This study of water symbolism in the Gospel of John attempts to unravel its subtle reference to eschatology. Wai-yee Ng, after examining various approaches to the interpretation of symbols in John, offers a composite treatment of the subject by surveying the literary development of "water" throughout the gospel and by expounding its underlying eschatological framework. Exploring the historical significance of the symbol in John 4:1-42 uncovers a vertical aspect of eschatology assumed in the discourse. Ng also interprets the water symbol of John in the canonical context of biblical revelation.
"Wai-yee Ng's work is wide ranging in its scope without being superficial, showing control of both the text of John and the relevant scholarly literature. Most important, it combines attention to exegetical detail with sensitivity to the broader literary and theological concerns. All students of the Fourth Gospel will be grateful for this contribution to New Testament theology." (Moisés Silva, Mary F. Rockefeller Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton)
"Wai-yee Ng is to be commended for a judicious, thorough, penetrating study of Johannine symbolism, focusing especially on the symbolism of water. This work will be of interest to all who want to advance in understanding the symbolic dimension of Johannine theology." (Vern S. Poythress, Professor of New Testament Interpretation,
Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia)
"Wai-yee Ng's work treats the question of the symbolic use of water responsibly, systematically describing the meaning of water. The book introduces the reader to the whole problematics of the symbolic reading of the Johannine text. A good survey of the possible solutions for understanding the symbol of water in the Gospel forms the background for a thorough and responsible exegesis of the issue. This book will assist Johannine researchers in coming to grips with the difficult problem of the Johannine use of symbols." (J. G. van der Watt, Professor, University of Pretoria, South Africa)
"Wai-yee Ng is to be commended for a judicious, thorough, penetrating study of Johannine symbolism, focusing especially on the symbolism of water. This work will be of interest to all who want to advance in understanding the symbolic dimension of Johannine theology." (Vern S. Poythress, Professor of New Testament Interpretation,
Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia)
"Wai-yee Ng's work treats the question of the symbolic use of water responsibly, systematically describing the meaning of water. The book introduces the reader to the whole problematics of the symbolic reading of the Johannine text. A good survey of the possible solutions for understanding the symbol of water in the Gospel forms the background for a thorough and responsible exegesis of the issue. This book will assist Johannine researchers in coming to grips with the difficult problem of the Johannine use of symbols." (J. G. van der Watt, Professor, University of Pretoria, South Africa)