Department of Ancient Studies

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Matthew 22:37-40 : a contextual approach
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1993-03) Barkhuizen, Glenn Warren; Cook, Johann; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Ancient Studies.
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.