Ritröð Guðfræðistofnunar - 01.09.2012, Side 16

of the text in a specific situation. The problem is that we often know
very little about the situational context of a biblical text. We can often
reconstruct different contexts which results in several interpretations. We
will always have more than one interpretation of biblical texts, especially
if the pragmatic dimension is so crucial for understanding texts. During
the second half of the last century we have had a very important change of
interest firom the sender of the text, and from the text to the receiver of the
text. The more we emphasize the receivers in the interpretation process, the
larger the plurality of interpretations becomes.
X interprets Y as Z to U with the purpose of V
With this background it is easy to realize that there are more than two main
factors in the interpretation process and that we have to live with several
interpretations of biblical texts. We can meditate on the following sentence:
X interprets Y as Z to U with the purpose V. This is my fifth point.
There are five variables. X stands for the interpreter, Y for the text to
be interpreted and U for the receivers of the interpretation. Many people
read and interpret the Bible. Their competences vary, their purposes too,
and we get different readings. Some use the Greek text, other use one or
more translations. Our presentation of interpretations varies according to
the relationship with U, our listeners or readers. Does the variable U also
influence the interpretation process? Experience has taught me that the
answer to this question is “yes”, because different receivers actualize different
aspects and purposes. U has a connection to Z and V in our formula.
We have different purposes when we interpret a text:
- to reconstruct an historical event
- to formulate a Christian theology
- to enjoy an old, holy text
- to receive guidance in life
- to help other people to live their lives
The list could be very long. Do different purposes influence the inter-
pretation process?
The variable Z can be interpreted in two ways. It could stand for the type
of result I want in my analysis, for example a translation (Z as equivalent
with Y as much as possible), or an explanation (Y Is regarded as an expres-
sion, or a cause or an effect of Z), or an application (Y is applied to the
situation Z). The variable Z can also stand for my opinion about the text,
14