Doelmatige herhaling, veral deur chiasmes, in die literêre narratiewe gang van die Johannesevangelie

Abstract

Purposeful repetition through chiasms in the narrative flow of the Gospel of John. More than one meritorious contribution has already investigated the relationship between the typical Johannine style and the theological content of the Gospel according to John. Recent analyses of the Johannine style, particularly focusing on the role of variation and repetition (Bauckham 2015:3; Du Rand 1996:62; Van Belle 2009:37; and Van der Watt 2009:351) have by shedding valuable light on the problem, furthering the New Testament science in a creative way. In this contribution the emphasis falls on the powerful role of repetition, variation and the reinvented role of chiasms, possibly from Semitic influence, on the Johannine thought structures. The particular emphasis falls on the theological influence of the relation between format and content. Chiasms are also depicted in Greek literature but are dominant in John because of the strong influence of Judaistic style in his thoughts.