A polyvalent hermeneutic of John 2:13-25: Theoretical and exegetical considerations

Abstract

This article proposed a polyvalent hermeneutical paradigm to evolve multiple meanings and divergent voices embedded within and beyond the text. Polyvalent hermeneutic considers multiple aspects, spectrums, consciousnesses and vantage points in the process of interpretation. Its five paradigms are as follows: ‘behind’ and ‘toward’, ‘within’ and ‘out of’, ‘in front’ and ‘into’, ‘under’ and ‘unto’ and ‘above’ and ‘beyond.’ These paradigms mainly develop in two directions: firstly, a horizontal direction in which ‘behind’ and ‘toward’ and ‘in front’ and ‘into’ paradigms are mediated through ‘within’ and ‘out of’ paradigm and secondly, a vertical direction in which ‘under’ and ‘unto’ and ‘above’ and ‘beyond’ paradigms are mediated through ‘within’ and ‘out of’ paradigm. Through these paradigms and movements, an interpreter conceptualises the overall potential of the text. An analytic and synthetic approach plays a significant role in polyvalent hermeneutic. Within its hermeneutical framework, a reader investigates the text from historical, literary, contextual, sociological and ideological perspectives.

Contribution: This article discussed polyvalent hermeneutics of the New Testament with a focus on John 2:13–25. As HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies gives significance to biblical hermeneutics as one of its emphases, this article fits well within the scope of the journal.