Die aanvang en omvang van anti-Semitisme in die antieke heidenwêreld in en rondom die Nuwe-Testamentiese tydvak

Abstract

The term “anti-Semitism” is in fact a misnomer, since it implies antipathy towards all people of Semitic origin. Not all conflicts between Jews and non-Jews should be seen as due to anti-Semitism. Anti-Semitism is still very alive today and needs to be constantly monitored and exposed. However, ancient anti-Semitism should not be studied through the lenses of our modern perceptions. Anti-Jewish trends seem to have originally developed in the Diaspora, more specifically in Egypt. In the period up to 150 B.C. an anti-Semitic attitude still manifested itself very sporadically. In the following period it increased considerably and gradually and became more internationalized. Evidence of anti-Semitic feelings and attitudes is found in Egypt, Babylonia, Palestine, Syria, Asia Minor and Rome.