Socio-Rhetorical Criticism and the Parable of the Tenants

Abstract

This article seeks to provide a new and hitherto unexplored interpretation to the parable of the Tenants (found in Mt. 21.33-46, Mk 12.1-12, Lk. 20.9-19 and Gos. Thom. 65). By eliminating allegorical accretions found in the canonical tradition, the story is seen to focus on the relationship of the Jewish farmer to his/her land. This relationship is explored within the important theo-political theme of 'inheritance', a catchword of great significance when viewed against ancient religious traditions cen tering upon 'the promise of the land' given by YHWH to the people. When the parable was spoken to a first-century audience sensitive to the issue of landedness, two significant but contrary reactions were recorded within the tradition. On the one hand, the Gospel of Thomas testifies to a very early connection with a theme of reversal, as evidenced by the stone quotation from Psalm 118. When set against the narrative structure of the parable, it is seen that this theme of reversal applies to the landless tenants who are in the position to secure access to the land through the death of the son (legally or not). On the other hand, another tradition expected a vengeful response on the part of the landowner. It was this tradition, once a post-Easter rein terpretation of parable as prophecy held sway, which was the historical successor, easily incorporating the theme of reversal, now referring to the resurrected Lord. Potential for future exploration in parable research along this line is suggested. One of the more important nuances, however, is the careful consideration of varying interpretations within the same audience construct. With this important caveat, the potential for socio-rhetorical reading of the parable tradition is significant in providing a new method within parable scholarship.