JOHN 4:16 A DIFFICULT TEXT SPEECH ACT THEORETICALLY REVISITED

  • Eugene Botha University of South Africa
Keywords: Speech act theory, John 4, 16

Abstract

The very abrupt change in the conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well has presented exegetes with considerable problems in explaining it. This paper suggests that the application of speech act theory to the text of John 4:16 can perhaps offer a satisfactory explanation of this difficult verse. A few general principles of speech act theory are explained and applied to the text, and it is indicated how a speech act reading can enhance the current understanding of the text.
Published
2020-08-27
Section
Articles