Narrative Toledot Formulae in Genesis: The Case of Heaven and Earth, Noah, and Isaac

Authors

  • Sarah Schwartz Bar Ilan University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5508/jhs.2016.v16.a8

Abstract

This paper reexamines the literary function of the narrative toledot formulae in Genesis, claiming that the formula thrice (Gen 2:4; 6:9; 25:19) introduces a passage about the specified father rather than one solely about his sons. This finding is based on a philological analysis of the word toledot and the formula's unique literary design in these three instances. This reading illuminates the inner tension between renewal and continuity in the Flood narrative; leads to the exposure of a unit about Isaac within the patriarchal cycles; and offers a new understanding of chapter 1's exclusion from the toledot framework.

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Published

2016-01-01

How to Cite

Schwartz, S. (2016). Narrative Toledot Formulae in Genesis: The Case of Heaven and Earth, Noah, and Isaac. The Journal of Hebrew Scriptures, 16. https://doi.org/10.5508/jhs.2016.v16.a8

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Articles