Use of the Third-Person and Self-Reference by Jesus and Yahweh
Book Description
In the sacred texts that have shaped human spirituality for millennia, a curious linguistic pattern emerges that most readers overlook entirely. When Jesus and Yahweh speak in scripture, they frequently refer to themselves in the third person rather than using "I" or "me." This distinctive speech pattern, known as illeism, appears throughout biblical narratives with remarkable consistency.
Rod Elledge embarks on a comprehensive exploration of this overlooked phenomenon, examining why divine figures consistently employ this unusual form of self-reference. His investigation extends beyond the Bible itself, surveying ancient Near Eastern texts and classical antiquity to uncover broader patterns of third-person divine speech across multiple cultures and religious traditions.
Through careful textual analysis, Elledge reveals that this linguistic choice carries profound implications for understanding divine identity and authority. The research suggests that Jesus's use of illeism connects to both royal and divine themes that transcend individual religious boundaries, appearing across various spiritual traditions throughout history.
This scholarly yet accessible examination offers readers a fresh lens through which to view familiar scriptural passages. By illuminating this previously neglected aspect of biblical language, the work contributes meaningful insights to ongoing discussions about divine self-understanding and the nature of sacred communication. For those seeking deeper comprehension of how divinity expresses itself through human language, this analysis provides valuable perspective on the intersection of linguistics and spirituality.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 200 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore Jesus christ, person and offices
- ✓ Explore Self-knowledge, Theory of
- ✓ Explore Language, style
- ✓ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- ✓ Explore God
- ✓ Explore Middle Eastern literature
- ✓ Explore Bible, criticism, interpretation, etc.
