구문 서열화를 통한 본문 해석 사례

A Case Study for Textual Interpretation by Syntactical Subordination

The article is a case study that aims at illustrating how biblical text can be properly and effectively interpreted by a close reading and observation of the text. First from a linguistic point of view it is suggested that every clause within the text be syntactically subordinated according to its grammatical aspects and hierarchical order, classified into main clauses and subordinate clauses, and that every relationship between words and words, sentences and sentences be clarified in order that the text may be laid out in a modified form that reveals its structural formation. All this is essentially part of what syntax is concerned with. Nonetheless it is to be acknowledged that the work of subordination can not be done solely in a base of syntax, but with aids of insight that comes from semantics. Second from a literary point of view it is proposed that a main sentence be singled out among main clauses that are classified in the process of the first subordination. This part of work is especially substantiated by close observation of thought flow and development. Although the second subordination may have some subjective aspects, as it concerns thought flow rather than syntactical aspects of the text in deciding which main clause can be singled out to be main sentence, nonetheless it is fair to say that it is very effective to grasp thematic flow and main point of the text. Finally the article suggests that the second stage of subordination of the text be a practically recommendable alternative to the current mode of arbitrary sermon making that is mainly based on preacher's insights that can not be claimed to have justice to original meaning of the text.