Abstract
The Johannine author uses metaphors and symbols to enable the primary and secondary readers to come to a better understanding of the Paraclete-Spirit. The study of particular Johannine metaphors is valuable in understanding the message and theology of John. The use of the dove, water and wind metaphors in the Johannine Gospel definitely has functional and theological implications for the Pneumatology of John. The Johannine author uses imagery freely in expressing his Pneumatological message. He does not express his message regarding the Paraclete-Spirit merely in the form of a theological discourse, but by using the metaphors dove, water and wind. By exploring the relationship between the various Paraclete-Spirit metaphors, a larger and more coherent picture emerges, which opens the view to the interrelatedness of various theological themes. Such a metaphorical description of the Paraclete-Spirit in the Johannine Gospel has genuine potential and deserves to be explored.
Highlights
The Johannine Gospel is well-known for its wealth and depth of figurative language, metaphors, and symbols
In this article I am investigating the Johannine Paraclete-Spirit from the particular perspective of the metaphors and symbols the author uses to enable the primary and secondary readers to come to a better understanding of the Paraclete-Spirit
In the exegetical undertaking of my study (Joubert 2006), I argued that we find three micro-level metaphors that the Johannine author uses to enable his readers to come to a better understanding of who the Paraclete-Spirit is and what we can expect from him
Summary
The Johannine Gospel is well-known for its wealth and depth of figurative language, metaphors, and symbols. In this article I am investigating the Johannine Paraclete-Spirit from the particular perspective of the metaphors and symbols the author uses to enable the primary and secondary readers to come to a better understanding of the Paraclete-Spirit. I am suggesting that there exists a close relationship between the different metaphors and images in the Johannine Gospel. The usage of metaphors per se is neither a modern trend nor only limited to the theological domain. Botha (1983:29-44) discusses the impasse of modern scientific models and methodology. In her discussion, Botha focuses on the epistemological nature of metaphors. She alludes to the fact that the obtaining of knowledge is often metaphorical in nature
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