[Hermeneutics and diagnostics as shown by the Biblical Samson-stories].

Abstract

The author investigates the personality of Samson, the Biblical hero, and supposes, that we face in his case some sort of mental illness. He bases his conclusions upon the following facts: (1) Samson's strength is abnormal, which might be as a result of some sort of brain storm or hysteria. (2) Neither the causes, nor the objects of his brain storms could be explained rationally, as his deed look quite irrelevant and ill-proportioned. (3) His victims sometimes are animals, which might cover sadistic inclination. (4) As a result of his abnormal behaviour Samson separates himself from society. Furthermore, at the end of his story he falls into total dementia. The author, however, emphasizes the impressive fact, that in spite of his mental disorders Samson was able to play and important role in the history of his nation - and this fact reflects a quite different attitude towards illness, as compared to those what we hold today.