The purpose of σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα in the Gospel of John: A socio-rhetorical reading of John 4:46–54

Abstract

This article contributes to the critical issue of “signs” in the Gospel of John. It discusses the purpose of the synonym σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα in John 4:46–54 as a factor for soliciting faith from the audience and recipients of the gospel, and presents Jesus being above miracle-workers of his day. Although some scholars have discussed σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα in John 4:46–54, the works were mainly focused on intertextual analysis in the Pentateuch, the prophets, and parallels in Hellenistic religions of the ancient Mediterranean world. This study adapts the inner texture of the socio-rhetorical reading propounded by Vernon K. Robbins to re-interpret John 4:46–54. The narrator engaged σημεῖα καὶ τέρατα to stimulate faith from the audience and recipients of the Gospel of John, and to present Jesus to be above emperor miracle-workers. In this way, the gospel employs deliberative rhetoric to demonstrate the superiority of Jesus in the miracle enterprise.