Quem é o cordeiro de Deus? Aprofundamento exegético-teológico de Jo 1, 29-34

Abstract

This dissertation explores the Christological title “Lamb of God” of John 1:29, aiming to answer the question: who is the Lamb of God? This title, one of the lesser known among Christians, has generated several interpretative hypotheses, since early times, many of them based on Old Testament figures. Since this title appears only in Jn 1:29, 36, this analysis focuses on the passage Jn 1:29-34, drawing on the Greek text and a proposed translation. The first chapter studies the text using exegetical analysis, beginning with its editorial and literary context. After examining the characteristics of the Fourth Gospel, a brief analysis follows of each term present in the passage, with special focus on the genitive “of God” (possession or origin), present in the title. The study of the temporal dimension highlights the textual interconnection between the verses that frame the text. The search for intertextualities in this micronarrative reinforces the thesis that the evangelist primarily alludes to the Pentateuch and Isaiah. The second part is dedicated to the study of the theology of v. 29, seeking to clarify the mission and identity of the Lamb. This chapter begins with a preamble that explores typology as a valid biblical hermeneutic and its theological implications, such as “X is the new Y”. It is followed by a deeper investigation of the soteriological mission of the Lamb, through the attributive clause (“which takes away the sin of the world”), which points to the atoning death of Jesus on the cross. The search for the Lamb’s identity through the analysis of three Christological typologies (the sacrifice of Isaac, the paschal lamb and the suffering servant) forms the climax of this dissertation. The analysis reveals that the combination of the Passover lamb and the suffering servant typologies is dominant, but it also supports the validity of Isaac's sacrifice as a significant additional interpretation.

Date of Award	9 Jan 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	João Alberto Sousa Correia (Supervisor)