The Logic of Incest: A Structuralist Analysis of Hebrew Mythology

The myths of Genesis are the foundation for hundreds of texts written at later diachronically distinct and datable periods. Seven texts—Genesis, Genesis Rabbah, Pirke deRabbi Eliezer and mediaeval compilations—are examined here, with five interrelated questions in focus:

• Can structuralist theory be applied usefully to societies conscious of history and change?
• What is the relationship between continuity and transformation as a mythological tradition develops diachronically?
• What role does diachronic development within a myth play in relation to its underlying structure?
• What is the synchronic structure of Israelite (or rather, biblical) myth?
• Are there identifiable patterns of transformation and continuity between biblical myth and the three diachronically distinct levels of rabbinic myth?

In the Logos edition, all Scripture references in The Logic of Incest link to the original language texts and the Bibles in your library. By employing Logos’ advanced search features, you can find the exact topics or passages you’re looking for. Whether you are encountering the cultural context of the Bible for the first time, or you’re working on advanced archaeological, historical, or textual research, the Logos edition is right for you.