L'annonce des fleuves d'eau vive en Jean 7, 37-39 (Première partie)

Abstract

The various proposals of punctuation in Jn 7, 37b-38 all have their weaknesses. More specifically the one which makes of ho pisteuôn eis eme (v. 38a) the subject of pinetô (v. 37b) does not escape criticism. Nevertheless, as the first part of this study shows, the main objections against this punctuation disappear if one takes into consideration a use of semitic syntax (equally present in Jn 7, 52) which leads to interpret the imperative from pinetô, not as an invitation to "drink", but as a promise concerning the effect of a behaviour in faith : "and he will drink, he who believes in me !". The second part of this study attempt to understand the passage of Scripture to which Jn 7, 38 refers. A double component is admitted. On the one hand there is a basic text : "Rivers will flow from his side" ; it refers to Ex 17,6 : "and water will flow from it". But in accordance with a jewish hermeneutical technique, the statement has been enriched by drawing from parallel passages. On the other hand a complementary note is added : "(Rivers ...) of living water" ; it may be taken from Za 14, 8 ; more safely one can say it is inspired from a paradisiac tradition.