deuteronomist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very RareFormal / Academic / Theological
Quick answer
What does “deuteronomist” mean?
A scholar or editor, especially one credited with composing or editing the biblical Book of Deuteronomy.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A scholar or editor, especially one credited with composing or editing the biblical Book of Deuteronomy.
A proponent or scholar of the Deuteronomic school of thought, which identifies a specific source (the Deuteronomist) behind the composition of Deuteronomy and the Deuteronomic history (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Carries the same highly specialized, academic connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, confined to specialist discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “deuteronomist” in a Sentence
The [Noun] attributed the passage to the Deuteronomist.Scholars debate the role of the [Adjective] Deuteronomist.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “deuteronomist” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Deuteronomistic history is a key concept.
- Her thesis focused on Deuteronomist theology.
American English
- The Deuteronomistic history is a major focus.
- His work analyzes Deuteronomist ideology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Exclusively used in fields of biblical studies, theology, and comparative religion.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in the documentary hypothesis and historical-critical analysis of the Hebrew Bible.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “deuteronomist”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “deuteronomist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “deuteronomist”
- Misspelling: 'Deuteronomist' (correct) vs. 'Deutronomist', 'Deuteronomist'.
- Confusing 'Deuteronomist' (the source) with 'Deuteronomic' (the adjective).
- Using it as a general term for a scholar of the Old Testament rather than the specific hypothesized source.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the 'Deuteronomist' is a scholarly hypothesis, a label for the author(s), editors, or school thought to be responsible for a distinct body of biblical text. Their exact identity is unknown.
Only in a very specific, metaphorical sense. For example, 'a modern Deuteronomist' might describe a theologian who strongly emphasizes the themes of law and covenant found in Deuteronomy. In standard usage, it refers to the ancient source.
'Deuteronomic' is an adjective meaning 'pertaining to the Book of Deuteronomy or its style/theology.' 'Deuteronomist' is a noun identifying the hypothesized source or editor behind that material.
No. It is a highly specialised term. An average native speaker or general language learner will likely never encounter or need to use it.
A scholar or editor, especially one credited with composing or editing the biblical Book of Deuteronomy.
Deuteronomist is usually formal / academic / theological in register.
Deuteronomist: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdjuːtəˈrɒnəmɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌduːtəˈrɑːnəmɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DEU-ter-onom-ist: Think 'DEU' (like Deuteronomy) + 'NOM' (name/law in Greek) + 'IST' (person). The person behind the law/book of Deuteronomy.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE AS AUTHOR (The text is conceptualized as flowing from a specific, identifiable source/person).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary field of study that uses the term 'Deuteronomist'?