Exploration of exegetical reflections on the Shulamite bride's blackness by Origen and Bernard of Clairvaux, highlighting implications for contemporary interpretation.
Key Points
This article examines the differing interpretations of the Shulamite bride's description in Christian allegory by Origen and Bernard of Clairvaux.
Analysis of Origen’s and Bernard’s commentaries on Song of Songs 1:5-6
Comparative exegetical assessment of intertextual references used by each commentator
Discussion of the racial implications and sociocultural context in their interpretations
Origen's interpretation includes varying intertextual references to explain the concept of blackness.
Bernard redefines blackness, highlighting the denigrating perspective towards the bride while associating it with Christ.
Bernard's assertion of Christ's blackness challenges traditional views and prompts contemporary relevance.