TIP OF THE DAY 66: Reference ranges, passage lists

MJ. Smith · November 21

Since the forum change has been delayed, I've started adding these posts to the previous tip list. See L/V 10 Tip of the Day Note that this list has been moved to the wiki (which itself is moved to the new forum software).

QUESTION: What is the Yale Outline of Cultural Material?

SOFTWARE: The Yale Outline of Cultural Material is the basis for the more focused Witthoff, David, Jessica Parks, and Sean Boisen. Lexham Cultural Ontology Dataset Documentation. Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2015. This has it entries documented in a hierarchical manner in Witthoff, David, ed. The Lexham Cultural Ontology Glossary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014.

ANSWER: From Perplexity:

The Yale Outline of Cultural Materials, also known as the Outline of Cultural Materials (OCM), is a comprehensive classification system developed by George P. Murdock and his colleagues at Yale University's Human Relations Area Files (HRAF) in the 1930s. Here's how it might be relevant to Bible studies:

1. Comprehensive Cultural Categories: The OCM provides over 700 subject categories covering various aspects of human culture. For a Bible studies specialist, this can offer a structured way to analyze cultural elements mentioned in biblical texts.

2. Historical and Cultural Context: Many categories in the OCM are directly applicable to understanding the historical and cultural context of the Bible, such as:

Religious beliefs and practices

Social organization

Economic systems

Political structures

Family and kinship

3. Comparative Analysis: The OCM allows for systematic comparison of cultural traits across different societies. This can be useful in comparing Israelite culture with neighboring ancient Near Eastern cultures.

4. Interdisciplinary Approach: It encourages an interdisciplinary approach to studying cultures, which aligns well with modern biblical scholarship that incorporates archaeology, anthropology, and historical studies.

5. Standardized Terminology: The OCM provides a standardized vocabulary for describing cultural phenomena, which can be helpful in academic discussions and research.

6. Research Tool: For a high school graduate planning to pursue higher education in Bible studies, familiarity with the OCM can be beneficial for future research projects.

7. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding the OCM can help develop a more nuanced and culturally sensitive approach to interpreting biblical texts.

8. Thematic Studies: The OCM's thematic organization can assist in conducting topical studies of the Bible, such as examining all references to a particular cultural practice.

QUESTION: In Biblical studies, what are some textual divisions of Biblical law?

SOFTWARE: I find it useful to have these as named options on the passage selection menu. See below.

ANSWER: From Perplexity:

Here's an overview of the major law codes and related concepts in the Bible:

1. Ethical Decalogue:

Also known as the Ten Commandments

Found in Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21

Focuses on moral and ethical principles

2. Ritual Decalogue:

Found in Exodus 34:11-26

Emphasizes religious observances and rituals

Sometimes called the "Cultic Decalogue"

3. Covenant Code:

Also known as the Book of the Covenant

Found in Exodus 20:22-23:33

Contains civil, criminal, and religious laws

4. Holiness Code:

Found primarily in Leviticus 17-26

Emphasizes ritual purity and moral behavior

Central theme is "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy"

5. Deuteronomic Code:

Found in Deuteronomy 12-26

Expands and revises earlier laws

Focuses on centralized worship and social justice

6. Haustafeln:

German term meaning "household codes"

Found in New Testament epistles (e.g., Ephesians 5:21-6:9, Colossians 3:18-4:1)

Provides ethical instructions for various household relationships

7. Priestly Code:

Found mainly in Leviticus and parts of Exodus and Numbers

Focuses on priestly duties, sacrifices, and ritual purity

8. Law of Moses:

Refers to the entire body of biblical law, especially the first five books (Torah)

9. Noahide Laws:

Seven laws believed to be binding on all humanity, derived from God's covenant with Noah

10. Oral Torah:

In Judaism, refers to oral traditions and interpretations of the written law

QUESTION: How do I create a reference range selection for the Covenant Code?

SOFTWARE: The example is of a single Bible reference. The same method works for multiple passages – for example, I have a saved reference range for the Book of Odes for use in Bibles that lack Odes as a separate book. In Rahlfs’ Septuagint this includes:

First Ode of Moses (Exodus 15:1–19)

Second Ode of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:1–43)

Prayer of Anna, the Mother of Samuel (1 Samuel 2:1–10)

Prayer of Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:2–19)

Prayer of Isaiah (Isaiah 26:9–20)

Prayer of Jonah (Jonah 2:3–10)

Prayer of Azariah (Daniel 3:26–45, a deuterocanonical portion)

Song of the Three Holy Children (Daniel 3:52–90, a deuterocanonical portion)

The Magnificat; Prayer of Mary the Theotokos (Luke 1:46–55)

The Song of the Vineyard: A Canticle of Isaiah (Isaiah 5:1–7)

Prayer of Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:10–20)

Prayer of Manasseh, King of Judah when he was held captive in Babylon (ref. in 2 Chronicles 33:11–13 and appears also as a separate deuterocanonical book)

Nunc dimittis; Prayer of Simeon (Luke 2:29–32)

Gloria in Excelsis Deo; Canticle of the Early Morning (some lines from Luke 2:14, and Psalm 35:10-11; 118:12; and 144:2)

ANSWER: Setting the reference range in a Bible search:

Open a Search panel from the application tool bar.

Select Bible search

Click on All Passages

In the reference range entry box, enter Exodus 20:22-23:19 i.e. the range for the Covenant Code.

In the input box that now shows the reference i.e. to the left of save, you may enter a name of your choice. I used Law: Covenant code

Click on Save.

You now have a reference range useable in all of your searches.

QUESTION: How do I create a saved passage list of Haustafeln law?

SOFTWARE: If you do not already have a list of the passages, run a books (or all) search on Haustafeln to find a list in your library. If you don’t have a list in your library, the Wikipedia entry for New Testament Household code can provide a list.

ANSWER:Build a passage list:

Open the Document menu from the application tool bar.

Click New on the upper right.

Click Passage List from the drop-down menu.

Click on the title and edit to a name of your choice.

From the source of your passage list, select the text including the passage.

Right click to open Context Menu.

Select Copy

In your new Passage List, select Add in the upper left.

Select from Clipboard

The references will be extracted from the text and added to the Passage list.

If desired, click on the menu (3 stacked dots) to add headings to your list.