2 - Universalism and Particularism

Summary

Early Jewish wisdom literature negotiates sapiential universalism and Jewish particularism in various ways. At issue is the place or absence of Mosaic Torah in these compositions. This chapter is concerned with Torah in James and how this letter handles the universal and particular divide. “Law” (νόμος) is mentioned in three passages: James 1:21–25, 2:8–12, and 4:11–12. In the case of Jas. 2:8–12 and 4:11–12 the relationship of νόμος with Torah may be debated but is more straightforward than in 1:21–25. In Jas. 1:21–25 νόμος is related to the “implanted word” (ἔμφυτον λόγον), complicating the identification of νόμος with Torah. Some interpreters have proposed that this “implanted word” reflects the Stoic concept of natural law. In this chapter Jas. 1:21–25 is set alongside the mystery of existence (רז נהיה) in Instruction, Mysteries, and the Community Rule (1QS).