Publication at Hussite Theological Faculty |
2020
Abstract
This study points to the ancient rhetorical conventions of dispositio, inventio and topoi in John 4:1-42 as a model for understanding the role of irony in Jesus' dialogue with the Samaritan woman, which provides the performative context for reading the underlying reference to Gen 29:1-14. The goal is to show how this underlying Scripture text functions rhetorically in the dialogue.
In the first part of the essay, I provide a contextual frame of reference with respect to the practice of rhetoric in antiquity. In the second part, I focus on the evangelist's rhetorical strategy, including his use of Gen 29:1-14.
In the final part, I explain how the dialogue moves from non-understanding to understanding.