The "I Am" of the Fourth Gospel: A Study in Johannine Usage and Thought"The mysterious phrase 'I am' in the Gospel of John has long fascinated and puzzled readers. Was Jesus equating himself with Yahweh? Philip B. Harner delves into this expression, particularly where it appears without a predicate, as in 'before Abraham was, I am.' In assessing the background and sources of the nine verses that contain the absolute 'I am,' the author takes account of Exodus, Isaiah, Judaic traditions, the Hellenistic environment, and the Synoptic tradition. Dr. Harner concludes that the term was central to John's theology and was based on a parallel Hebrew expression found in Second Isaiah. At the heart of this provocative study lies the question of whether or not the 'I am' claim is part of the post-Easter Christology of the early church." -- |
Common terms and phrases
Abraham absolute ego eimi absolute sense actually argue aspect assertion attributed background believe century chapter Christ Christian cited claim close complete concerned connection context creation direct disciples discussion double meaning earlier early especially evidently examine example Exodus expression faith Father Fourth Gospel further give hand idea implies important indicates instance interest interpretation Israel Jesus Jewish Jews John John's Judaism later light look lord Mark Matthew messiah ministry name Yahweh occurs Old Testament parallels passages Passover phrase phrase ani hu phrase ego eimi possible predicate predicateless ego eimi present Press probably problem question reference reflect regarded relation relationship represented revealer says scenes Second Isaiah seems seen self-predication sent Septuagint significant similar speaks statement Stauffer suggest supplied term theme thought translated trial understand understood unity usage various verse writings