Data Over Dogma Blessed Baruch!
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Sep 29, 2025 Dive into the intriguing world of Baruch, an enigmatic book linked to Jeremiah. Explore its historical context—was it really written during the exile? Discover the odd prayers urging support for Babylonian rulers, and unravel how the wisdom within connects to the Torah. Delve into its composition and the fascinating reasons behind its mixed reception across Jewish and Christian traditions. This episode is a whirlwind of scholarship, exploring how Baruch shaped identities and influenced canon choices.
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Baruch's Claimed Origins Versus Scholarship
- Baruch is presented as Baruch son of Neriah, Jeremiah's scribe, tied to Jeremiah's prophecies and exile-era events.
- Scholars, however, date Baruch much later, likely 1st century BCE–CE, based on language and references.
Mixed Linguistic Signals Reveal Composition Stages
- Scholars see Baruch as a composite text with possible Hebrew source for early sections and later Greek composition for others.
- Linguistic features (Semiticisms) suggest translation from Hebrew for parts and later original Greek for others.
Thesis Tale About Unnatural Greek
- Dan McClellan recounts his Oxford master's thesis on translating Hebrew phrases into awkward Greek.
- He reflects on later scholarly disagreement and stepping back from the argument.
