The word "Elohistic" refers to a type of Biblical criticism that focuses on the use of the word "Elohim" in the Hebrew Bible. It is spelled with five syllables, beginning with the "eh" sound, followed by a stressed "loh," and ending with an "is-tik" sound. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˌɛləʊˈhɪstɪk/. It is important to pay attention to the spelling and pronunciation of technical terms like "Elohistic" in order to properly communicate and understand these concepts in academic and scholarly settings.
Elohistic is an adjective describing a particular aspect or belief regarding the nature of God in certain religious or theological contexts. Derived from "Elohim," the Hebrew word for God, it is primarily associated with Old Testament scholarship.
In biblical studies, Elohistic refers to a specific strand of textual analysis that seeks to identify the presumed presence and characteristics of an Elohistic source or authorship within the Hebrew Bible, particularly the Old Testament. This approach is grounded in the recognition of different divine names used in various parts of the Bible, with "Elohim" being one of the prominent designations for God.
The Elohistic designation is often used to distinguish specific passages or chapters that reflect a distinct theological and linguistic style, often characterized by a more general or abstract portrayal of God compared to other designations like Yahwistic, which emphasizes the personal and covenantal nature of God's relationship with humanity.
The Elohistic school of thought attempts to understand the theological significance and historical development of these different designations of God, aiming to unravel the complex interplay of multiple sources, redactions, and traditions in the composition of the Hebrew Bible.
Overall, Elohistic refers to a methodological framework and analysis that explores the portrayal and understanding of God attributed to "Elohim" within the broader context of biblical studies and textual criticism.
The word "Elohistic" is derived from the Hebrew word "Elohim", which refers to God in the Old Testament. In Hebrew, "Elohim" is a plural noun that literally means "gods" or "divine beings". However, it is often interpreted as a majestic plural, emphasizing the greatness and power of God. The suffix "-istic" in "Elohistic" is used to create an adjective form, signifying something related to or characteristic of Elohim or the Elohistic tradition.