Biblical Theological Investigations into the Incomprehensibility of God
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
Biblical Theological Investigations into the Incomprehensibility of God draws readers into the profound attribute of God's incomprehensibility as witnessed in the unfolding narrative of Scripture. While systematic theology has long affirmed the incomprehensibility of God, this volume breaks new ground by exploring this attribute through the lens of biblical theology, tracing its expression in specific texts of the Old and New Testaments. Originating from the 2024 EABS conference in Sofia, the chapters in this volume represent research by scholars who examine how biblical texts portray God as both revealed and ultimately unfathomable by means of detailed exegetical studies.
Endorsements (5)
“As the word itself indicates, theology’s most essential task is to speak about God. To do this responsibly requires close collaboration between systematic and biblical theology. Regarding the theme of God’s incomprehensibility, which has already been addressed in systematic theology, this book makes an important contribution from biblical-theological perspectives. It provides clear and original exegetical analyses that offer further insight into this highly significant topic.”
“Deus semper major: God is always greater . . . a fundamental principle in Reformed theology. This book reveals how this confession weaves consistently through both the Old and New Testaments. It is surprising to discover how, from various biblical passages, one clear and relevant message emerges. Though we cannot fully comprehend God, what we do know is reliable—adequate to foster trust, guide our walk with him, and lead us to worship.”
“One fact that is important to comprehend in biblical theology is the incomprehensibility of God within the biblical corpus. Indeed, the hiddenness of God in the First and Second Testaments reminds us of the transformative power of the Divine Presence and the human necessity of God’s saving-revealing work. In this fine international collection gathered by Francois Viljoen and Albert Coetsee of NWU Potchefstroom, readers will become reacquainted with holy mysteries in biblical times, as well as today. A must-read for Bible readers and theologians alike!”
“The (in-)comprehensibility of God is a problem commonly discussed in Systematic Theology. Here, biblical scholars from both the Old and the New Testament address this issue from various biblical passages, applying multiple approaches. Six contributions are from the Old Testament and four are from the New Testament. Larger units like the narrative parts of the Old Testament, books (Job), and different passages from the Bible are investigated. The variety of passages, as well as the different approaches followed, make for interesting reading, aiding the reader in a more nuanced understanding of the incomprehensibility of God.”
“The authors who contributed to this seminal publication are all well-known scholars in the field of biblical studies. Under the meticulous editorial supervision of the South African theologians Francois Viljoen and Albert Coetsee, who authored as well, these scholars ventured a thesis on the incomprehensibility of God. It is indeed an achievement because the theme was in the past mainly debated by systematic theologians. However sound systematic theology stands on the shoulders of well-researched biblical theology, and in this respect the publication succeeds in illuminating core aspects of God’s incomprehensibility and could serve the cause of further engagement with the topic within the ambit of other theological disciplines.”
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