Department of Bible Studies
Subject: The Dynamics of Formulae in Biblical Psalms
Supervisor: Prof. Michael Segal, Dr. Naphtali Meshel
Abstract: I research the dynamic nature of recurring phrases (“formulae”) in the biblical Psalms. The Hebrew Psalter is a collection of religious poems written over hundreds of years. Poetic prayer in the Bible is highly formulaic, and many compositions consist primarily of traditional phrases. Like all components of language, poetic formulae undergo changes as they are repeated through the ages. Tracking the evolution of a single phrase requires meticulous comparisons of all extant examples within the tradition, including the entire Bible as well as Near-Eastern inscriptions in cognate languages. These diachronic developments often completely change the meaning of a phrase through reanalysis of its components, and they can reveal changes in culture, ideology, theology, and poetic aesthetics.
Bio: Itai Kagan has a B.A in Bible and Hebrew Linguistics from HUJI, and an M.A in Bible and in Mandel's School's Honorary Program. The focus of his research interests is the evolution of lexemes, formulae, texts and traditions in the Hebrew and general Semitic world. This includes analysis of diachronic changes in small textual units, starting from Ancient Near Eastern sources, through the Bible, Second Temple period and up to early Rabbinic material. More generally, he is interested in philological studies of Hebrew and Aramaic texts, and in Comparative Semitics.
Publications:
• "'מטעת אמת לעולם:' גלגוליו של מטבע לשון בספרות בית שני", מגילות טו (תשפ"א), עמ' 203–247
• "'ספר קללות: היומן של בייניש ברקוביץ, גטו נוֹבוֹגרוּדֶק, תש"ב–תש"ג", יד ושם: קובץ מחקרים מח (תש"ף), עמ' 59–87 (עברית), עמ' 71–107 (אנגלית)
• "האטימולוגיה של חֹק ושל חק"ק", בתוך: מ' ריז'יק (עורך), סוגיות בלשון המקרא, ירושלים תשע"ט, עמ' 278–298
• "נוסחאות חוק במגילת אסתר ובחגי ספר היובלים", מגילות יג (תשע"ז), עמ' 186–196
President Stipend 2018/19