isaiah 60:1: ‘arise, shine, for your light has come’, urging us to react to the recognition offered today.

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