Biblical World
Azzan Yadin-Israel - Temptation Transformed
Aug 31, 2023
Azzan Yadin-Israel, Professor of Jewish Studies at Rutgers University, explores the fascinating journey of the forbidden fruit from biblical texts to its modern identity as an apple. He discusses the linguistic and cultural transformations that shaped this iconic symbolism. The conversation also touches on interdisciplinary connections, including insights from music, particularly Bruce Springsteen. Azzan emphasizes the need for collaboration in academia to deepen our understanding of biblical narratives and their ongoing relevance in popular culture.
55:05
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Quick takeaways
- The transformation of the forbidden fruit's identity from generic fruit to apple illustrates the profound impact of semantic shifts in language over time.
- Artistic representations since the 12th century have played a crucial role in reinforcing the apple's association with temptation and biblical narratives.
Deep dives
Exploring the Shift from Generic Fruit to Apple
The podcast discusses how the identification of the forbidden fruit with an apple evolved over time due to semantic shifts in language. Initially, the Latin term 'pomum' referred to fruit generically, but as the term transitioned into Old French, it began to specifically denote apples. This linguistic evolution created a misunderstanding where early references to the forbidden fruit were interpreted as apples, particularly as the vernacular started to narrow the meaning of 'pom.' This change in language was not merely an academic concern but had real consequences for how biblical stories were communicated and understood in culture.
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