A Textlinguistic Analysis of Selected Old Testament Texts in Matthew 1-4 (Studies in Biblical Literature)

While providing exciting research opportunities, the New Testament s use of the Old Testament continues to create interpretive difficulties. Although Matthew s use of the Old Testament generated much scholarly discussion throughout the historical-critical period, during the contemporary period specific interest in Matthew s Old Testament usage seemed to decrease. Recently, however, many powerful analytical approaches have come to the fore in biblical studies, including various text-centered methods such as textlinguistics (also known as discourse analysis). This book applies one specific type of discourse grammar to several Old Testament citations in Matthew s Gospel. This analysis is presented both to initiate discussion and to show how this and similar methods might be utilized to contribute important perspectives on the New Testament s use of the Old Testament.