TheoRhēma (Jul 2014)
Geneza 2:7 – o abordare exegetică
Abstract
Regarded as a locus classicus of Old Testament anthropology, Genesis 2:7 has been long recognised by biblical scholars as shaping our understanding of the human nature. While some scholars have frequently cited the verse as endorsing the view that man is endowed with a divinely infused immortal soul, others, in response, have used the verse to argue that man was constituted as a mortal being. This study seeks to clarify the meaning of the creation of man in Genesis 2:7 by applying the tools of biblical exegesis. Consequently, specific attention has been paid to the historical and literary contexts, the form of the creation narrative, its structure, as well as the syntactical and lexical data. Finally, inferring from the collected information, the study concludes that Genesis 2:7 depicts man as an animated body rather than an incarnated soul, and that he ceases to exist in any real sense at death. This conclusion emphasises man's total dependence on God as his creator and sustainer.
