"Varför gråter du, kvinna?" Funktioner och symboler hos vätskor relaterade till kroppen. En undersökning av Johannesevangeliet

Abstract

This essay explores the narrative, historical and theological functions and symbols of fluids related to the body in the Gospel of John. Relevant fluids include blood, tears, ointment, wine and water. Baptism and lakes are not included. A narrative approach is used and subsequently combined with historical-critical analysis and systematic theology. The use of fluids create change and advance the narrative. The plot often starts with an every-day-event familiar to the reader, and commonly end in positive changes with profound depths. Tears and healing water are followed by both instant and future transformations, whereas ointment and water for washing are followed by big changes first afterwards. Fluids are often tools taking part in the transformation itself. Tears are an exception, not necessary to make Lazarus or Jesus alive, but instead illustrate deep despair followed by great joy. Blood is used to connect Jesus’ speech about the eucharist with his death when the spirit is poured out as water together with blood. Altogether, fluids related to the body takes part in the event and are tools to show huge positive changes that seldom can be comprehensively grasped until later.