Speech act theory has been around for a while, but it can seem to be just another theory. Old Testament Narratives and Speech Act Theory is full of studies that show how the theory pays off in the actual study of the Scriptures. One sees more of what the stories were doing, and what their characters were doing when they (for instance) asked questions or made statements, and it thus helps the stories come alive and do what they aimed to do.

John Goldingay, Fuller Theological Seminary

Mann's disciplined application of Speech Act Theory to familiar but disputed Old Testament texts reveals compelling insights and fresh understanding of the complex interactions between the speakers' words within each story and the speech acts of the storyteller. His interpretations point to the potential impact of those ancient world-creating words on every generation of readers.

Pamela J. Scalise, Fuller Theological Seminary

Speech-act theory offers an important lens for understanding the Bible. Steven Mann applies key facets of this well-developed theory to Old Testament narratives to produce fresh readings. With keen narrative sensibilities and clear analysis, Mann explores how biblical characters 'create worlds with their words.' And he helps us see how the Old Testament storytellers evaluate these discursive “worlds” to invite readers into transformative engagement.

Jeannine K. Brown, Bethel Seminary