ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ (Rev 17.14; 19.16) in Light of the Numismatic Record
Journal article
Theophilos, Michael P.. (2019). ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΝ (Rev 17.14; 19.16) in Light of the Numismatic Record. New Testament Studies. 65(4), pp. 526-551. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0028688519000250
Authors | Theophilos, Michael P. |
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Abstract | The title βασιλεὺς βασιλέων in the Apocalypse (Rev 17.14; 19.16) has generated a variety of interpretations in regard to its identification, symbolism and background. Commentators regularly note that joining a singular noun with its genitive plural is a common way to express the superlative in Hebrew. Others find special relevance of the phrase to the time of Domitian when it is said ‘he dictated the form of a letter to be used by his procurators, he began: “Our lord and god commands so and so”’ (Suetonius, Domitian, 13). The present analysis argues that inscriptions on relevant coinage confirm that the title was a clear allusion to the tradition of the Parthian kings, Rome's historic enemy. Within the context of the Apocalypse, the title is applied to Jesus Christ, presented triumphantly conquering Rome in the image of Rome's feared Parthian enemy. Included in the analysis is an extensive tabulation of relevant numismatic evidence. |
Keywords | Revelation 17.14; 19.16; king of kings; Parthia; numismatics; Roman coins; lexicography |
Year | 2019 |
Journal | New Testament Studies |
Journal citation | 65 (4), pp. 526-551 |
Publisher | Cambridge University Press |
ISSN | 0028-6885 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1017/S0028688519000250 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85072041438 |
Research or scholarly | Research |
Page range | 526-551 |
Publisher's version | License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 06 Sep 2016 |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 27 Oct 2021 |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8wxw6/-rev-17-14-19-16-in-light-of-the-numismatic-record
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