The Problem of Peak in Hebrews

• Published in: Neotestamentica Vol. 48; no. 2; pp. 405 - 416
• Main Author: Heath, David M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The New Testament Society of South Africa / Die Nuwe-Testamentiese Werkgemeenskap van Suid-Afrika 01.01.2014; New Testament Society of Southern Africa
• Subjects: Apex; Chiastic structures; Climax; Cynthia Westfall; Discourse; Discourse analysis; Focus; George Guthrie; Hebrews; Highlighting; Language; Language translation; Linda Neeley; Markedness; Narratives; New Testament; Peak; Priests; Prominence; Terminology; Theme; Topic; Warnings
• ISSN: 0254-8356

Scholars use various terms for the phenomenon of discourse peak. Only in the last forty years have some scholars suggested different types of peak. This study explores the application of multiple types of peak in the book of Hebrews. The problem of peak in Hebrews is evident by the diverse assertions concerning linguistic peaks by Neeley (1987), Guthrie (1994), and Westfall (2005) and the discrepancies of these peaks with the chiastic centre in Hebrews 8 as asserted by Vaganay (1940), Vanhoye (1977, 1989), Neeley (1987, 63), Gelardini (2009) and Heath (2011). Until more refinement of the notion of discourse peak and uniformity of terms emerges, it may be helpful to analyse the peaks of biblical texts in light of their natures (thematic peak, climax, and apex).