A Hebrew Mafioso: Reading 1 Sam 25 Anthropologically

EMANUEL PFOH

Ámsterdam

Congreso; Society of Biblical Literature International Meeting / European Association of Biblical Studies Annual Meeting, Amsterdam 2012; 2012

SBL / EABS

This paper provides an anthropological reading of 1 Samuel 25, namely David's behaviour towards Nabal and his wife. From the point of view of Mediterranean ethnography, David in this story may be understood as a mafioso performing practices related to honour, prestige and violence. The analysis of this example attempts to present some thoughts on the usefulness of anthropological approaches and insights, especially the concept of patron-client relationships, for interpreting biblical stories.