A Note on Mark 8.38 and Q 12.8-9

Abstract

With the help of an analysis of Mk 8.38 Paul Hoffmann’s presentation of Q 12.8-9 is critically discussed. The majority opinion is confirmed: the absence of the ‘Son of man’ in 12.8b as well as in 12.9b cannot be accepted. Moreover, a number of other data in the Markan verse (and its context) may assist specialists in their reconstruction of this double saying of Q, e.g., as to the active meaning of the personal verb and the presence of the angels ‘of God’in Q 12.9b. A fourfold methodological reflection is offered in between: on hypothetical reasoning, on the distinction between Rezeption (by Q or Mark) and Redaktion (by Matthew or Luke), on the insignificance of the authenticity question here and on the value of Markan overlap texts for the reconstruction of Q.