Matthew 22:37-40 : a contextual approach

Date
1993-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The assumption that contextuality only refers to contemporary extra-textual issues and that texts from the past could be read without taking full cognisance of the diversity of contextual influences impinging on them is challenged. This is done by redefming contextuality as a timeless phenomenon. Different contextual levels in and around a text are identified, viz. the reader's context, textual context, growing context and original context. The interplay between and role of each context is described with reference to Matthew 22:37-40. The influence of the Old Testament on this particular section, with reference to the same variety of contextual aspects, is also illustrated. The manner in which Matthew interpreted the relevant Old Testament texts, viz. Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, is used to sustain the argument. The conclusion describes the relation between a text and its context, remembering that this implies all identified contextual aspects.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die veronderstelling dat kontekstualiteit slegs verwys na kontemporere buite-tekstuele verbande en dat tekste uit die verlede gelees kan word sonder om te let op die uiteenlopende kontekstuele invloede wat op hulle inspeel, word betwis. Dit word gedoen aan die hand van die herdefmiering van kontekstualiteit as 'n tydlose verslcynsel. Verskillende kontekstuele vlakke in en om 'n teks word geidentifiseer, nl. die lesers se konteks, tekstuele konteks, groeiende konteks en oorspronklike konteks. Die interaksie tussen en die rol van elke konteks word beskryf met verwysing na Matteus 22:37-40. Die invloed van die Ou Testament op hierdie spesifieke gedeelte, met verwysing na dieselfde variasie van kontekstuele aspekte, word ook uitgebeeld. Die manier waarop Matteus die relevante au Testamentiese tekste, nl. Deuteronomium 6:5 en Levitikus 19:18, interpreteer, word gebruik ter ondersteuning van die argument. Deur middel van 'n gevolgtrekking word die verhoudirig tussen 'n teks en sy konteks beskryf, terwyl dit in gedagte gehou word dat dit alle geidentifiseerde kontekstuele aspekte impliseer.
Description
Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 1993.
Keywords
Bible. Matthew, XXII, 37-40 -- Criticism, interpretation, etc., Bible. Matthew, XXII, 37-40 -- Relation to the Old Testament, Context (Linguistics), Dissertations -- Ancient Near Eastern Studies
Citation