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Speaking out: an analysis of the markan characterization of the Greek Syrophoenician woman Roberts, Margaret Joyce
Abstract
Consensus is rarely reached about the meaning of Mk 7:24-30 except to say that it addresses Jew-Gentile relations, that Jesus' metaphor is crucial to understanding the scene, that Jesus' initial response to the woman seems harsh, and the woman's actions and words are counter-cultural within a first century context. After a review of the exegetical literature, there are nuances in Mk 7:24-30 that are not adequately explained; many concern the protagonist in the scene, namely, the Greek Syrophoenician woman. Narrative criticism is useful in analyzing the characterization of the woman, bringing to light some possible explanations about these unexplained subtleties within the text. In this narrative critical exegesis of Mk 7:24-30, the characterization of the Greek Syrophoenician woman reveals her transitional role in Jesus' mission to the Gentiles. For a female minor character, she is well-developed, with the traits of a bold and active suppliant with faith, who is understanding, intelligent and witty. The Greek Syrophoencian character's dialogue with Jesus is unique to Mark on three counts: it is the only example of the Markan narrator providing a woman's words to Jesus in first-person dialogue form; it is the only example of anyone besting Jesus in a debate; and it is the only example of anyone changing Jesus' mind. Jesus' metaphor of the 'children' (Jews) receiving their 'bread' (life-giving sustenance) before the 'dogs' (Gentiles) resonates on various levels when the reader understands its first century context (including the socio-political relationship between the Tyrians and the Galileans, and the ancient Near Eastern use of dogs in healing rituals). The woman's response to Jesus shifts his view of the Gentiles, so that he renews and expands his activities among them. The Greek Syrophoenician woman speaks out, is heard and understood by Jesus, and that makes all the difference not only in the lives of her and her daughter, but also within the Gentile world of the Gospel of Mark.
Item Metadata
Title |
Speaking out: an analysis of the markan characterization of the Greek Syrophoenician woman
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Creator | |
Publisher |
University of British Columbia
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Date Issued |
1999
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Description |
Consensus is rarely reached about the meaning of Mk 7:24-30 except to say that it
addresses Jew-Gentile relations, that Jesus' metaphor is crucial to understanding the scene, that
Jesus' initial response to the woman seems harsh, and the woman's actions and words are
counter-cultural within a first century context. After a review of the exegetical literature, there
are nuances in Mk 7:24-30 that are not adequately explained; many concern the protagonist in
the scene, namely, the Greek Syrophoenician woman. Narrative criticism is useful in analyzing
the characterization of the woman, bringing to light some possible explanations about these
unexplained subtleties within the text.
In this narrative critical exegesis of Mk 7:24-30, the characterization of the Greek
Syrophoenician woman reveals her transitional role in Jesus' mission to the Gentiles. For a
female minor character, she is well-developed, with the traits of a bold and active suppliant with
faith, who is understanding, intelligent and witty. The Greek Syrophoencian character's
dialogue with Jesus is unique to Mark on three counts: it is the only example of the Markan
narrator providing a woman's words to Jesus in first-person dialogue form; it is the only example
of anyone besting Jesus in a debate; and it is the only example of anyone changing Jesus' mind.
Jesus' metaphor of the 'children' (Jews) receiving their 'bread' (life-giving sustenance) before
the 'dogs' (Gentiles) resonates on various levels when the reader understands its first century
context (including the socio-political relationship between the Tyrians and the Galileans, and the
ancient Near Eastern use of dogs in healing rituals). The woman's response to Jesus shifts his
view of the Gentiles, so that he renews and expands his activities among them. The Greek
Syrophoenician woman speaks out, is heard and understood by Jesus, and that makes all the
difference not only in the lives of her and her daughter, but also within the Gentile world of the
Gospel of Mark.
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Extent |
14752578 bytes
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Genre | |
Type | |
File Format |
application/pdf
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Language |
eng
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Date Available |
2009-06-12
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Provider |
Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library
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Rights |
For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use.
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DOI |
10.14288/1.0099341
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URI | |
Degree | |
Program | |
Affiliation | |
Degree Grantor |
University of British Columbia
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Graduation Date |
1999-05
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Campus | |
Scholarly Level |
Graduate
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Aggregated Source Repository |
DSpace
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Item Media
Item Citations and Data
Rights
For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use.