Brief Description (FWF Project M 2395 - G 24)

God's extensive speeches in the final part of the Book of Job (38:1–39:30 and 40:6–41:26) consist to large parts of rhetorical questions and challenges, which convey an ironic tone. The describtions of the wild animals (or beasts) that dominate both speeches feature a high degree of ambiguity.

The aim of my study is to uncover the pragmatic function of the ambiguities and ironies in Job 38:1–42:6. By this, I want to demonstrate the importance of the rhetorical dimension of God's speeches. Only by basing the textual analysis on the rhetorical impact on the reader, it is possible the understand in which way YHWH's final speeches truly are an answer to Job.

duration: 08/01/2018 – 10/31/2020