Abstract

MALAN, J.P.  and  JANSE VAN RENSBURG, J.J.. Interpretation of the metaphor "being crucified with Christ" (Gal. 2:15-21). In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2008, vol.42, n.1, pp.101-126. ISSN 2305-0853.

This article attempts to interpret the metaphor Xpioτωσυνεταύρωµαι ("I am being crucified with Christ") in Galatians 2:15-21 in a valid way, and to determine the meaning the metaphor has for the life of the believer. First of all it is determined what a metaphor is and then guidelines for the interpretation of a metaphor are given. These guidelines are then applied to the "being crucified with"-metaphor in Galatians 2:15-21. The conclusion is that the metaphor indicates that the believer has died with Christ. This public identification with Christ had the result that the new Christian was rejected by his/her former friends, family and society in general. It means to die off from that which the believer was used to. The result is that the law and sin no longer have any hold on the life of the believer. The outcome is that the centre for the believer is no more "I" but God.

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