Exegesis John 11:1-46 in terms of Semitic rhetoric

Dawid Kontny

Wydział Teologiczny, Uniwersytet Opolski

Abstract

The context of the research was that various commentators pointed to different structures of the text under examination. The reader may have the impression that this is done on a feeling which is not a scientific method. The aim of the research was to develop the structure of the text using the scientific method. The method of Hebrew rhetoric, developed by Roland Meynet, was used. A result was obtained which indicates that the structure of the text studied is schematically as follows: A (11:1-19), B (11:20-32), A’ (11:33-46). The conclusion was drawn that the examined text means a sign which reveals the power over physical death, it also conveys the information that faith in Jesus opens to the gift of eternal life and assumes the healing of love, as well as the resurrection of people is possible at the price of death and resurrection of Jesus.

Keywords:

gospel of St. John, resurrection of Lazarus, sign, faith in Jesus, symmetrical-concentric structure, Semitic rhetoric, Roland Meynet