text:
Services on Demand
Related links
- Cited by Google
- Similars in Google
In die Skriflig
On-line version ISSN 2305-0853
Print version ISSN 1018-6441
In Skriflig (Online) vol.47 n.1 Pretoria Jan. 2013
The metaphor of light embedded in the Johannine prologue, Part 1: The Light before the incarnation
Die metafoor van lig ingebed in die Johannese proloog, Deel 1: Die Lig voor die Inkarnasie
Dirk G. van der Merwe; Pierre Y. Albalaa
Department of Christian Spirituality, Church History and Missiology, University of South Africa, South Africa
This is the first of two articles on how the Fourth Evangelist has ingeniously embedded the light metaphor in the prologue of the Fourth Gospel. The prologue is replete with this metaphor. A thorough discourse analysis explores the text's inner texture to determine the rhetoric and network of semantic relations, regarding light as the subject. From here the text's sacred texture is investigated. Various theological themes are interwoven into the text, with light being a consistent, embedded metaphor, embracing a wealth of facets and interpretations. This research focuses on the embedded light metaphor in the Johannine prologue as it relates to the Logos's ontological identity and functionality before his incarnation.
Hierdie is die eerste van twee artikels om aan te toon hoe die vierde Evangelis vindingryk die lig-metafoor in die proloog van die vierde Evangelie ingebed het. Die proloog is gevul met hierdie metafoor. Deur middel van 'n behoorlike diskoersanalise is die diepte-struktuur van die teks ondersoek om die retoriek en netwerk van semantiese verhoudings vanaf die perspektief van lig as onderwerp te bepaal. Hierna is die teologiese-struktuur van die teks ondersoek. Verskeie teologiese temas is in die teks verweef, met 'lig' as 'n konstante verankerde metafoor wat 'n rykdom van fasette en interpretasie insluit. Hierdie navorsing fokus op die ingebedheid van die lig-metafoor in die Johannese proloog soos wat dit verband hou met die ontologiese identiteit en funksionaliteit van die Woord voor die inkarnasie.
On first reading, the Fourth Gospel (hereafter FG) seems straightforward and easy to understand. However, a careful study of the text reveals more than first meets the mind's eye. Features of the Fourth Evangelist's (hereafter FE) writing are the underlying themes embedded in the text, for example his use of double entendre (double meaning), his cyclic reasoning and many chiastic structures. The FG and prologue contain various well-organised, pictorially interwoven, theological themes that lend themselves to interpretation.
This research emphasises the positive theological exposition of the prologue from the perspective of the prevailing light concept. The objective is firstly to indicate the comprehensive embeddedness of the light metaphor in the Johannine prologue, and secondly to highlight the many features of the light metaphor. Finally, this investigation shows how the light metaphor connects major themes in the prologue - light being one of the key theological themes of the prologue. We examine the identity and function of light before the incarnation of the Logos with a view to gaining a better understanding of the prologue and the rest of the FG.
A dual approach will be followed: (1) a discourse analysis of the text to identify the various semantic overtones regarding the light metaphor, and to structure the research, and (2) a theological reading to correlate and interpret these semantic overtones.1
An inner-textural and sacred-textural reading of the prologue
An orientation to inner-textural and sacred-textural reading
The purpose of the inner-textural analysis of the prologue's text is to gain in-depth knowledge of the text's words, word patterns, voices, structures, devices and modes. This forms the context for meaning and interpretation (Robbins 1996:7). In this article, the discourse analysis helped to highlight the different semantic relations between words and concepts and to determine the rhetoric of the FE in this text.At a stylistic level, the movement of thought and the technique which the FE uses influence the whole research process. In the prologue (and discourses) he uses the technique of verbal links through keywords, concatenation of ideas by means of recourse to earlier ideas, and inclusio whereby thought is brought back to its starting point (Schnackenburg 1980:115f.). The FE's train of thought also revolves around certain concepts, but moving forward despite its circular motion. The FE's pattern of thought is almost spiral: although thoughts circle and return, they still progress to a higher, more explanatory, level. This meditative way of thought uses few arguments but proceeds progressively deeper into its subject to gain better and higher understanding (Schnackenburg 1980:116f.).
The sacred-texture will help to locate the ways the text speaks about God and the Logos who are also presented as the Light (cf. Robbins 1996:120). At a theological level, Van der Watt (1995:91-126) makes a useful contribution to the structural exposition of Johannine theology (see also Loader 1984:188216) which he indicates as a 'pictorial representation'. He indicates how the Johannine thought system (Christology, soteriology, ethics, pneumatology and eschatology) which is organic-systematic in character can be presented pictorially. The different themes are linked organically and recall one another systematically for they are spread throughout the FG. He emphasises that:
Johannes telkens uit die teologiese bedding wat sistematies saamhang, geput het en die temas konsekwent deur die Evangelie aangebied het. Dit kan ook as verklaring dien waarom dieselfde temas deur die loop van die Evangelie telkens na vore tree en waarom Johannes verkies om met 'n beperkte aantal temas te werk. In die piktorale samehang is die temas nie logies-opeenvolgend (kettingagtig) gestruktureer nie, maar logies verbandhoudend (piktoraal). [John often uses themes from his theological bed, which systematically coheres. He then presents these themes consistently throughout the Gospel. This clarifies why similar themes occasionally occur throughout the Gospel and also why John prefers to work with a limited number of themes. In this pictorial coherence the themes are not structured logically-consecutively but logically related.] (Van der Watt 1991:93-126)
Meeks's (1972:68) earlier perception supports Van der Watt's hypothesis when he says: '[t]he reader cannot understand any part of the FG until he understands the whole'. Koester (2008:3) supports the view of Van der Watt and Meeks: '[t]he present form of the Gospel can rightly be read as a whole'. Each time, this organic-systematic pictorial structure forces the exegete to view every specific theme against the background of other themes.
The inner-textural reading of the Johannine prologue
A brief investigation of the prologue begins with a discourse analysis to highlight the semantic relations and rhetorical arguments of the FE in the text. This is necessary to prevent any form of repetition in the case of critical analysis, to determine the focal point that constitutes the lens through which the interpretation and understanding of the semantic relations of the prologue will be conducted, to determine the rhetoric and contemplation of the FE, to point out the comprehensive embeddedness of the light metaphor, and to create a logical perceptible profile of the Light, before the incarnation, as a conceptual system used by the FE in the prologue.
In recent decades, many studies have proved that a kind of symmetry pattern or structure, which clearly forms a chiasmus, is discernible in the prologue.2 The results of these studies provide evidence that the structure of the prologue is chiastic. The different criteria used to construct the chiasmus end up in different chiastic structures.
Thus, the prologue can be divided into two main sections, each having its own structuring principles (Van der Watt 1995:329-331). In each section, at least three 'actors' are mentioned, and their actions are repeated. This infers that events like the witnessing of John the Baptist, the incarnation of the Son and his presence with the Father are narrated twice.
See the addendum at the end of this article for a discourse analysis of the Johannine prologue, in chiastic structure, conducted from the perspective of the light metaphor.
An explanation of the proposed chiastic structure
From the perspective of the light motif, the above chiastic structure3 can be presented, briefly and pictorial-logically, as follows:4
The pivot5 of this prologue, and that of the above chiastic structure,6 is to be found in cluster E (vv. 12-13)7. This then implies that the rest of the prologue has to be viewed semantically or interpreted through the lens of redemption, which comprises the enlightenment of people. The fact that the Logos met with misunderstanding and rejection from humans when he came into the world is now contrasted with the fact that there were still some who 'received him' όσοι δέ ελαβον αυτόν (12.1). This dialectical procedure clearly shows the hand of the FE (Schnackenburg 1980:261).
The chiasmus serves to link these two sections and to show that the same important matters are dealt with in both of them, but from different perspectives. Two perceptions of the same reality are given. In the first section (vv. 1-11) historical events are described chronologically. To establish their true significance, these historical events should be seen from the divine perspective of grace and truth (vv. 14-18).
This investigation will not follow the structure of the chiasmus sequentially, but rather the semantic cluster network as indicated in the discourse analysis. The focal points of these clusters are the following:
1. The Word, who is God, is also the Light.
2. The Logos (who is the Light) reveals God.
3. The Light created the world into which He came.
4. The Baptist witnessed the Light.
5. The Light came into the world.
6. The Light shines in the darkness so that His glory could be seen.
7. The darkness could not overwhelm the Light.
8. The Light brings salvation.
The different clusters of semantic relations (a-h) clearly and convincingly point out how the entire prologue is saturated with the light metaphor. Each of these clusters is connected with some aspect or nuance of the light metaphor. The following subsection substantiates this further in discussing the profiles of clusters a-d.8
The discourse analysis with the indicated semantic combinations convincingly points out how the light metaphor is embedded in the prologue of the FG, with the result that the entire prologue is filled with this notion. This facilitates an investigation of the theological texture to construe the pictorial9 theological interwovenness and to understand the prologue as an illumination-oriented construct.
A sacred-textural reading of the discourse analysis of the prologue10
The following is a concise discussion of the semantic relations indicated above and their theological meaning and implications from the perspective that Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, is the Logos or Light, who came to reveal (enlighten) and to save (lighten).
The Word, who is God, is also the Light (cluster f)
The prologue starts by setting Jesus' ministry in a cosmic framework (Koester 2008:8). Therefore, this subsection investigates the relationship between the following concepts: Logos, God, Life, Light, only Son of God or the Father, and Jesus Christ.
Semantic relations:
The semantic relations in the first cluster are created by the multiple occurrences of the verb ήν. The prologue associates the Logos with God, life and light (in the second cluster also with 'the only Son of the Father' and with 'Jesus Christ'). This association governs the entire narrative.
Interpretation of related texts:11 In the prologue, the readers of the FG understood the meaning of certain terms - such as Logos, life, light and darkness - because these were words drawn from everyday language. But in both the original Greek text and the English translation of the prologue, these terms do not denote or mean what they do in everyday language. In the prologue, they are used to refer to some qualities of a person, namely the only Son of God (14.3.1; 18.2) or Jesus Christ (17.2). In everyday language, 'words' do not 'become flesh', nor do they possess the property of 'glory' (Petersen 1993:8).
Thus, the FE is using everyday language but in a special way; this is implicitly and explicitly contrasted with everyday usage. In this regard it can be said that he is using a special language (Petersen 1993:9). What happens here is that the FE employs metaphors in some cases because metaphors can be used non-contradictorily to say one thing is another (Petersen 1993:10), for example 'the life is the light' (4.2). But in verse 5 it is different.12 In verse 5 the FE writes, '[t]he light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it',13 and in verse 9 he makes a parallel assertion that 'the true light that enlightens every man14 was coming into the world; he was in the world ... yet the world knew him not ... and his own people received him not'.
The statement 'the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it' does not need to be construed metaphorically. Only when verse 5 is read along with verse 9 does the possibility of metaphor arise. The light shining in the darkness (5.1) could be a metaphor for light coming into and being in the world (18.104.22.168). 'Shining' could be a metaphor for 'coming into' (184.108.40.206), 'being in' (10.1), whilst 'darkness' could be a metaphor for the world. Thus, 'the world' would be assigned the attribute of 'darkness' but would not be darkness, and 'coming into' and 'being in' would be given the attribute of shining without being shining (Petersen 1993:11).
Difficulties arise when it becomes clear that light is the subject of both statements. In verse 5.1 light seems to denote solar light, to which 'shining' and 'in the darkness' fit conventionally. In verse 9 light is anthropomorphised. This is substantiated by expressions such as 'coming into' (184.108.40.206), 'being in' (10.1), 'was made through him' (10.2), 'he came to his own home' (11.1), and 'his own people' (11.2). Consequently, the statement in 5.1 is not a metaphor for the one in 9.1 but rather vice versa: 9.1 is an anthropomorphic metaphor for the statement in 5.1. The question arises here: What is the FE referring to in 5.1 when he speaks of light? It is clear that he has not used the word metaphorically (Petersen 1993:12). Does it then mean that he is using it literally and, if not, what is he trying to refer to? Or is it a typical Johannine appearance where the word is used in a dualistic capacity of being a metaphor in one sense and not a metaphor in another sense? To have clarity on these questions, verses 3-4 had to be incorporated into this discussion.
Life in 4.1 could be understood as residing in Logos and being involved in creation. The personal pronoun in 4.1 relates to the personal pronouns in 2.1 and 3.1. Due to the fact that the FE refers to Jesus throughout the gospel as Logos,15 the Light, and the Life (Jn 1:9-11, 14; 8:12; 11:25), verse 4 could be understood as inferring that Life, like Light and Logos (all three capitalised), was 'in Logos'16 and that 'the Life was the Light for men'.17 Further, 'Life' and 'Light' could be understood as metaphors respectively used for Logos. In this sense the quality of life will be attributed to Logos, and the quality of light would be attributed to life. This means that Logos has to have a literal reference to whatever the FE intends this expression to refer to, because it would be metaphorically granted the quality of life, which word will now have to be un-capitalised. However, when one reads that 'the Life was the light of men' (4.2), 'Life' would have to be capitalised and understood to be a literal reference, for now the un-capitalised light would be a metaphorical attribute of 'Life'. Consequently 'Logos' would refer literally, 'the Life or life' would refer both literally and metaphorically, and 'the light' would only refer metaphorically. But in verse 9.1 φως is personalised to relate literally to life in 4.2. Thus, it can be deduced that if 'Logos' and 'God' refer literally, so could 'the Life' and 'the Light' (Petersen 1993:13).
In the above discussion of the relation between verse 5 and verses 9-11, it has been pointed out that 'the Light' does refer literally. Viewed as such, 'the Life' could be 'in' the 'Logos' just as the Logos was 'with' God, and the Light 'being' the Life of men could be understood in terms of the Logos 'being' God. In this sense, 'the Logos', 'God', 'the Life' and 'the Light' could all be used synonymously to refer literally to the same referential entity. This is also comprehensible from the comparison between the statements in verses 3.1 and 10.2 (Petersen 1993:13).
The synonymity of 'the Logos' and 'the Light' (and 'the Life' by implication) is further established by the fact that in the prologue creation happened through their involvement:
πάντα .... δι' αύτοϋ έγένετο,...........The Logos (3.1)
ό κόσµος δι' αύτοϋ έγένετο,...........The Light (10.2)18
Because the one creation of 'all things' or 'the world' is attributed to both 'the Logos' and 'the Light', the latter two expressions are used synonymously to refer to the same referent. This is substantiated even further by the fact that Jesus is (implicitly) both 'the Logos' in its incarnate form (v. 14) and 'the Light' as it appeared in the world. The same can be said of 'the Life'. If the verb was (ἦν), in 4.1, is taken as a copula, 'the Life' is synonymous with 'the Light' (ἡ ζωὴ ἦν τὸ φῶς, 4.2)19. This interpretation is further supported by the fact that Jesus, who is 'the Logos' and 'the Light' ('Εγώ εἰµι τὸ φῶς τοῦ κόσµου· ὁ ἀκολουθῶν ἐµοὶ οὐ µὴ περιπατήσῃ ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ, ἀλλ' ἕξει τὸ φῶς τῆς ζωῆς 8:1), also claims to be 'the Life' (Εγώ εἰµι ἡ ὁδὸς καὶ ἡ ἀλήθεια καὶ ἡ ζωή, Jn 14:6) elsewhere in the FG. Because of this synonymity, the four expressions about Jesus Christ (Logos, God, Life, and Light) are synonymous20 and create a λόγος - θεὸς - ζωὴ - φῶς matrix. In this sense their reference is literal, not metaphorical, and they each refer to the same entity: the Light (φω̂ς) is also the 'Life' (ζωή) or the 'Logos' (λόγος) or 'God' (θεόν).21 This conclusion certainly has important implications for the rest of this study. It infers and legitimises that everything written in the prologue can be interpreted and understood from the perspective of light.
However, the light concept is also used metaphorically, and this usage is constituted by its combination with 'darkness' and also with the relation between light and life.22 In verses 4 and 5, light and darkness metaphors are used for the first time in a cosmic framework. The Logos as the Life and the Light takes up a position over and against darkness as a symbol of the evil stubbornness of the world, which rejected him (v. 5, 8-9).23 According to this metaphor, light reveals the power of God.24 It emanates from the Logos, and manifests the life given to people through him. The Life referred to here is divine life, the primary source of all life, natural and supernatural. It has a theological dimension which is God's relationship to human beings, and a physical dimension since the Logos was the absolute creative power through which 'all things' came into being and nothing was created without him (v. 3). This Life is the light of men, for from the Logos they receive the light (v. 9), the light of grace and truth (v. 17).25
Conclusion: This subsection dealt with the nature and character of the Light, which is personified in Jesus Christ. On the one hand it has been characterised in terms of the λόγος-θεός-ζωή-φώς matrix. On the other hand it has been indicated that the metaphorical application of light occurs in its combination with darkness and the relation between light and life.
The Logos (who is the Light) reveals God (cluster d)
This section investigates the close semantic relationship between verses 1-2 and 18. The relationship between the Logos and God is examined to provide a better understanding of the nature of the 'light metaphor'. Although there are no explicit references to 'light' (φώς) in this text, it is metaphorically and implicitly present in the two verbs έώρακεν and έξηγήσατο.
Semantic relations:
There is a remarkable correlation between verses 1-2 and 18. Reading them together, it seems as if verses 1-2 prepare for making sense of verse 18. Because the function of the Son µονογενής θεός is to explain and to reveal the divine secrets of the Father (Brown 1966:18), the FE prepares the reader in 1-2 by characterising the Logos, which he identifies later on as the only Son of the Father (14.3.1). The fact that the Logos existed in the 'beginning' (ἐν ἀρχῇ) and he is God (καὶ θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος, 1.3) and he was with God (οὗτος ἦν ἐν ἀρχῇ πρὸς τὸν θεόν, 1.2; 2.1) explains why he could have had such a close relationship with God (ὁ ὢν εἰς τὸν κόλπον τοῦ πατρὸς,, 18.2) and why only he could explain (ἐκεῖνος ἐξηγήσατο, 18.2) the unseen (ούδείς έώρακεν, 18.1) God.
Interpretation of related texts: This subsection tries to point out how the prologue is saturated with references to Jesus's relationship with God. This is necessary to legitimise the truth of his revelation (enlightenment) about the Father in this world. The prologue starts with the expression 'Εν άρχή (1.1; 2.1). It is the same as that of the LXX version of Genesis 1:1.26 The parallel continues into the next verses. 'Beginning' alludes here to the beginning of creation (Col 1:16; Heb 11:3).27 Other Genesis allusions such as life, light, darkness and explicit reference to the creation of the world (Gn 1:3) reinforce this point. Thus, 'beginning' refers here to the period before creation and is a designation, more than temporal, of the sphere of God (cf. Schnackenburg 1980:233).28
To emphasise the pre-existent life of the Logos in eternity with God, the FE repeatedly (seven times) uses the verb ήν (v. 1, 2, 4, 8), the imperfect of the verb 'to be' in its absolute and predicative uses. This verb (ήν) expresses an ongoing event (Hengel 2008:275). Its significance is reflected constantly in the 'I am' ('Εγώ είµι) proclamations of Jesus where he refers to himself in terms that recall the revelation of the divine name to Moses at the burning bush. This infers that the Logos existed, in eternity, before the beginning, outside of time and space (Whitacre 1999:50; Burridge 2007:293).29 The attention of the reader is drawn beyond creation and directed into the life of God to encounter the pre-existent Logos. The prologue begins its account in eternity with the Father, showing that the Logos who became the human being (14.1), Jesus Christ (17.2), already existed in the beginning (Mullins 2003:48).
To inform the readers about the relationship between λόγος and θεός the FE wrote that λόγος is 'with God'.30 The phrase πρός τόν θεόν31 occurs twice (1.3 and 2.1) and refers to the personal distinctiveness of the Logos with God, which has been further epitomised as 'the Father' (τοῦ πατρὸς, 14.3.1; 18.2). To be with God (πρός, 1.2; 2.1 or 'in the bosom' είς τόν κόλπον, 18.2) means that the Logos (Son) is distinct from him. This second affirmation speaks also of the personal union of the Logos with God (Schnackenburg 1980:233). The FE uses the preposition πρός in such a context to indicate personal relationship. He repeatedly emphasises Jesus's intimacy with the Father, sometimes in the language of him being in the Father (Jn 3:2; 8:29; 16:32; 17:20-23), as Jesus also is with his disciples (Jn 11:54; 13:33; 14:9; 15:27; 16:4; 17:12).32 The Logos of the FE has a special relationship with God: it is indicated in part by the preposition πρός with the accusative,33 and more by the continual reaffirmations of their close relationship throughout the FG. The image of father-son is depicted in this gospel as that of a perfect, ideal father-son relationship (Jn 8:29, 35-38).34 The recapitulation of the Logos to be identified as with God in verse 2 emphasises the intimacy of the Father and the Son in the beginning and at creation (Jn 1:3; 8:58).35 Hence, the pre-existence of the Logos 'with God' (πρός τόν θεόν, 1.2; 2.1) signifies not only 'accompaniment' or 'presence to', but also a dynamic relationship with the Father.36
The extent of the perfect revelation by the Son is inferred in the participial phrase ὁ ὢν εἰς τὸν κόλπον τοῦ πατρὸς ἐκεῖνος ἐξηγήσατο (18.2; see also Jn 3:11-13). Here the FE employs figurative language to emphasise the absolute intimacy between the Father and the Son. The conjunction of 'whilst being in . made known' (ὢν εἰς ... ἐξηγήσατο) suggests that the Son revealed the Father whilst remaining in his bosom. The context confirms that this revelation coincides with his earthly life, which reaches its climax on the Cross.37 Holding an object to one's bosom declares the specialness of that object, and indicates an intimate connection. The intimate connection between the Father and Son is not only relational, but it also exists in terms of their shared nature and similar role. The prologue thus culminates in a rehearsal of Jesus's deity, closing an inclusion that began with 1.3.
Therefore, the ambiguous verb έξηγήσατο38 is used to refer to how the Son revealed the Father in the world. Elsewhere in the NT, it means 'to rehearse fact' or 'to recount a narrative' (Lk 24:35; Ac 10:8; 15:12, 14; 21:19).39 The FE uses a verb, which is almost a technical term in Greek literature,40 for the declaration of divine secrets by an oracle or a priest.41 The intransitive use of the verb in the aorist suggests that the introduction has been completed through a historical act (Phillips 2006:218-219). This would imply that through his life and exaltation, Jesus has shown the way to God. The Light has enlightened God. Schnackenburg (1980:279) refers to it as salvific revelation.
Also in both Hellenistic and Jewish religious environments, this verb was used to signify the communication of divine secrets. For the FE, this was the role of the λόγος (Phillips 2006:219). It is thus that the FE can proclaim that the only Son of the Father can explain Him (µονογενής θεός ό ων είς τόν κόλπον τοϋ πατρός έκεΐνος έξηγήσατο, 18.2). Moses could not see all the glory of God because God declared that no one could see his face and live (Ex 33:20; cf. Keener 2003:424).42
Thus, for the only Son to 'make God known' implies much more than communicating a visual image; the verb έξηγήσατο suggests that the Son fully interprets God: He unveils the character of God absolutely. This falls in the semantic field of light, visible, see, reveal, make known, etc.
Conclusion: The FE intentionally planned his vocabulary in verses 1-2 and 18 to say something specific about the only Son of God, who became Jesus Christ (όλόγοςσάρξ έγένετο, 14.1). His intention was to apply this broad religious-philosophical category of the Logos to Jesus Christ. The FE introduces the Logos and identifies three of its characteristics in the following verses:43 Εν ἀρχῇ ... ἦν ὁ λόγος, existence in the beginning; καὶ ὁ λόγος ἦν πρὸς τὸν θεόν, relationship (differentiation from God); and καὶ θεὸς ... ἦν ὁ λόγος, predication (identity with God). He simply was (ἦν), as a person exists: He 'was with God' (ἦν πρὸς τὸν θεόν), as one person is with another; He 'was God' (θεὸς ἦν ὁ λόγος, 1.3.1).
This section convincingly spells out the eternal relationship of the Logos or only Son of God with God the Father (cf. Schnackenburg 1980:233). The text in this section is linguistically loaded with evidence regarding his identity, pre-existence and relationship with God. Therefore, it closes with the theological concept of the revelation of the Father by his only Son. The FE tries to prove that Jesus is the Son of God, who alone can reveal (shed light on) God, and therefore through him alone, people can become children of God (enlighten) through faith in God's Son. Although, the light metaphor was not mentioned in this text, it is implied twice in verse 18 in έώρακεν and έξηγήσατο which falls in the same semantic field as 'light'.
The Word or Light created everything or the world (cluster g)
This section will examine the Word or Light's involvement in creation. Accordingly, the two references on creation through the Logos and the Light, in the first part of the prologue, are analysed to find out what kind of relationship exists between them.
Semantic relations:
It is obvious that these three phrases are closely related due to the occurrence of the verb έγένετο [came]. The double negation in 3.2 (χωρὶς ... οὐδὲ) is used to emphasise the statement made in 3.1. Verses 3.1 and 10.2 are connected because they refer to the creation event.
Interpretation of related texts: Is Light the subject of creation in verse 10.2? How does verse 3.1 relate to 10.2? The reader is left here to supply the subject from the context. The initial alternative would be to continue with the assumption that the readers previously had to make in verse 9 that the subject is the λόγος - θεὸς - ζωὴ - φῶς matrix. This decision is confirmed when the subject of verse 9 becomes the object of verse 10 (τὸ φῶς ... αὐτοῦ). The silence of the FE to name the subject allows the reader to maintain the matrix in mind.45 Since verse 10 can only really refer to the involvement of the λόγος - θεὸς - ζωὴ - φῶς matrix in the act of creation, the creative role of Light or Logos is confirmed here.
The FE repeats the key themes of verses 1-5 in verse 10. The similarities between verses 1-5 and verse 10 are convincing.46 This then implies that verses 3.1 and 10.2 refer to the same act of creation.
Hence, in verses 3.1, 3.2 and 10.2 the FE involves λόγος - φῶς in creation and history. His role is narrated in a passive sense: 'all things or the world came to be through him' (δι' αύτοϋ έγένετο). Why did the FE use the middle tense with δία with the genitive in both verses 3.1 and 10.2? It could be that the preposition is used predominantly to denote the instrument 'by which' something is done. It is also suggested that δία is used to denote the (intermediate) agent of an action, namely the one who acts. Hence, some ambiguity occurs whether δία refers to an intermediate agent (Louw & Nida 1993:797, §90.4), an instrument by which something is accomplished
(Louw & Nida 1993:798, §90.8), or the means by which one event makes another event possible (Louw & Nida 1993:787, §89.76). It can also refer to the origin or source in the case of δία with the genitive (Blass & Debrunner 1967:119, §223.3). This then implies that although Logos or Light is the intermediate agent of what comes to be, he is also the source.
So far in the prologue, the FE has used the verb είναι (1-2), but the switch from description to narrative brings with it a change of verb from είναι to γίνεσθαι. The verb είµί can be listed within the major domain 'be, become, exist, happen' and, in the first sub-domain, 'state'.47 Here the emphasis is on stasis rather than process. Likewise, whilst including γίνεσθαι amongst stasis terms, the verb can also be listed in the second sub-domain, 'change of state', a sub-domain that focuses on terms involving process or change: to become, to change (cf. Louw & Nida 1993:154). This would suggest that when both verbs are used in the same context,εἶναι would normally indicate stasis (description) and γίνεσθαι would indicate process (narrative).48 In the opening verse of the prologue, είναι has been used three times to express different elements of the pre-existence of the 'Logos'.49 This infers that the use of είναι moves towards what, in stasis, is eternal or beyond time. This places the introduction into eternity. The double use of γίνεσθαι in verse 3 changes the focus from description (state) to narrative (change of state). This is a change from 'what was' in the beginning to 'what happened' next.
From this discussion it seems clear that γίνεσθαι signals that 'all things came to be'. The understanding of this verb as a 'reference to creation' or to the 'entire course of history' is left to the reader to decide (Phillips 2006:161). Probably the FE tried to communicate that Logos brings about creation and also governs history. The account of Wisdom as the worker by the side of God at creation (Pr 8:22-31) is echoed in the prologue: the Logos or Light was the agent of all creation (vv. 3 and 10). Logos or Light in the prologue, like Wisdom or Torah, is God's agent of creation, a role that might also prefigure his role in the new creation. All things or Cosmos are or is intimately related to the Logos or Light, for it was created not only through him but also in him. (cf. Phillips 2006:161)50 The agent is distinct from the Creator: God the Father is viewed throughout the FG as the ultimate source of all.
Human beings were enlivened and illuminated by the Logos or Light, who was the source of life and light. The combination of life and light was so widespread in religious literature of early Christian times that one can speak of a 'liturgical formula' that combines life and light (Dodd 1963:19). All of this implies that because the Logos or Light creates, the act of creation is not only the creation of the physical, but also an act of revelation and life. The perfect tense form, γέγονεν, at the end of verse 3.2 extends the work of the Logos from the creation throughout history into the time of the Fourth Gospel (Waetjen 2001:270). All creation bears the stamp of God's Logos or Light, whence the insistence in Wisdom 13:1 and Romans 1:19-20 that from his creatures God is recognisable by men (Brown 1966:25). It is possible that, for this reason, the FE incorporated the light motif here. The creation through the λόγος in verse 3.1 is equated with the creation through the Light in verse 10.2. Through the reference and incorporation of the 'Light also as agent' in the act of creation (and its connection with life, 4.2) the FE wants to indicate that God is observable and understandable also in creation.
Conclusion: In the above section, it was pointed out that the two references to creation (3.1; 10.2) are parallel to and refer to the same creational event through one agent. The FE's use of δια with the genitive δι' αύτου depicts the Logos or Light as both agent and source of creation. The incorporation of Light into the creational act substantiates it not only as a physical creation, but also as an act of revelation and giving of life: God also reveals himself through nature.
The introduction referred to the dual approach of this research: the inner-textural and sacred-textural readings of the prologue. This research started off with an inner-textural reading which consisted of a discourse analysis of the prologue of the Gospel of John to point out clearly a pictorial-logical structure. The research in the article followed the relevant semantic-cluster-network as indicated in the discourse analysis. This facilitated an investigation of the sacred texture to construe the pictorial theological interwovenness and to understand the prologue as an illumination-oriented construct in which the light metaphor was used in a constructive theological discourse.
In this article it became evident through the discourse analysis that various conceptual systems run throughout the prologue and are closely interwoven. Each system depends on the others in the sense that each could be used by itself as a model for representing and depicting Jesus; furthermore, every one of them leads to another. In his characterisation of Jesus, the FE utilises all these systems; he maps them onto one or more of the others. Consequently, an equivalence of the Logos and the light conceptual systems are established in the prologue: the first one (Logos) introduces the prologue, and the second one (light) has the highest occurrence in it. In this prologue, both of them are identified as agents of creation (vv. 3 and 10), entering the world (vv. 4, 9-10 and 14) and becoming the objects of 'receiving', 'knowing', 'believing', or of their contraries (vv. 5 and 10-12). The nouns 'Logos' and 'Light or light' refer to the same referent. It has been shown how the concept of light has been attached explicitly and implicitly to the identity and function of the Logos in the prologue. The Logos and the Light are also synonymous with the Life concept, which is said to have been 'in' εν the Logos and to be 'the light of men' (vv. 3-4). Outside the prologue, the Logos system is absent, but the light system is closely associated with the Father or Son, Son of Man-Agent or discipleship systems.
Therefore, the light metaphor plays a major role in the interpretation and understanding of the prologue. Although the noun (φῶς) and verb (φωτίζει) occur only in the first section (vv. 1-13) of the prologue, the chiastic structure and metaphoric denotation of 'light' show how it (light) saturates its influence and is embedded throughout the prologue. Through all this it is apparent that the light metaphor binds major themes in the prologue. It seems to be one of the key theological themes in the prologue which has a colligative effect to facilitate interpretation and understanding of the prologue and the rest of the FG.
In the prologue the FE deals with the nature, the character and the function of the Logos, which is personified in Jesus Christ. His being has been characterised in terms of the λόγος - θεὸς - ζωὴ - φῶς matrix. Therefore the prologue is linguistically loaded with evidence regarding the Logos's identity, pre-existence and relationship with God, and consequently closes with the theological concept of the illumination (revelation) of the Father by his only Son (the Light). The FE tries to prove that Jesus is the Son of God, who alone can reveal (illuminate) God (v. 18). The light metaphor is implied twice in verse 18 in έώρακεν and έξηγήσατο which fall into the same semantic field as φῶς. The incorporation of Light into the creational act substantiates it not only as a physical creation, but also as an act of revelation (enlightening) and giving of life (enlightenment): God also reveals himself through nature. This clearly points out the vastness of features attached to the light metaphor.
Competing interests
The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationship(s) which may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article.
Authors' contributions
Both D.G.VdM. and P.Y.A. contributed to this article. D.G.VdM. provided his experiential inputs and revised the final product and was also responsible for the final editing, finishing touches and rounding off of the article.
Albalaa, P.Y., 2007, 'Light used as metaphor in the Prologue of the Fourth Gospel: The influence of this metaphor on the Maronite "Prayer of the Faithful"', M.Th. dissertation, Department of New Testament, University of South Africa, Pretoria. [ Links ]
Barrett, C.K., [1955] 1975, The Gospel according to St John. An introduction with commentary and notes on the Greek text, SPCK, London. [ Links ]
Blass, F. & Debrunner, A., 1967, A Greek grammar of the New Testament, transl. R.W. Funk, The University Press of Chicago, Chicago. [ Links ]
Boismard, M-E., 1957, St. John's Prologue, transl. Carisbrooke Dominicans, Blackfriars, London. [ Links ]
Borgen, P., 1968, 'God's Agent in the Fourth Gospel', in J. Neusner (ed.), Religions in Antiquity: Essays in memory of Erwin Remsdell Goodenough, Studies in the history of religions, Supplements to Numen 14, pp. 137-148, Brill, Leiden. [ Links ]
Borgen, P., 1970, 'Observations on the Targumic character of the Prologue of John', New Testament Studies (16), 288-295. [ Links ]
Brown, R.E., 1966, The gospel according to John. A new translation with introduction and commentary, vol. I, Doubleday, New York. [ Links ]
Bultmann, R., [1966] 1978, The Gospel of John: A commentary, transl. G.R. Beasley-Murray, Blackwell, Oxford. [ Links ]
Burridge, R.A., 2007, Imitating Jesus: An inclusive approach to New Testament ethics, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, MI. [ Links ]
Cahill, P.J., 1976, 'Johannine Logos as center', QBC 38(1), 54-72. [ Links ]
Conzelmann, H., 1974, 'φῶς', in G. Friedrich (ed.), Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, MI., vol. 9, pp. 310-358.
Culpepper, R.A., 1981, 'The pivot of John's Prologue', New Testament Studies 27, 1-31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0028688500010237 [ Links ]
Dodd, C.H., 1963, Historical tradition in the Fourth Gospel, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511554919 [ Links ]
Du Rand, J.A., 2000, 'Skeppingsgebeure in die Evangelieverhaal volgens Johannes' [Created events in the Gospel story according to John], Skrif en Kerk 21(2), 243259. [ Links ]
Hengel, M., 2008, 'The Prologue of the Gospel of John as the gateway to Christological truth', in R. Bauckham & C. Mosser (eds.), The Gospel of John and Christian Theology, pp. 265-294, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, MI. [ Links ]
Hooker, M., 1970, 'John the Baptist and the Johannine Prologue', New Testament Studies 16, 357-381. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0028688500014065 [ Links ]
Keener, C.S., 2003, The Gospel of John. A commentary, Vol. 1, Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, Mass. [ Links ]
Koester, C.R., 2008, The Word of Life. A Theology of John's Gospel, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, MI. [ Links ]
Kruse, C.G., 2003, John, The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, vol. 4, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, MI. [ Links ]
LaMarche, P., 1997, 'The Prologue of John (1964)', in J. Ashton (ed.), The Interpretation of John, pp. 47-66, T & T Clark, Edinburgh. [ Links ]
Lincoln, A.T., 2005, The Gospel According to St John, Black's New Testament Commentary, vol. 4, Continuum, New York. [ Links ]
Lindars, B., 1981, The new century bible commentary. The Gospel of John, W B Eerdmans Publication Co, Grand Rapids. [ Links ]
Loader, W.R.G., 1984, 'The Central Structure of Johannine Christology', New Testament Studies 30, 188-216. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0028688500013758 [ Links ]
Louw, J.P. & Nida, E.A., 1993, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament based on semantic domains, United Bible Societies, Cape Town. [ Links ]
Malina, B.J. & Rohrbauch, R.L., 1998, Social-Science commentary on the Gospel of John, Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Minneapolis. [ Links ]
Meeks, W.A., 1972, 'The Man from Heaven in Johannine Sectarianism', JBL 91, 44-72. [ Links ]
Morris, L., [1969] 1985, Studies in the Fourth Gospel, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, MI. [ Links ]
Mullins, M., 2003, The Gospel of John. A commentary, The Columba Press, Dublin. [ Links ]
Neyrey, J.H., 2007, The Gospel of John, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. [ Links ]
Petersen, N.R., 1993, The Gospel of John and the sociology of light: Language and characterization in the Fourth Gospel, Trinity Press International, Valley Forge. [ Links ]
Phillips, P.M., 2006, The Prologue of the Fourth Gospel. A sequential reading, Library of New Testament Studies 294, T & T Clark, London. [ Links ]
Riches, J., 2005, 'Worship resources. Exegetical reflections on lectionary readings: Johannine Prologue', Expository Times 117(2), 69-73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0014524605059892 [ Links ]
Ridderbos, H., 1997, The Gospel of John. A theological commentary, Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, MI. [ Links ]
Robbins, V.K., 1996, Exploring the texture of texts: A guide to socio-rhetorical interpretation, Trinity Press International, Valley Forge. [ Links ]
Schnackenburg, R., [1968] 1980, The Gospel According to St John, vol. I, Burns & Oates, London. [ Links ]
Van der Watt, J.G., 1991, 'Die Woord het mens geword: 'n Strukturele uiteensetting van die teologie van die Johannesevangelie' [The Word turned into man: A Structural explanation of the theology of the gospel of John], in J.H. Roberts, W.S. Vorster, J.N. Vorster & J.G. Van der Watt (eds.), Teologie in Konteks [Theology in Context], pp. 93-130, Orion, Halfway House. [ Links ]
Van der Watt, J.G., 1995, 'The Prologue of John's Gospel: The historical Jesus introducing divine grace', Westminster Theological Journal 57(2), 311-332. [ Links ]
Waetjen, H.C., 2001, 'Logos pros ton Theon and the objectification of truth in the prologue of the Fourth Gospel', Catholic Biblical Quarterly 63(2), 265-286. [ Links ]
Whitacre, R.A., 1999, John, The IVP New Testament Commentary, Series 4, Intervarsity Press, Downers Grove, lll. [ Links ]
Dirk van der Merwe
189 Kotie Ave., Murrayfield 0184
Pretoria, South Africa
Email: email@example.com
Received: 21 Nov. 2011
Accepted: 09 Mar. 2012
Published: 19 June 2013
A proposed chiastic structure
Themes semantic relations
Note: Pierre Y. Albalaa was a research associate of Prof. Dirk G. van der Merwe in the Department of New Testament at the University of South Africa.
1. The inner-textural and sacred-textural readings of a text are textures used in the socio-rhetorical methodology as developed by Vernon Robbins (see Robbins 1996). Another scholar, Duane Watson, is working in collaboration with Robbins on this methodology. In my usage of this terminology I do not comply with the way Robbins and Watson use it. For me it is just an indication and reference to work with the text (inner-texture) and the theological discourse (sacred-texture) generated by the text. The reference to a 'dual approach' only refers to the abovementioned two approaches that will be exploited in this research.
2. Boismard (1957), LaMarche (1964), Borgen (1970), Hooker (1970), Culpepper (1981), Van der Watt (1995), Keener (2003) and Neyrey (2007:38-41), to name a few, believe that the prologue is chiastic. In their investigation, each one follows different criteria and considerations, and accordingly proposes their chiastic structure of the prologue.
3. Van der Watt (1995:330) bases the division on the order of the appearance of the 'characters' and the time in the salvation history, which they represent. For him the important figures are structurally related. Culpepper (1981:8) bases his chiasmus on the following three criteria: language, concepts and content. Although based on the semantic relations proposed by us, this chiastic structure looks similar to that proposed by Brown (1966:3) who based his structure on a poetic hymn (which he did not see as chiastic) as composed in the Johannine church. This structure is also closely related to the text of the New American Bible with only a few structural differences.
4. The explanation and verification of how and why these semantic clusters relate to each other will not be repeated here but are available in the unpublished dissertation of Albalaa (2007:75-77).
5. There is no agreement among scholars as to where the centre of the chiasmus should be exactly. Nevertheless it is widely accepted that it lies in the vicinity of verses 10-13. Culpepper (1981:4-8) unconvincingly goes too far in forcing verses 11 and 13 into a chiastic relation in order to make 12.1 the pivot of the prologue. Van der Watt (1995:331-335) rejects the reference to a 'central theme' in one single verse in the prologue. Hengel (2008:268) determines verse 14 as the climax and goal.
6. Also see the discourse analysis of Hengel (2008:293-294).
7. Verse 12 describes the responsibility of humankind in the redemption process. Verse 13 depicts what is happening simultaneously during this same process from the divine perspective.
8. This first article of two will focus on the semantic clusters a,b and d.
9. See footnote 1.
10. Please note that all the text references regarding the prologue are according to their use in the discourse analysis. The sequence of the discussion of the eight identified concepts through the semantic relations in the discourse analysis does not follow the sequence of the chiasmus and text. The sequence to be followed is that of the logical flow of events.
11. This subsection is very much embedded in the work of Petersen (1993:8-22). Yet there are various points that differ from his. For example, he tries to prove that linguistically all three nouns (Logos, life and light) have to be understood only literally. This is a fallacy because the entire literary context of the prologue must be considered.
12. Bultmann (1978:40) is correct in that in verse 5 light is not spoken of figuratively; also see pages 40-45 on the varieties of the usage in the FG. For further discussion on distinguishing between figurative and literal usage, see Conzelmann (1974:349353).
13. The verb καταλαµβάνεις [to seize] may mean 'to overcome', or, especially in the middle, 'to grasp with the mind', 'to understand'. See Brown (1966:8), Barrett (1975:132), Keener (2003:387) and Lincoln (2005:99) for an elaborate discussion. According to Barrett (1975:132), the FE may well be playing on the two meanings. However, the parallelism between ούκατέλαβεν, ούκεγνω and ούπαρέλαβον in 5.2, 10.3 and 11.2 as well as the semantic relation between ούπαρέλαβον (11.2) and ελαβον (12.1) suggest that the FE uses these verbs synonymously to mean 'receive' or 'understand'. See Bultmann (1978:48) on synonyms in the prologue.
14. Keener (2003:385) points out that Jesus as the Word of God and as Wisdom and Torah is light to enlighten the people of God, just as the Torah was light that was offered to the people of God at Sinai.
15. The Son in Jesus as God's Logos, Wisdom and Torah, is light to enlighten God's people. Light is universally acknowledged as a symbol of life itself and of the human mind with its self-consciousness. In biblical tradition the imagery of light is used to describe the existence, presence and abode of God, and the creative and saving acts of God. Also the revelation of God Creation, Wisdom and Torah are described in terms of light (Ps 119:105, 130; Pr 6:23). See also Dodd (1963:84), and Keener (2003:385).
16. In his comparison of commentaries, Cahill (1976:54) generated the hypothesis that the usage of 'Logos' in the Johannine prologue is a case of centring.
17. Throughout the FG light and life are closely associated (Malina & Rohrbauch 1998:31).
18. Also confer the predicated light, Ἦν τὸ φῶς τὸ ἀληθινόν (v. 9). Philo (Dreams 1.75) refers to God as light and the archetype of all other kinds of light. He (Alleg. Interp. 3.25-26; Planting 9) also refers to the Logos as the source of light and life.
19. The syntax at the end of 3.2 (ὃ γέγονεν) and the beginning of 4.1 (ἐν αὐτῷ ζωὴ ἦν) presents a real challenge to biblical scholars. The syntax actually contributes less to the understanding of the text's critical problem than the context contributes, since the FE identifies 'life' (ζωή) with light (φῶς, Jn 1:4; 8:12), whilst light contextually refers to Jesus Christ (Jn 1:9-10), then at a functional level, life is ultimately Jesus himself (Jn 11:25; 14:6). This is emphasised in the body of the gospel in Jesus's declaration that 'as the Father has life in himself so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself'(ὥσπερ γὰρ ὁ πατὴρ ἔχει ζωὴν ἐν ἑαυτῷ, οὕτως καὶ τῷ υἱῷ ἔδωκεν ζωὴν ἔχειν ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Jn 5:26). All life flowed through the Logos; He has life in himself, and the power to communicate it to others (Jn 5:21; 10:10).
20. In verse 14 the FE equates the 'glory of the Logos' (14.3) with the 'glory of the only Son of the Father' (14.3.1). This glory has been defined as χάριτος καὶ ἀληθείας (14.3.1). This χάριτος καὶ ἀληθείας is said to be come (έγένετο) through Jesus Christ (διὰ 'Ιησοῦ Χριστοῦ). This logical argument proves that Logos is the 'only Son of the Father' and He is also Jesus Christ. Thus Logos, God, Life, Light, only Son of God, and Jesus Christ refer to the same entity.
21. It is at this point in time that divergence starts to creep in concerning Petersen's (1993:14) interpretation. For him the literal meaning is absolute; there is no room either for simultaneous metaphorical understanding. If this is true, then why did the FE not only continue using Logos when referring to the only Son of the Father? Certainly, the words 'Logos', 'life' and 'light' not only refer to the same entity, but metaphorically also to certain qualities and functions of the only Son of God.
22. Light and life were natural images to use together. The Son comes into the world as the Logos who brings life from the Father, and as the Light who reveals the Father and the Father's gift of eternal life. See Mullins (2003:58). Such conjoining also occurs in Hebrew poetry (Jb 3:20; 10:21-22; 17:13; 18:18; Ps 36:9; 107:10, 14).
23. In verse 5.1 'darkness' appears to represent a state of condition and in 5.2 a power. Both are negative in character. They are opposite to the illumination that the Light generates (Waetjen 2001:270).
24. In the conflict between light and darkness, the reader is already assured that light will win (Malina & Rohrbauch 1998:31).
25. Kruse (2003:63) notes that the FE did not make it clear how the divine life in the Logos illuminated human beings. Kruse also mentioned two suggestions of two different groups of scholars: firstly this verse relates to the creation of human beings in the image of God, and secondly it refers to the light of general revelation.
26. Brown (1966:4); Ridderbos (1997:23); Malina & Rohrbauch (1998:31); Whitacre (1999:49);Mullins (2003:48);Riches (2005:69);Burridge (2007:293). Borgen (1970:288-295) argues that the prologue is an exposition of Genesis 1:1ff.
27. See Keener (2003:365) for more references. Lincoln (2005:94) has a different viewpoint: according to him, 'beginning' refers to the absolute beginning in the sphere of God. See other occurrences of άρχή in John 2:11, 8:25, 25:27, 16:4 and 6:64. Du Rand (2000:243-259) connects the creation in John 1:1-3 with the new creation and argues that Christ is involved in both.
28. Bear in mind here the introduction of Mark: 'The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ'. See also Brown (1966:4); see also the introduction of 1 John. Riches (2005:69) points out the incomprehensibility of 'beginning'.
29. This eternal existence stands in contrast to the verbs έγένετο, γέγονεν and γενέσθαι (came to be), which illustrate the finite existence of all creation, and all human beings who 'came to be'.
30. See Phillips (2006:151-152) for a discussion of the meaning of πρός with the accusative.
31. Despite the strange present participle ὁ ὢν (18.2), this phrase is a variant on πρός τόν θεόν in verses 1-2. What is envisaged here is the intimate relationship between the Father and his only Son (µονογενής θεός), as is suggested in verses 1-2.
32. Wisdom texts celebrated the special relationship between God and his Wisdom: it dwells with Him (Wisdom 8:3), and was present with Him when he made the world (Wisdom 9:9). See Keener (2003:370) for more detail.
33. Morris (1985:76); Keener (2003:370).
34. If the Logos was initially προς τον Φεόν, its participation in the divine essence, resulting in its identity as θεός, bears immediate consequences for the character of the work it performs. Therefore, everything generated through the agency of the Logos bears the stamp of divine quality (Waetjen 2001:270).
35. Barrett (1975:127); Keener (2003:366).
36. See Brown (1966:5) for a discussion on meaning possibilities and different understandings.
37. Keener (2003:424); see also the δόξα motif in John 17:1-5.
38. Louw and Nida (1993:99, §8.39) point to the intimacy in the relationship as 'an association of intimacy and close affection' and as 'to be closely and intimately associated with the implication of strong affection' (p. 448, §34.18). See also Phillips (2006:218).
39. Louw and Nida (1993) describe the two meanings as 'to provide detailed information in a systematic manner' and 'to inform, to relate, to tell fully' (p. 411, §33.201) and as 'to make fully and clearly known' and 'to make something fully known by careful explanation or by clear revelation' (p. 340, §28.41).
40. Barrett (1975:141) points out that this usage corresponds with a major Greek use of the word.
41. Barrett (1975:141); Brown (1966:18); Lindars (1981:99).
42. Borgen (1968:145) states that verse 18 echoes Exodus 33:20.
43. Brown (1966:4) points out that since Chrysostom, scholars have recognised that each of the three uses of 'was' ήν in verse 1 has a different connotation. See also Phillips (2006:157).
44. A text-critical problem occurs here. The division of words between 1:3 and 4 is uncertain. See Barrett (1975:130-131) and Schnackenburg (1980:239-40) for a thorough discussion on this matter. Both chose not to incorporate ὃ γέγονεν in verse 4. Because their choice is convincing, it will be accepted as such in this study.
45. Phillips (2006:185). According to Dodd (1963:268) and Lindars ([1972]1981:90), a transition is made to φῶς in verse 4. Now φῶς and no more λόγος is formally the subject of the propositions made in verses 9-12. Phillips (2006:186) points out that the noun λόγος has not been used since the introduction of the noun φω̂ς, and the identification presumably is so strong that the two are interchangeable. Since the witness of John is to the Light, the reference to λόγος has receded into the background until verse 14.
46. Bultmann (1978:48) points out the similarities between these verses. Contrasts, however, also occur. The definite statement of location in verse 10 (ἐν τῷ κόσµῳ ἦν) replaces the indefinite temporal clause that begins the prologue (οὗτος ἦν ἐν ἀρχῇ πρὸς τὸν θεόν); the reference to all things (πάντα, 3.1) has been replaced by κόσµος; the aggression of σκοτία has been replaced by the ignorance of κόσµος. See also Phillips (2006:186). Louw and Nida (1993:1, §1.1) suggest that the closest equivalent in English for κόσµος would be the phrase 'all that exist'.
47. This is a highly generic domain indicating various aspects of states, and events (Louw & Nida 1993:149).
48. Examples in the Prologue: in verse 1.2 λόγος is identified as being (ἦν) with (πρός) τόν θεόν. In verse 14.1 the λόγος becomes (γίνεσθαι) σάρξ.
49. Brown (1966:4); Phillips (2006:157).
50. The same idea is found in Colossians 1:16: 'for in him were created all things in heaven and on earth ... all things were created through him and for him'. Cf. also Romans 11:36: 'everything there is comes from him and is caused by him and exists for him'.


text:
The Seahawks signing of a 6-8 former basketball player has highlighted for me what they are probably looking for in a wide receiver as well. You might point to Tate and Butler as examples of shorter receivers they've drafted, and Baldwin as another, but they cut Butler in favor of taller receivers, and spent much of last off season and into the regular season trying to challenge Tate with larger receivers.
I think this trend will continue even more so with Russell Wilson at QB. Not only because of his height, but because he excels at throwing the jump ball and leading the throw where only the receiver can catch it. Doing that requires height, length and leaping ability from the WR. I think one of the traits the team is looking for is catch area.
I figured catch area as function of wingspan and rise. Wingspan equals arms plus shoulder width (roughly 24 inches) . . . Rise equal height minus head (roughly 12 inches) plus arm length plus vertical. Used an online ellipse calculator to figure the to figure the catch area.
Compa these two highly rated receivers . . . Anonymity makes it fun, even though by my bias you can easily figure out who is who . . .
WR1 - 5'8", 30 inch arms, 32 inch vertical . . . Wingspan = 84 inches, Rise = 118 inches
Catch area = 7,784 square inches . . . Seems pretty big
WR2 - 6'4", 33 inch arms, 40 inch vertical . . . Wingspan = 90 inches, Rise = 137 inches
Catch area = 9,684 square inches . . . Almost 25% more area to throw to!
In a game of inches, that can make a huge difference.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
F_Dubois necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 115 diseños de 25 diseñadores freelance.
We are a start-up company located in Switzerland and we do wellness drinks. Not standard beverages but new products containing a natural superfood called Spirulina, a micro alga.
The drink is a functional drink with the aim to improve your energy, vitality and balance. It is a premium product.
In addition to Spirulina, the drink will contain Alpine herbs tea resulting in a nice but unusual GREEN colour!
As a company, we promote natural products, local production and quality rather than discount values.
The beverage will be produced and distributed in Switzerland. In a later stage we will expand to neighboring countries (Germany, France). We are targeting part of the LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability) group, majority of women, aged 35-50, urban, working, sportive, aware of their health, concerned by environmental questions (buy local, "green") and with a good purchasing power.
As a new functional drink, we need an eye-catching logo that will differentiate us from the rest. The logo will be the label of our bottle.
We were thinking of a graphical presentation of the name "DoYouKnowSpirulina", maybe in 3 lines but feel free to be creative.
We are looking for something simple ;-)
The shape of the logo must be easy to read & recognized on the bottles.
In addition to the name, some keywords that might help you:
* the selling arguments of the drink are: energy, vitality and balance
* it is a premium product
* we would like to promote the origin of the product --> use the Swiss flag? the mountains?
* the drink contains Alpine herbs
* the colour of the drink (and of Spirulina) is blue-green
* we would like a top-class logo, modern, simple that shows quality and wellness
* Spirulina has a shape in spiral
Since this is the first time we do this, please feel free to ask us questions. We are looking forward to looking at your proposals.
Kind greetings from Switzerland,
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


text:
One of my standby Vapers
Boker Or is a loose, square cut blend of tobacco -- perhaps you would call it a very short cut ribbon. It has a gently sweet and plummy Vaper base with a well conceived blend of velvety black Cavendish, and what I think is Izmir (or Smyrna ) -- musty and muted.Put it one small step to the sweet side of the line dividing sweet from savory -- though the latter taste component is definitely detectable. It has great overall balance: good body or depth of character; rich flavor, without fatiguing the palate; and moderate strength, being satisfying but not overly robust.In brief these three characteristics: body, flavor and strength work together for a smooth and tasty smoke. It has good smoke volume and mouth feel. The Oriental is used with restraint, working its magic to perfection, and producing an enduring, pleasantly sweet/musty finish. I enjoy smoking this in a larger diameter bowl to let the blend sing at full volume. No worries about burn, bite, gurgle or dottle.
Return to Oriental / English Tobacco Reviews


text:
Don't miss a story. Like us on Facebook. Like Dallas News' Facebook Page
Advanced Microbial Solutions has changed its name to Agricen to better reflect its growth and strategy, the Frisco-based agricultural technology company announced today.
Agricen develops and produces biochemical fertilizer catalysts derived from naturally-occurring microorganisms. It recently opened a new facility in Denton that is expected to significantly boost its production.
Agricen also has a facility in Pilot Point. Combined, the two facilities are expected to produce nearly 5 million gallons of its products in 2013. That's compared with 130,000 gallons in 2008, according to Agricen Chief Executive Officer Michael Totora.
"2013 should be a very good year for us," Totora said. Agricen has grown from 12 employees in 2008 to 30 today.
With the unpredictability of weather -- such as drought -- and world population growth, Totora said the company is positioned to help farmers be more efficient and sustainable in crop production.
Agricen's technology acts to increase nutrients in the soil.
"What we're able to do is harvest or harness those naturally occurring organism to put their bioproducts to work in the soil," Totora said.
The company's rebranding comes on the heels of its recent strategic partnership with Loveland Products, an agricultural products manufacturer which is part of publicly-traded Agrium Inc.
Loveland acquired an ownership stake in Agricen under the deal announced in August. That partnership gives Agricen access to Loveland's extensive wholesale and retail distribution channels, Totora said.


text:
Tax Expert - CPA, Enrolled Agent or Attorney (Seasonal)
@ Intuit
Join us in our mission to power prosperity around the world by providing expert tax guidance to our customers using TurboTax state of the art tools; this includes helping customers prepare and submit their taxes. We are hiring credentialed tax experts (CPA/EA/Practicing Attorney) for our TurboTax expert network, the largest virtual tax community in the world. You'll bring confidence, tax expertise, and personal experiences to new client relationships that will empower and educate people, so they can lead better lives and get one step closer to financial freedom. And you decide how much, when and where to work, creating a schedule that works for you.
Our team of tax experts is growing, so once you apply to one role, we've got you covered. We will review your experience and consider your fit for all open opportunities on the team.
Job Content/Scope:
- This is a seasonal customer facing position providing Tax Advice, Tax Return Review and Preparation to TurboTax Customers
- Help customers who are working on their tax return with 1) tax advice, including return preparation and signature when required, 2) product/software inquiries, and 3) tax calculations
- Create high quality customer interactions and experiences that instill confidence using deep customer empathy and audio/video tools
- Utilize and leverage government websites, professional resources and team expertise to seek out and deliver the right answer to the customer using everyday language
- Apply defined practices, procedures and company policies to troubleshoot and resolve tax advice and preparation customer inquiries
- Document customer interactions
- Must possess active credential: EA (Enrolled Agent), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), or Practicing Attorney with strong tax preparation experience and extensive knowledge of tax laws
- Recent experience preparing federal and state individual 1040 tax returns using commercial tax preparation software (3 or more years preferred)
- Professional Circular 230 judgement
- Audit experience a plus (IRS and state tax authorities)
- Proficient with technology; solid knowledge of computer operations and software
- Strong customer service skills - ability to interact with customers through video and audio tools in a way that is professional, friendly and reassuring
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast paced environment with minimal supervision
- Critical thinking, problem solving, and determination
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills (written & spoken) a plus
Imagine a career where your creative inspiration can fuel BIG innovation. Year-over-year, Intuit has been recognized as a best employer and is consistently ranked on Fortune's "100 Best Companies To Work For" and Fortune World's "Most Admired Software Companies" lists. Immerse yourself in our award winning culture while creating breakthrough solutions that simplify the lives of consumers and small businesses and their customers worldwide.
Apply For This Position
Submit application: https://careers.intuit.com/turbo-tax-virtual-job-expert-apply?src=DM-10348


text:
TSH Campus Marina
Rooms and studios
The single rooms are multifunctional 12m2 spaces comprising: a study area, a double bed (135 x 200 cm) and an en suite bathroom, as well as access to a shared kitchen. The single room offers a high degree of privacy while allowing you to mix with other students with your lifestyle.
Services included in the price
If you prefer to share your room with someone else, these 18m2 twin rooms provide each of you with your own wardrobes, study areas and single bed (90 x 200 cm). The bathroom is en suite and you can also make use of the common Shared Kitchen.
Services included in the price
The duplex room is a multifunctional space split over two floors comprising: a study area up the stairs and a double bed (135 x 200 cm) and an en suite bathroom on the lower level, as well as access to the Shared Kitchen. The duplex room offers extra space, with a high degree of privacy while allowing you to mix with other students with your lifestyle.
Services included in the price
At the end of the corridor you will find this open-plan lounge/kitchen, which is shared between the 10 rooms on your floor. In the Shared Kitchen you can cook, watch TV, hang out with your floormates, read, study a bit or simply relax.
This 18m2 single studio is ideal for people who want a bit more privacy while living at a student residence. It includes an en suite bedroom, a study area and a fully equipped kitchen, plus a living area.
Services included in the price
If you want to enjoy a private environment while sharing with someone else, the 24m2 superior studio offers a solution combining the room, a double bed (150 x 200 cm), a bathroom, a kitchen and a lounge area, all in the same space.


text:
It took several cups of coffee and a couple of hours one recent morning to realize there was still so much more to know about Jerry Buss.
The coffee was shared with Bob Steiner, Buss' longtime public relations advisor and general confidant. We reminisced and rambled.
There were the general pearls: "He could never accept rebuilding," Steiner said. "That was him."
There were curtains drawn back on his way of doing business: "Some of his business friends thought he was a terrible negotiator," Steiner said. "This is how he approached it. He would [figuratively] put on the other person's hat and see what that person would get out of the negotiations. Then he would put on his own hat and see what good was coming his way. When he saw both sides getting something, he was happy. On one trade we made, Jerry saw that the other side was getting shorted. He liked the other owner, so he threw in another player."
There was this new wrinkle: "The decision to fire Paul Westhead [early in the 1981-82 season] was made three days before we announced it. In that time, Magic [Johnson] said he wanted to be traded. So when we let Paul go, he became the coach that Magic fired, and that impression remains today. That played a big role in the recent Mike Brown case. Once it was decided Mike would be let go, Jerry said, 'Let's do it right away.' He didn't want a repeat of Magic-Westhead."
Steiner said that when it became clear that Westhead and his team weren't in sync, Buss asked for a meeting with Pete Newell, longtime basketball coaching legend at California and a friend of Steiner's.
"Jerry had great respect for Pete and wanted to figure out why everybody was unhappy with Westhead," Steiner said. "He told Newell he wanted to save his coach, not fire him. He wanted Pete to tell him what he could do to save him. Pete told him there was nothing he could say."
The beginning of Lakers "Showtime" in the Magic Johnson era may have begun with a sportswriter's line or a marketing campaign. But it had begun long before in Buss' heart.
"He used to go to a nightclub in Santa Monica called the Horn," Steiner said. "The master of ceremonies would announce the main act, comedian Sammy Shore. He'd say: 'Now, it's show time.' Jerry loved that. He said it always got him excited."
Steiner said that the way Buss has split the Lakers into family shares is consistent with his humble roots and desire to make things better for his family.
"He talked about driving to the top of a hill with his stepfather when he was a kid in Kemmerer, Wyo.," Steiner said. "That was the only way they could get radio reception for University of Wyoming basketball. He read the Salt Lake City Tribune every day, and when I mentioned I knew the sports editor and columnist there, John Mooney, he got excited and I scheduled a lunch with him.
"When he formed the Laker Girls, the first head of it was his niece, Becky. She had been a song girl at USC."
Buss loved boxing, but wasn't a good negotiator about that, either. He called in eventual director John Jackson when they were creating Forum Boxing, Steiner said.
"He asked John if they could make a profit on boxing," Steiner said. "Jackson said no. He asked if they could break even. Jackson said no. Then he said, 'Well, dammit, can we try not to lose a lot?'"
And with that auspicious business plan, Forum Boxing was begun.
Buss was an old softy, and was never particularly confrontational.
"We had a young player named Ollie Mack," Steiner said. "Jerry loved him. They hit it off. He had him over to Pickfair [the Beverly Hills mansion Buss owned for many years] to shoot pool. Then we traded him. Jerry was devastated."
Then there was the night broadcaster Chick Hearn wasn't feeling well, his voice was going and Lakers officials asked Steiner to find Buss at halftime. They were getting complaints that listeners couldn't hear Hearn.
"I understood we had to get him off," said Steiner, who also knew how protective Hearn was of his long streak of broadcasting games. "I went to Jerry's box, told him, and he said, 'Oh, no. Don't get me involved in that.'"
Steiner went to deliver the news. Hearn refused to relinquish the microphone.
"His wife, Marge, was there and saved the day," Steiner said. "She told him even Lou Gehrig had some one-at-bat games."
Hearn yielded the microphone to Stu Lantz and Jerry West, Steiner said, and Hearn was back for the next game, streak intact.
Steiner said that, in all their years together, he and Buss never had a fight, not even a raised voice.
"The closest we came," Steiner said, "was when I mishandled something and he said to me, 'I don't think I explained that well enough.' That was how he handled things. He made my mistake seem like his."
As the coffee pot ran low, there was a final flash of realization of the once-in-a-lifetime figure we were discussing. The conversation had taken us to the apparent dysfunction leading up to the 2009-10 Phil Jackson-Kobe Bryant NBA titles. Steiner mulled it.
"When you think of it, this is what you had," Steiner said. "First, there was Kobe, caught by some TV cameras, calling Dr. Buss an idiot. Then you had Phil, coaching Kobe again after writing a book in which he called Kobe uncoachable. And what's happening? We are winning NBA titles."
That could work only for somebody who could persevere through chaos, never stop caring and never stop having fun.
Ah, yes. Jerry Buss.


text:
Comedian John Hodgman's routine at the Radio and TV Correspondents' Association dinner didn't get anywhere near the notice of Wanda Sykes' controversial White House Correspondents' Association dinner stint where, feet from President Obama, she all-but wished death on Rush Limbaugh.
Hodgman's smart and funny bit didn't even garner as much post-dinner press as Obama's own soundbite-ready quips poking fun at Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton.
But Hodgman – author, computer pitchman (he plays the hapless "PC" in the Apple commercials) and "Daily Show" contributor – effectively used subtle humor to hint at some truth Friday night as he declared Obama "the first nerd President of the modern era."
It's up to Obama to heal "the great and shameful division that has plagued our nation for so long. I am talking, of course, about the age old conflict between jocks and nerds. It is the culture war of our time," Hodgman cracked.
Using slides, the comedian gave Obama a pop quiz on geek pop culture, with increasingly difficult questions about everything from Superman and Conan the Barbarian to "Star Trek" and "Dune."
"You are clearly not exactly the person we hoped you to be," Hodgman said with mock disappointment when the President was stumped by a three-part query about the sandworms in "Dune."
Even as he's played up his image as a sports fan, Obama hasn't run away from his fanboy past, posing in front of a Superman statue, appearing in a special Spider-man comic and screening the latest "Star Trek" flick in the White House while embracing comparisons to Mr. Spock. Hodgman cited Obama's "Spock-like calm," and they exchanged split-fingered live-long-and-prosper salutes. (The dinner also saw the debut of "He's Barack Obama," an animated video from the JibJab satirists portraying the President as a comic book superhero.)
This all may seem trivial and frivolous, especially in our challenging times. But these kinds of personality traits and interests can lead to powerful, lasting impressions of our commanders in chief – think of Jefferson as the violinist; Teddy Roosevelt as the rugged outdoorsman; Richard Nixon as the occasional piano player and the more-than-occasional bowler who installed a lane in the White House.
Hodgman also may have succeeded where other comedians have failed by defining – at least in one aspect – what's funny about Obama. Comics, who had a far easier target in the final George W. Bush years, have yet to effectively mine our novice President for laughs – though HBO's Bill Maher recently ripped Obama as a disappointment, in what came across as more biting commentary than comedy.
Hodgman's perceptive, dry wit-punctuated performance fell somewhere in between Sykes' May 9th evisceration of the right and Maher's dressing down of the President, as a major moment in presidential humor five months into the Obama era. He also managed to pack his 15-minutes of fame in front of the President into 14 minutes of standup (these are the times of cutbacks, after all).
Check out the video of Hodgman's appearance and decide for yourself whether the nerds will get their revenge.
Hester is founding director of the award-winning, multi-media NYCity News Service at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. He is the former City Editor of the New York Daily News, where he started as a reporter in 1992.


text:
Rich Simpson has not received any gifts yet
I can play wherever. I've been playing at OSU over the winter. I'm not a student anymore but I'm still a member. I live near Graceland, just south of Worthington, so if we met in the middle it would be around Upper Arlington I guess. I don't mind a little cold weather either.
Hi, I'm Mark, the founder of Tennisopolis, the world's largest and most active tennis network. Please share Tennisopolis with your friends by supporting our Facebook page. Click here for a Guide to Meet Tennis Partners.
Have a look at our introduction page which will help you navigate the massive network which now has over 37,000 members and 500 local tennis groups.
Friend me,
Mark, The Mayor of Tennisopolis
© 2019 Created by Mark / The Mayor. Powered by


text:
Ujjain to Indore JetLite Flights
JetLite Ujjain to Indore Cheap Flights Fare
Lowest fares and dates are mentioned below - Lowest fare starting @ - Get 30% CashBack - Use Code - "GOFLY"
|Ujjain Indore Cheap Flights
|Fare INR
|Date of journey
|Airlines Name
|Schedule Time
|Hurry up!
|Todays Lowest Fare
|Find Out!
|Cheapest Fare within 30 days
|Find Out!
|Cheapest Fare within 90 Days
|Find Out!
|Lowest Fare to Travel
|Find Out!
* Fares shown are indicative and subject to change until ticketed for All Airline. Prices are guaranteed only at the time of purchase. Fares shown in this table are not for JetLite. To check only JetLite fares goto JetLite Page and know More.
Check Ujjain to Indore flight schedules, flight status, and flight number for JetLite. MakeMyTrip India offers cheapest Air Travel Tickets between Ujjain and Indore with JetLite.
Ujjain (UJJ) to Indore (IDR) JetLite (S2) Tickets, Flight Status, Schedule, Reservation Online: MakeMyTrip India.
Customer Reviews
About Indore
About the city:
Situated at the banks of two rivers, Indore in the state of Madhya Pradesh is an interesting blend of the old and new. This fascinating city can be visited throughout the year with deals and discounts on flights to and from Indore.
Indore is a bustling city with much to offer, from awe-inspiring architecture to grand universities. The city has a rich cultural heritage and when here one can visit various historical monuments and religious places.
There are a number of ways to travel to Indore of which getting a flight to and from Indore is the easiest. The commercial hub of Indore is well known for its mouth-watering food and you can choose from a wide variety of cuisines and local snacks, available at different restaurants and eateries across the city. Almost anything and everything can be found in Indore; head out to its spacious malls or bazaars for local handicrafts and exquisite fabrics.
With the number of tourists visiting Indore for commercial as well as leisure purposes one can find accommodation options in plenty. The airport is located at a distance of 9kms west of the city center. There are a number of domestic airlines that operate regular flights to and from Indore.
|Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar (DABH) Airport, commonly known as Nagpur airport is located 10km away from the city. Major airliners run flight from Nagpur namely Air India, Jet airways and IndiGo to Bhopal, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chandigarh. Hotel Apna Palace, Lemon tree hotel and Shreemaya Hotel are the nearby Inns which provide dedicated services to the visitors. Check Indore Flight Status here.
Airport Address
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport
Airport Name: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar (DABH) Airport
IATA Code: IDR
Address: DABH Airport, Indore (MP)
Country: India
GMT Offset: +5:30 hours
Latitude: 22°43'24" N
Longitude: 75°48'19.7" E
Airport Address
Facilities at Indore Airport
Airlines connecting to Indore
Airline Links
Flights from Ujjain
Useful Resources
Hotels in Indore
Indore Hotels Near Airport
Corporate Links
Indore Travel Links
Indore Premium Hotels
Vijay NagarCheck Price
Vijay NagarCheck Price
Vijay NagarCheck Price
Vijay NagarCheck Price
Best PriceCheck Price


text:
If you are reading this, it is likely you or someone you love has been waging a difficult physical and emotional battle against kidney disease. Your search for comfort, support and answers does not stop when you choose to forgo dialysis. Reducing or discontinuing medical support has an effect on the whole family. That's when VITAS can help.
Even when a patient has excellent medical care and a family's loving support, sometimes the burden of dialysis outweighs the benefits. When patients decide to discontinue dialysis, they still have immediate medical needs and personal wishes. Families also have concerns. Hospice care addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs that can be significant at the end stage of kidney failure.
In general, hospice patients have six months or less to live. When patients living with kidney failure choose to forgo dialysis, how long they can live depends on the amount of kidney function they have, how severe their symptoms are and their overall medical condition. Only a doctor can make a clinical determination of life expectancy.
Read more: What is Hospice?
The patient's nephrologist (kidney specialist) or personal physician may recommend hospice when the time is right. Patients and family members can also act as their own advocates to receive the care they need. You, your loved one or your physician may request an evaluation to see if hospice is an appropriate option for care. Call 866.418.4827 to see how hospice can help or contact us online.
The hospice team evaluates a patient's status and updates the plan of care as symptoms and condition change, even on a day-to-day basis. The goal of hospice is to relieve physical and emotional distress so patients can retain their dignity and remain comfortable.
Read more: What are hospice "goals of care?"
Hospice offers comprehensive services for patients with kidney failure:
Family members may have to make difficult healthcare and financial decisions, act as caregivers and provide emotional support to others. If the decision is made to stop medical support, families experience strong emotions and feel overwhelmed.
Hospice helps families of patients with kidney failure by providing:
If you or a loved one is facing a life-limiting illness, you may have heard the term hospice. Friends or family might have told you about the specialized medical care for patients or the support services for loved ones. But most people are unaware of the many other benefits of hospice.
Comfort. Hospice gives patients and families the support and resources to see them through this challenging chapter of life and help patients remain in comfortable and familiar surroundings.
Personal attention. When the hospice team works with a patient or family, they become participants in the end-of-life process, a very personal experience for any individual. The hospice mission is to care for each person individually. We listen to patients and loved ones. We advocate for them. We work to improve their quality of life.
Reduced rehospitalization. In the last months of life, some people who are seriously ill make frequent trips to the emergency room; others endure repeated hospitalizations. Hospice care reduces rehospitalization: a study of terminally ill residents in nursing homes shows that residents enrolled in hospice are much less likely to be hospitalized in the final 30 days of life than those not enrolled in hospice (26% vs. 44%)1.
Security. One of the greatest benefits of hospice is the security that comes from knowing that medical support is available whenever you need it. The VITAS Telecare program assures healthcare support around the clock. And VITAS gives families the training, resources and support they need to give their ailing loved ones the care they deserve.
1Gozalo PL, Miller SC, Intrator O, Barber JP, Mor V. Hospice effect on government expenditures among nursing home residents. Health Serv Res. 2008;43(1):134–153.
The final months and days of life are frequently marked by strong emotions and hard decisions. Talking about hospice, even with those closest to you, can be difficult. Here are some tips to get the discussion going.
Education is key. To begin the conversation about hospice with your family, we offer this helpful resource for you to read and share: "Considering Hospice: A Discussion Guide for Families" at HospiceCanHelp.com
Determine what your loved ones know. Before bringing up hospice, make sure your loved ones have a clear understanding of your health status. People handle difficult information in different ways. If family members are not accepting or understanding of your prognosis, you might want to have your physician, clergy or a trusted friend speak with them on your behalf.
Discuss your goals for the future, as well as theirs. As a patient, your greatest concern might be to live without pain, or to stay at home or not to be a burden. Ask your loved ones what their concerns are when they consider the coming days, weeks and months. Explain that hospice is not giving up. It is an active choice to ensure that everyone's needs are met.
Take initiative. Remember, it's up to you to express your wishes. Sometimes, out of concern for your feelings, your family or loved ones might be reluctant to raise the issue of hospice care for you. Here's why it's so important to talk about end-of-life care.
Educate yourself first. Being well-informed is the key to having an effective discussion with your loved one about a topic as sensitive as hospice. We encourage you to read and share "Considering Hospice: A Discussion Guide for Families" at HospiceCanHelp.com
Ask permission. Asking permission to discuss a difficult topic assures your loved one that you will respect his or her wishes and honor them. Say something like, "I would like to talk about how we can continue to ensure you get the very best care and attention as your condition progresses. Is that okay?"
Determine what is important to your loved one. Make sure your loved one knows you want to put his/her needs first. Ask what he/she is hoping for in the future — a desire to be comfortable, to stay at home, to be pain-free?
Discuss hospice care as a means of fulfilling the patient's wishes. Now that your loved one has told you what is important to him/her, explain that hospice is a way of making sure wishes and desires are met. For some, the word hospice evokes a false notion of giving up. Explain that hospice is not about surrendering to disease or death. It is about bringing quality of life to the patient's remaining months, weeks or days. Learn why choosing hospice isn't giving up.
Assure the patient that he/she is in control. Hospice gives patients options: the option to remain in the comfort of their own home, the option to take advantage of as much emotional and spiritual support as they desire, the option to have their own doctor actively involved in their care. Reassure your loved one that you will honor his or her right to make choices about what is most important in life. Read more about the control hospice gives the patient and family.
Be a good listener. Keep in mind that this is a conversation, not a debate. Hear what the other person is saying. Know that it is normal to encounter resistance the first time you talk about hospice care. But if you listen and understand your loved one's barriers and reasons for resisting, you will be prepared to address and ease his/her concerns in your next hospice discussion.
The primary physician may recommend hospice when the time is right. But as anyone who has faced a serious illness knows, patients and family members often must act as their own advocates to receive the care they need and deserve.
You, your loved one or your trusted physician may request an evaluation to see if hospice is an appropriate option for care.
Questions? Call us at 1.800.582.9533 or
contact us online.