An intertextual study of the formulaic fulfilment quotations in the Gospel of Matthew

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The text of Matthew contains numerous examples of overt intertextuality, a number of them as formulaic fulfilment quotations. A significant portion of these examples can be linked to the book of Isaiah. Much has been done to define the textual features of these fulfilment quotations. Yet, the prevalence of these quotations inMatthew still begs the question: Why? Something more must underlie them than a quest for similar surface structures. The problem which this thesis seeks to address is whether an intertextual examination of these utterances yields perspective on whether their formulaic nature extends beyond textual surface features to include thematic and discursive aspects as well.The thesis introduces a conceptualisation of intertextuality concerning the notions of intercontextuality, interfigurality, internarrativity and interdiscursivity. These concepts are defined with regard to their theoretical functions and also described in terms of their operation in different literary examples.A detailed intertextual examination of five different fulfilment quotations within their contextual settings shows Matthew's systematic development of a storyline from Isaiah which he augments with details about the person and work of Jesus.Other canonical voices are engaged as Matthew draws on the authority of Judaism's oracles in order to substantiate his thesis. Intertextuality, as featured in Matthew's text, transcends the thematic to operate also in terms of interfigurality. Jesus is repeatedly posited as the post-figuration of important religio-historical figures, thereby affirming Matthew's position on the Messianic identity and ministry of Jesus.By the use narrative moments drawn from Isaiah and internarratively reframed, the prophet himself is situated in Matthew's text as a character with an oracular voice.Matthew's interdiscursive endeavour supports his hypothesis of Jesus. This study demonstrates that Matthew's intentional articulation of a theological perspective may be usefully evidenced through the application of intertextual concepts.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University