Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life in the Ancient World
Ecclesiastes and the Meaning of Life in the Ancient World
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USDIn this book, Arthur Keefer offers a timely assessment of Ecclesiastes and what it has to do with the meaning of life. Drawing on recent psychological research, he argues that this Hebrew Bible text associates the meaning of life with various types of suffering in life. Keefer here situates Ecclesiastes within its ancient intellectual world. Offering an analysis of contemporary texts from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Greece, he demonstrates that concerns about meaning and suffering were widespread in the greater Mediterranean world. Ecclesiastes, however, handled the matters of suffering and meaning in an unprecedented way and to an unprecedented degree. With its rigorous commitment to precise definitions of life's meaning, Keefer's book provides a comprehensive set of definitions for “the meaning of life” as well as a conclusive point of reference for interpreters of Ecclesiastes. It also opens avenues for the interdisciplinary interpretation of texts from the ancient world.
- Provides a clear and comprehensive set of definitions for “the meaning of life”
- Draws definitions of life's meaning from psychological research
- Interprets Ecclesiastes within various intellectual contexts: Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek
Reviews & endorsements
‘… [this study] has indeed enriched the interpretation of this biblical book. … In this connection, pleasure and joy contribute to making life more coherent and, therefore, help in discovering the meaning of life.’ Agustinus Gianto, Orientalia
‘…many readers (and not only biblical scholars and theologians) will find [this book] a helpful resource on multiple levels, particularly those interested in the author’s interdisciplinary blend of psychology, Scripture, and ancient Near East texts. I highly recommend it!’ Dustin Burlet, Reading Religion
Product details
April 2022Hardback
9781009100250
350 pages
235 × 158 × 20 mm
0.54kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Suffering and meaning in Egyptian literature
- 2. Suffering and meaning in Mesopotamian literature
- 3. Suffering and meaning in Greek literature
- 4. Ecclesiastes and the meaning of life
- 5. Ecclesiastes, suffering and joy
- 6. In context: suffering, meaning and Ecclesiastes in the ancient world and Old Testament.
