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'Apocalyptic': Observations on a Slippery Term

THE symposium "Qumran and Apocalyptic" provides an excellent opportunity to further our understanding of this important subject. But, as in all worthwhile endeavors, we must also pause occasionally to make sure our foundations are secure, lest our efforts to build a lasting structure be in vain. Thus, rather than making a contribution directly to the study of apocalypticism in the Dead Sea Scrolls, this paper examines the question of what may be meant by the term 'apocalyptic' when used with reference to the literature of Qumran. Such an examination is necessary for two reasons, which in turn suggest two related areas of concern. First of all, 'apocalyptic' is a very slippery term and requires careful delineation. Secondly, in the past two decades the study of the apocalyptic genre has made tremendous strides which must be taken into account in Qumran studies. The limits of this paper permit me to provide only a broad outline of some major issues, and thus the canvas is painted with broad brush strokes and lacks the fine detail necessary for a complete and accurate picture. The literature to which I make reference, however, is able to provide the missing detail.