Ideological and Intertextual Relations Between the Targum Isaiah and the Gospel of John

Abstract

In this article, the author asks whether there are ideological and intertextual connections between the Targum Isaiah and the Gospel of St. John, and whether the traditions contained in the targums could have influenced the teaching of Jesus of Nazareth and the Apostles. The targums are first shown in their Jewish and Christian contexts. The author then turns his attention to the reception and significance of the book of Isaiah for the Jewish community and for the Johannine community. In particular, he emphasizes the use of this book in the synagogue liturgy and in the Gospel of John. The author also shows new interpretive perspectives for selected Johannine texts in light of the texts contained in the Targum Isaiah. He analyzes the Memra–Logos relationship, the messianic identity of the Johannine Jesus, the significance of Abraham in relation to the sons of Israel, the significance of God’s glory, the identity of YHWH’s suffering Servant, Jesus as the New Temple, and the use of the ego eimi formula in an absolute form. He encourages further detailed research on the influence of targumic traditions on the teaching of Jesus and on the Christology of the Fourth Gospel.