JAHVISTIC Meaning and
Definition
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Jahvistic is an adjective that pertains to or relates to the style, characteristics, or aspects associated with the Jahwist source, a hypothetical document or tradition in the Hebrew Bible. The term is primarily used in the field of biblical criticism and scholarship, and it derives from the name Yahweh (often spelled Jahweh), which is the personal name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible.
The Jahwist source is one of the four sources, along with the Elohist, Deuteronomist, and Priestly sources, that are believed to have contributed to the composition of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible). Scholars who adhere to the Documentary Hypothesis posit that the Jahwist source was mainly composed during the 10th century BCE and reflects a southern Judaean perspective.
Therefore, when describing something as Jahvistic, it usually indicates a characteristic or feature that aligns with the textual style, themes, or theological ideas associated with the Jahwist source. It can refer to narratives, passages, or even literary motifs that are attributed to this specific source, offering insights into the religious and cultural context in which it was written. The term helps scholars categorize and analyze different aspects of complex biblical texts, aiding in the understanding and interpretation of the Hebrew Bible as a whole.
Common Misspellings for JAHVISTIC
Etymology of JAHVISTIC
The word "Jahvistic" is derived from the name "Jahweh" (also spelled Yahweh), which is the Hebrew name for God in the Old Testament of the Bible. The term "Jahvistic" is often used to refer to a specific source hypothesis in biblical studies known as the Documentary Hypothesis, which suggests that the first five books of the Bible (known as the Torah or Pentateuch) were composed from multiple independent sources. The "Jahvistic" source is believed to be distinguishable by its preference for using the name "Jahweh" for God, while other sources use different divine names.
