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Cited by 7Biblical Studies and InterpretationFolklore, Mythology, and Literature StudiesContemporary Christian Leadership and Education

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From Bane to Blessing: The Food Leitmotif in Genesis 37–50

Heffelfinger, Katie M.·2016·Journal for the Study of the Old Testament
DOI 10.1177/0309089215622364
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Abstract

The story of Joseph and his brothers is peppered with references to food and drink. These recurrent images are not incidental details. Instead, as this article argues, they are a literary leitmotif that signals the imbalance of favor and power in the story and the resulting rivalry that drives the plot. This analysis helps to explain the apparently passing comments the narrator makes about the brothers sitting down to ‘eat bread’ after imprisoning Joseph in the pit (Gen. 37.25), and in the notice that Potiphar ‘knew nothing but the bread which he ate’ (Gen. 39.6). In addition, the seemingly anti-climactic resolution of the plot's crisis following the meal in Joseph's house is explained by the shift in imagery that accompanies the movement away from the table. While food imagery is heavily associated with favor, power, and rivalry; the cup is paired with restoration and it is the cup that provokes the reunification of the family.

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Metadata

Authors
Heffelfinger, K. M.
Affiliations
Church of Ireland Theological Institute (IE)
Corresponding author
Heffelfinger, Katie M.
Venue
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2016-03
Volume
40
Issue
3
Pages
297-320
ISSN
  • 0309-0892 (ISSN-L)
  • 1476-6728
DOI
10.1177/0309089215622364
OpenAlex
W2349371959
Semantic Scholar
a61606c9dabe7c79548ed7aea70c5760f0359ecb
Cited by
7
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1
FWCI
0.00
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
Journal for the Study of the Old Testament (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Biblical Studies and Interpretation
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Literature and Literary Theory › Folklore, Mythology, and Literature Studies
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Contemporary Christian Leadership and Education
Keywords
food images, leitmotif, Joseph and his brothers, Genesis 37-50, rivalry, cup, family reunion

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