First Advisor
Loren Spielman
Date of Award
Spring 6-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Judaic Studies and University Honors
Department
Judaic Studies
Language
English
Subjects
Psalms, Fear, Awe, Wonder, Biblical Interpretation, Ancient Judaism
DOI
10.15760/honors.1682
Abstract
This thesis proposes an expansion of genre form criticism within the Book of Psalms to include an additional category: Psalms of Awe. Building on scholarship that emphasizes the Psalms as expressions of religious experience, it draws from philosophical, theological, and critical scholarship to define the experience of awe as a distinct religious experience not fully captured by form critical scholarship. The thesis argues that awe is reflected in the Psalms through the combination of three key Hebrew roots: ירא (fear/reverence), פחד (fear/dread), and פלא (wonder). This is done by analyzing several psalms to explicate how each term captures a different dimension of awe. By framing awe as a legitimate and definable religious experience and showing its capture within the Psalms' historical and literary context, this thesis offers a new lens for their interpretation.
Rights
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Persistent Identifier
https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/43781
Recommended Citation
Aleph, Solomon, "Fear, Trembling, and Wonder: Psalms of Awe" (2025). University Honors Theses. Paper 1650.
https://doi.org/10.15760/honors.1682
Included in
Ancient Philosophy Commons, Biblical Studies Commons, Classical Literature and Philology Commons, Jewish Studies Commons, Language Interpretation and Translation Commons, Near Eastern Languages and Societies Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons