Semantics of the Concentric Sabbath Commandments in Two Decalogue Versions

Jančovič, Jozef (2024) Semantics of the Concentric Sabbath Commandments in Two Decalogue Versions. Central European Theological Review. Annual Theological Journal, 1 (1). pp. 60-72. ISSN 3057-9619

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Abstract

The Sabbath Commandment is the most extensive and elaborated injunction of the Decalogue. In modern times critical research has dedicated much attention to the differences between the two text-versions (Exod 20:8-11 and Deut 5:12-15). Scholars have frequently interpreted these differences within the framework of historical-critical or literary-critical hypotheses. This paper aims to highlight the corresponding elements in the two texts, especially in the overall structural rationality of the Sabbath-Proclamation, in its texture and concentric shape. The meaning or semantics of such concentric arrangement is explored. Because of the considerable degree of agreement on various levels, which is demonstrated in the intertextual ties as well as in the correspondence in detail, the two texts are understood to be two variant elaborations of a literary, textually-defined entity. Therefore, the Decalogue should be reconsidered as the result of two partially independent literary traditions.

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