T&T Clark - While the Bridegroom is with them: Matthew Study

Explore a deep academic analysis of marriage, family, gender, and violence within the Gospel of Matthew. This scholarly work from T&T Clark challenges traditional allegorical interpretations of key biblical passages. In many studies, the king in the Parable of the Wedding Feast (22:1-14) is linked to God to explain violent actions, while the bridegroom in the Parable of the Ten Virgins (25:1-13) is linked to Jesus to justify the rejection of the foolish virgins. This book moves beyond these standard views. By examining Hebrew, Greek, and Roman texts, the study reveals how bridegrooms in the ancient world were often associated with both joy and violence or death, without needing allegorical explanations. Part of The Library of New Testament Studies, this volume provides a fresh perspective for students and scholars of New Testament criticism and interpretation. It offers a detailed look at the historical and literary contexts of these parables, helping readers understand the complex relationship between social structures and biblical narratives.