Die "swakste lede" in Paulus se liggaam-metafoor : 'n grammaties-historiese studie

Abstract

The problem investigated in this study is the following: What is a valid interpretation and translation of µέλη άσθνέρα in 1 Corinthians 12:22? This problem can only be solved if Paul's body metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12 is investigated grammatical-historically, applying a valid theory of metaphor. The state of research on metaphors is established in order to determine a suitable theory of metaphor. Further, the state of research regarding Paul's use of the body metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12 and specifically 1 Corinthians 12:22 is determined. And 1 Corinthians 12:l-31 is interpreted applying the grammatical-historical method of De Klerk and Janse van Rensburg (2004). The theory of metaphor of Van der Watt (2000) and the accompanying method is chosen as suitable theory of metaphor. In terms of this theory, the presentation and representation of the body metaphor in 1 Corinthians 12 are determined by way of the grammatical-historical method. This determination leads the interpreter to a valid interpretation and translation of µέλη άσθνέρα in 1 Corinthians 12:22. It transpires that the presentation of the body metaphor is the living human body and the members/organs of the body, and that the representation is the church of Christ, i.e. the members of the church. The presentation of µέλη άσθνέρα in 1 Corinthians 12:22 is members of the body which are physically weaker, and the representation is members of the church who are perceived to be weak in faith because they are supposed to have received lesser gifts from the Spirit. On the basis of this interpretation, the presentation of the body metaphor is translated as follows in English: "the (seemingly) weaker members". The representation of the body metaphor is translated as follows in English: "the members who are seemingly weaker in faith.