Die Erzählung vom Sündenfall (Gen 3). Aspekte zur Rezeption im frühjüdischen Schrifttum

Abstract

The Story of the “Fall of Man” (Gn 3): Aspects of its Reception in Early Jewish Literature

The story of the “Fall of Man” (Gen 3) was reproduced very differently by Philo and Josephus. First, we take a look on the treatment of the theme in the Old and New Testament and some apocryphal texts. In most of the Old Testament there is silence about paradise (“Paradiesschweigen”). Where Gen 3 is received (for example Sir; ApcMos; VitAd) an interpretation prevails, which understands the “Fall of Man” as an incision in human history, even if this incision took place in a mythical past. Philo and Josephus understand Gen 3 as a didactic narrative of general nature. Josephus’s account is closer to our present understanding of the story. One can call his interpretation “moralizing”. He also places Gen 3 (as later many Christian interpreters) in the context of world history. Philo gives Gen 3 an allegorical interpretation. He relates the story to the psychic life of every single human being.