Clement of Alexandria and the Book of Proverbs

Annewies van den Hoek

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Clement of Alexandria and the Book of Proverbs

In: Clementâs Biblical Exegesis

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Annewies van den Hoek

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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 179â216

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004331242_010

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Abstract

Clement of Alexandria quotes the Book of Proverbs more than any other Early Christian author aside from Origen. This is no surprise since the saying traditions in Proverb are issues of interest to Clement. The extent and pattern of this interest, however, are surprising. He refers to Proverbs more than all other contemporary authors combined (again excluding Origen), but this occurs primarily in his early works. Clementâs radically reduced use of Proverbs in his later works may reflect both a change of interest and his eventual departure from Alexandria and its libraries.

Clement tends to stitch together fragments from Proverbs, adjusting them to fit his arguments, but at times he cites his source literally. The citations sometimes occur in sequences, as if he had a scroll of Proverbs in front of him. Proverbsâ theme of prophetic obscurity is taken up in Paedagogus i and developed as an important element in gnostic life and enlightenment. Clementâs treatment of education, correction, and Godâs threats and admonishings again draws on Proverbs. In Paed. ii and iii, Clement draws on Proverbs in providing moral advice on practical matters. Eating, drinking, sleep, foul language, sex, and proper behavior of women are all fortified with vivid material from Proverbs, but the temptations of prostitutes are given a new twist by Clement as they come to stand for heretical beliefs.

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Clementâs Biblical Exegesis

Proceedings of the Second Colloquium on Clement of Alexandria (Olomouc, May 29â31, 2014)

Series:Â Vigiliae Christianae, Supplements, Volume: 139

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004331242

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 01 Jan 2017

Subjects
- Biblical Studies
- Theology and World Christianity
  - Biblical Theology

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Clement of Alexandria and the Book of Proverbs

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Clementâs Biblical Exegesis

Proceedings of the Second Colloquium on Clement of Alexandria (Olomouc, May 29â31, 2014)

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Clementâs Biblical Exegesis

Proceedings of the Second Colloquium on Clement of Alexandria (Olomouc, May 29â31, 2014)