categories.43 It seems reasonable that, as a starting point, biblical studies should turn to the insights of literary studies for a clear definition of a motif in relation to other literary devices. Freedman contributed significantly to the research on the theory of literary motif. In his article entitled ‘The Literary Motif: A Definition and Evaluation’ he discusses two indispensable criteria for establishing a motif.44 The first is the frequency of its recurrence. Freedman argues that no specific