Journal of Biblical Literature: A History of Scholarly Publication
The Journal of Biblical Literature (JBL) stands as a cornerstone of academic research in the field of biblical studies. Established to provide a formal record of scholarly discourse, the journal has evolved over more than a century, transitioning from a modest collection of society papers into a globally recognized quarterly publication.
The Origins and Evolution of the Journal
The publication began its life under the title Journal of the Society of Biblical Literature and Exegesis. Exegesis, the critical explanation or interpretation of a text, was central to the society's mission from the start. It was not until the publication of volume 9 in 1890 that the journal adopted its current name, the Journal of Biblical Literature.
The formal decision to launch the journal occurred on December 29, 1881, during the fourth meeting of the SBL council. The council voted to print 500 copies of a journal that would feature the full text of papers presented during the society's annual meetings held every June.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Changes in Publication Frequency
The JBL has adjusted its release schedule several times to meet the needs of the academic community:
- 1882–1905: Published as an annual serial (with the exception of 1886 and 1887, which saw two serials each).
- 1906–1911: Transitioned to a semiannual schedule.
- 1912–Present: Established as a quarterly publication, despite a hiatus in 1915 and a few exceptional years where only two serials were produced.
Challenges and Global Context
The journey of the JBL was not without administrative and geopolitical hurdles. In 1916, the SBL secretary informed members that the Third Assistant Postmaster General of the United States had denied the journal the second-class rate discount typically reserved for scholarly journals. The reason provided for this refusal was the claim that the publication "was not scientific."
Furthermore, the journal's production was influenced by international conflicts. The Journal of the Society for Biblical Literature in the United States was published in Leipzig, Germany, from the period of World War I through the Nazi era. This arrangement became particularly problematic after 1916, as the devastation of Germany hindered the delivery of the journal.
Key Facts
- Original Name: Journal of the Society of Biblical Literature and Exegesis.
- Current Name Adopted: 1890 (Volume 9).
- Initial Print Run: 500 copies.
- Publication Frequency: Evolved from annual to semiannual, and finally to quarterly in 1912.
- International Printing: Published in Leipzig, Germany, during WWI and the Nazi period.
| Period | Publication Frequency | Key Milestone/Event |
|---|---|---|
| 1881 | N/A | SBL council votes to print 500 copies |
| 1882–1905 | Annual | Initial publication phase |
| 1890 | Annual | Renamed to Journal of Biblical Literature |
| 1906–1911 | Semiannual | Increased frequency |
| 1912–Present | Quarterly | Current publication standard |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original name of the JBL?
The journal was originally titled the Journal of the Society of Biblical Literature and Exegesis before changing its name in 1890.
When did the journal become a quarterly publication?
The JBL became a quarterly publication in 1912, although there was a hiatus in 1915 and some years with only two issues.
Why did the US Postmaster General once deny the journal a discount?
In 1916, the Third Assistant Postmaster General refused the second-class rate discount on the grounds that the journal was not considered "scientific."
Where was the journal published during the World Wars?
The journal was published in Leipzig, Germany, from World War I through the Nazi period, which caused delivery issues after 1916.
Was there another journal with a similar name?
Yes, Samuel Sharpe, an English egyptologist and ordained minister, edited a journal also called the Journal of Biblical Literature in London prior to the establishment of the SBL and its official journal.