A graded numerical sequence or numerical proverb, sometimes called an n/n+1 saying or numerical heightening, is a literary form employed in the Hebrew Bible. It is found especially in Proverbs, Job, and Amos, and is used to list attributes, compare items, and catalogue sins. 38 biblical examples have been identified,[1] as well as in the Book of Sirach.[2][3] Franz Delitzsch notes "this peculiarity: ... that the number named in the first parallel line is in the second increased by one".[4]

Examples

Use and meaning

This form is used in Ugaritic literature, but not in Ancient Egyptian literature.[5]

The name מדּה was used for numerical proverbs by later Jewish writers.[4]

Graeme Goldsworthy suggests that this formula "points to the open-ended nature of the list, thus inviting the perceptive person to supply further items".[6] Wilfred Watson notes that the graded numerical sequence is sometimes used for climactic effect, as in Proverbs 30:19.[7]

References

  1. ↑ Roth, Wolfgang M. W. (1962). "Numerical sequence x/x+1 in the Old Testament". Vetus Testamentum. 12 (3): 301. doi:10.1163/156853362X00182.
  2. ↑ Sirach 23:16
  3. ↑ Towner, Wayne Sibley (1973). The Rabbinic "Enumeration of Scriptural Examples": A Study of a Rabbinic Pattern of Discourse With Special Reference to Mekhilta D'R. Ishmael. Brill. p. 7. ISBN 9004037446. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
  4. 1 2 Delitzsch, F. (1892), Biblical commentary the Old Testament/Volume IV. Poetical Books/Proverbs, accessed 16 June 2023
  5. ↑ Day, John (1998). Wisdom in Ancient Israel. Cambridge University Press. p. 64. ISBN 9780521624893. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
  6. ↑ Goldsworthy, Graeme (2000). The Goldsworthy Trilogy. Paternoster Press. p. 423.
  7. ↑ Watson, Wilfred G. E. (2004). Classical Hebrew Poetry: A Guide to Its Techniques. A & C Black. p. 148. ISBN 9780567083883. Retrieved 13 October 2015.
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