WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON? STRUCTURE AND THETORIC IN CHRIST'S PARABLE OF THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS: (MATTHEW 25:31-46), WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO BIBLE TRANSLATION

  • Ernst Wendland University of Stellenbosch

Abstract

This well-known eschatological passage from Matthew is examined from two complementary discourse perspectives. First, the elaborate structural organization of the text is presented in terms of its salient compositional parallels and main points of internal divergence within the principal pattern of development. Secondly, I will summarize some of the chief aspects of rhetorical significance that are manifested by the masterful blending of form and content in relation to the wider discourse context of this parabolic pericope. In conclusion, I will offer a few suggestions as to the practical relevance of this sort of analysis for translators who wish to convey a greater measure of its considerable communicative impact and persuasive appeal for a contemporary audience in another language and culture. The aim and approach of this short paper has been both stimulated and informed by similar studies that have appeared among the many scholarly writings of Bernard Combrink, to whom I gratefully dedicate the present effort.
Published
2013-06-12
Section
Articles