The problem investigated in this study is the following: What is a valid interpretation
and translation of µέλη άσθνέρα in 1 Corinthians 12:22? This problem can only be
solved if Paul's body metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12 is investigated grammatical-historically,
applying a valid theory of metaphor. The state of research on metaphors
is established in order to determine a suitable theory of metaphor. Further, the state
of research regarding Paul's use of the body metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12 and
specifically 1 Corinthians 12:22 is determined. And 1 Corinthians 12:l-31 is
interpreted applying the grammatical-historical method of De Klerk and Janse van
Rensburg (2004).
The theory of metaphor of Van der Watt (2000) and the accompanying method is
chosen as suitable theory of metaphor. In terms of this theory, the presentation and
representation of the body metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12 are determined by way of
the grammatical-historical method. This determination leads the interpreter to a valid
interpretation and translation of µέλη άσθνέρα in 1 Corinthians 12:22. It transpires
that the presentation of the body metaphor is the living human body and the
members/organs of the body, and that the representation is the church of Christ, i.e.
the members of the church.
The presentation of µέλη άσθνέρα in 1 Corinthians 12:22 is members of the body
which are physically weaker, and the representation is members of the church who
are perceived to be weak in faith because they are supposed to have received lesser
gifts from the Spirit. On the basis of this interpretation, the presentation of the body
metaphor is translated as follows in English: "the (seemingly) weaker members". The
representation of the body metaphor is translated as follows in English: "the
members who are seemingly weaker in faith. / Thesis (M.A. (Greek))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/668 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Goede, Hendrik |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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