Abstract

SNYMAN, A.H.. Continuity and discontinuity in God's rest (Heb 3:7-4:13). Acta theol. [online]. 2013, vol.33, n.2, pp.113-147. ISSN 2309-9089.

Our everyday experience is well acqainted with the reality of constancy and change. Persistence over time (continuity) is normally accompanied by an awareness of change (discontinuity). In the first part of the article this distinction is investigated and described from an epistemological perspective. The second part deals with the way in which the author of the letter to the Hebrews uses it in describing the rest that God promises his people. It is argued that the theme of God's rest entails an implicit awareness of the foundational relationship between constancy and change, which is used as hermeneutical strategy to encourage the readers on their pilgrimage. The article is concluded by refering to other themes that could be investigated on the basis of the same hermeneutical strategy. The study also leads to a few proposals for consideration by the translators of the new Afrikaans Bible.

Keywords : Christian reformational; Rest / sabbath rest; Identity; Continuity / discontinuity; Translation.

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