Question Deuteronomy Quote by R. W. L. Moberly
““such a translation may beg the interpretive question. Deuteronomy has two other verbs to express a straightforward sense of “destroy.”57 Moreover, the conceptuality of ḥērem is on any reckoning more complex than “destroy,” even if in certain contexts destruction might be entailed. It appears that the prime sense is a matter of making something the exclusive possession of YHWH and thereby removing it from the sphere of regular human use. Even though this could entail destruction, it is important to realize that “‘destruction’ is a secondary implication of ḥērem and not its primary meaning.”58 There is thus a case for translating the verbal form with “put under the ban,” or simply “ban,” not least because such a translation has the merit of being somewhat opaque and thus prevents the contemporary reader from too readily assuming that the meaning of the word is understood.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Bible (Deuteronomy) commentary by R. W. L. Moberly, 2000
The Hebrew term ḥērem primarily means to designate something as belonging exclusively to God, which may lead to destruction but is not defined by it.
In simple terms: ḥērem marks something as God’s exclusive property, not simply destroyed.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the nuance between divine ownership and destruction.
Themes
theology
language
interpretation
ownership
destruction
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
explanatory
scholarly
When to use this quote
- religious study
- translation work
- academic lecture
- scriptural analysis
Key Concepts
Hebrew semantics
biblical law
exegesis
Questions to Reflect On
- How does understanding ḥērem change our view of ancient law?
- What modern concepts parallel exclusive divine ownership?
A Different Perspective
The term can be misread as purely destructive, overlooking its primary sense of exclusive dedication.
