The Kingdom of Heaven: The History of a Rabbinic Concept

This research project employs Begriffsgeschichte to examine the semantic evolution of the phrase "the kingdom of heaven" in rabbinic literature of late antiquity. It traces the term across texts, scrutinizing shifts in meaning, cultural contexts, and theological implications. The analysis focuses on key rabbinic texts, identifying earliest occurrences and documenting the conceptual evolution.

It explores semantic shifts, how traditions interpret and adapt the concept, and considers external factors that affected the process. The study also delves into the interplay with other theological ideas, revealing interconnectedness.

Using theory and method drawn from Begriffsgeschichte, it involves philological analysis, historical contextualization, and comparative analysis.

The goal is a comprehensive narrative of the term´s evolution in rabbinic literature, contributing to our understanding of religious concepts, their adaptability, and their role in shaping discourse.

The findings benefit scholars in both Jewish studies and adjacent disciplines, as well as conceptual history, shedding light on the relationship between religious thought and cultural context.