Good Life, Brave Death, and Earned Immortality: Features of a Neglected Ancient Virtue Discourse

Abstract This article examines early Jewish ideas of virtue that are usually ignored in presentations the history discourse. We analyze use Greek term ἀρετή Apocrypha Septuagint; all occurrences texts were originally composed Greek. argue discussion on virtues – ideal human qualities and ways living has three thematic foci: (1) training, (2) courage, (3) suffering its postmortem rewards. Virtue prepares one to live well, encounter grave difficulties even death with and, finally, earn eternal life. it is implicit virtuous Jews surpass, differ depending text, their more-or-less openly antagonists who fail ideals they would culturally be expected uphold. Through words deeds, exemplary demonstrate true comes from a steadfast commitment tradition Mosaic law. Being good Jew involves training manifests itself various desirable traits, but also means acknowledging divinity law as basis both life consequences virtue.