The Children of God and the Glory That John 1:14 Saw -- By: Gordon D. Kirchhevel

Journal: Bulletin for Biblical Research
Volume: BBR 06:1 (NA 1996)
Article: The Children of God and the Glory That John 1:14 Saw
Author: Gordon D. Kirchhevel


The Children of God and the Glory
That John 1:14 Saw

Gordon D. Kirchhevel

Chicago, Illinois

After John 1:1-3 described the Word (compare Tg. Isa 45:12) and John 1:4- 10 described the light (compare Isa 60:1-2), John 1:11-13 described the unbelievers and believers as perceived in Aramaic tradition related to Isa 53:1-2a, and John 1:14 described the unique and glorious Messiah predicted in the tradition related to Isa 53:2b. He that cometh was identified as Jesus Messiah in John 1:15-17, and v. 18 asserted that the unique Son, the Father’s beloved, governed for the unseen God. “Like the sucker” in Isa 53:2a was taken to refer to the believer(s), and the ambiguous simile was interpreted as like a seed sprouting (Mark 4:26-27) and as like a little child (10:15). Aramaic tradition interpreted the sucker as “the righteous,” and Rom 1:16-17 argued that God’s righteousness is revealed in those who “believe” the “good news,” interpreting “faith” in Hab 2:4 in accordance with the faith perceived in Isa 53:1.

Key Words: Isaiah Targum (Aramaic tradition), glory, Messiah, good news (gospel), children of God (believers)

This article briefly compares what John 1:12-13 says about “children of God” with Isa 53:2a and compares the “glory” in v. 2b with the “glory” seen in John 1:14. This is done with the aid of Aramaic tradition, as it is attested in the distinctive Aramaic interpretation (Targum) of Isaiah. The similarities tend to support the hypothesis that John 1:12-14, 18 portrayed the fulfillment of predictions in Aramaic tradition related to Isa 53:1-2. The similes in Isa 53:2a are compared even more briefly with the similes in Mark 10:15; You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe

visitor : : uid: ()