Possible Psychoanalytic Meanings of the Foreskin in the Hebrew Bible
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-6573/4298Keywords:
foreskin, prepuce, circumcision, idealisation, shame, nakedness, purity, patriarchy, psychoanalytic meaning, body-part,Abstract
Amongst the approximately 250 body parts which are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, the foreskin is mentioned infrequently, even when it is closely linked to circumcision, an essential religious, national, and identity marker. While the foreskin must therefore be highly cathected, this background position may be indicative of either unconscious or constantly assumed meaning(s) which it has in its literary contexts. A psychoanalytic exploration of its possible significance can widen the hermeneutic horizon by investigating what has remained unsaid. This can range from idealisation to shame and can at least serve as a heuristic stimulant.
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Published
2019-04-29
How to Cite
van der Zwan, Pieter. 2019. “Possible Psychoanalytic Meanings of the Foreskin in the Hebrew Bible”. Journal for Semitics 28 (1):22 pages. https://doi.org/10.25159/2663-6573/4298.
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Received 2018-05-07
Accepted 2019-02-21
Published 2019-04-29
Accepted 2019-02-21
Published 2019-04-29