Hōra, a possible theological setting for understanding Johannine eschatology

Abstract

In this paper an attempt is made to show how the Greek noun hōra is frequently used in a theological sense in the Fourth Gospel to constitute the setting in which Johannine eschatology ought to be interpreted and to be understood. The semantic usage of hōra is paradigmatically investigated in order to determine its theological profile. It became clear that hōra not only refers repeatedly to the crucifixion and exaltation of Jesus, but also indicates the eschatological time which is a present reality. Hōra designates, in particular, a significant moment (the revelation and inauguration of a new eschatological dispensation), event (Jesus’ crucifixion as the constitution of the eschatological dispensation) and dispensation (where salvation or condemnation, a new form of worship and discipleship are the order of the day). These three distinct semantic usages of hōra can be distinguished from each other, but cannot be separated, as they jointly constitute the setting in which the Johannine eschatology ought to be interpreted and ought to be understood.