Izvorni znanstveni članak
The Dignity of Man in Ps 8
Arkadiusz Krasicki
; Osijek, Hrvatska
Sažetak
The paper deals with Psalm 8, one of the most famous of biblical texts, which celebrates the dignity of man. In the first part the author discusses some ambiguities regarding the translation of certain parts of the text, afterwhich he considers the literary type, structure and the date of the text. According to the structure of the song, Ps 8 is divided into two parts with the question What is man?, Which is located in the middle. According to the word 'adonenŭ, which means "our master," Ps 8 was written during the time of the captivity and of the Persians or even later.
The second part discusses the exegetical interpretation of the role of God's names by which God transfers power to His people. The exegetical interpretation of the verse 3 shows that God reveals his plan from the mouths of children and infants. Verse 4 leads to the central question of the Psalm: mah-'enŏš?, which is located in verse 5. The exegesis of this verse answers the question of the origin of man's greatness and dignity, while verses 6-9 show that the man's greatness stems from his likeness to God but warns man that he must never forget that he is but a creature.
The third part gives an exegetical-theological analysis of Pope John Paul II's thought. His interpretation offers four key images. First, the psalm as an anthem gives glory to man, the little creature. The hymn begins and ends with an antiphon. Second, it emphasizes the infinity of the horizon of the stellar night, which primarily celebrates the Lord of heaven, whose praise the heavens sing, and also the children's mouths to the detriment of God's enemies (v. 3). Third, the emphasis of his interpretation is on the power which man has received from God as His king which all things belong; this power is truly a gift from God. Finally, the fourth image of John Paul II compares the essence of man – a mad tyrant who humiliates his neighbors - with the divine nature of Jesus Christ who serves and consecrates himself to others and invites us all to perceive creation in the spirit of love, not domination.
This analysis of Psalm 8 ends with a conclusion which is a summary overview of the article.
Ključne riječi
God; man; image of God; Psalm
Hrčak ID:
113114
URI
Datum izdavanja:
8.12.2009.
Posjeta: 2.213 *