Metaphors in the Discussion on Suffering in Job 3-31 - Biblical Interpretation by Hanneke Van Loon Hardcover

About the Book

In Metaphors in the Discussion on Suffering in Job 3-31, Hanneke van Loon analyzes metaphors to describe the development of Job's conceptualization of his suffering. The theoretical approach to metaphors is based on insights from cognitive linguistics.

Book Synopsis

In Metaphors in the Discussion on Suffering in Job 3-31, Hanneke van Loon offers a new approach to the theme of suffering in the book of Job. Her analysis of metaphors demonstrates that Job goes through different stages of existential suffering in chapters 3-14 and that he addresses the social dimension of his suffering in chapters 17 and 19. Van Loon claims that Job's existential suffering ends in 19:25, and that chapters 23-31 reflect a process in which Job translates his own experience into a call upon the audience to adopt a new attitude toward the unfortunate ones in society. The theoretical approach to metaphors is based on insights from cognitive linguistics.

Review Quotes

"In this revision of her Leuven PhD thesis (supervised by Pierre van Hecke), Van Loon provides two short introductory chapters sketching recent developments in cognitive linguistics, set alongside contemporary exegetical approaches of genre and metaphor. The juxtaposition leads to fruitful conversation.... This is a compelling book which invites us to take a varifocal view and be drawn back into engagement with a great folk-tale."
- Hazel Sherman, in: Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Volume 44, Issue 5, June 2020.

About the Author

Hanneke van Loon, Ph.D. (2017), KU Leuven, is independent researcher. Her interests include Biblical Studies and Biblical Hebrew linguistics. Currently, she is working on Job 32-42 to prepare a sequel to Metaphors in the Discussion on Suffering in Job 3-31.