A re-reading of the concept of ר דה (Râdâh) in Genesis 1:26-28 in the post-apartheid context : an African liberationist approach

Abstract

This project considers a liberationist meaning of the concept of ר דה (rādāh) found in the Priestly material of Genesis 1:1-2:4a. The study starts from a presupposition that the South African history of biblical interpretation is problematic, and this remains a challenge in the post-apartheid era. Secondly, there is a general paucity of exegesis of African liberation hermeneutics on creation narratives. Lastly, the historical-critical method, which dominates commentary on Genesis 1:26-28, is inadequate in addressing issues of social justice. In Genesis 1:26-28, רדה as an enigmatic and phenomenal concept that invites investigation has undergone enormous scrutiny in past scholarship. In these verses, no construct has been evaluated more fervently and attracted curiosity more than the concept of ר דה , which traditionally translates as “dominion.” To date, it remains a striking literary construct giving birth to lively disputes and discussions among scholars across generations. The study primarily fits within the ambit of Old Testament studies with a particular perspective of African liberation hermeneutics. Thus, the study is based on the presupposition that it is legitimate to read the Bible through “Other lenses” than the traditional historical-critical lens. It demonstrates that there are other valid hermeneutical approaches to reading the Old Testament based on the social realities of contemporary Africa. The study acknowledges that Africa is far more a complex continent with varying cultures, religious experiences and political history. The study presents an exegetical case study by dealing with expanded understanding of ר דה that includes caring for fellow human beings by way of social justice. This marks a major inexorable shift of hermeneutical and epistemological power from the West to other parts of the globe. The study also contributes to post-apartheid discourse on the relevance of African liberation hermeneutics.