Inference and Relevance in Paul's Allegory of the Wild Olive Tree

摘要

Relevance theory accounts for Paul's preference for 'the wild olive' tree?in using horticultural practices of grafting to symbolise his mission to the?Gentiles. The olive tree facilitates inclusive imagery. The principle of?ostensive inferential communication also accounts for the violation of?horticultural conventions. Relevance juxtaposes God who calls and?Israel that fails. The remnant as cultivated olive is the balance of this?process. Relevance 'roots' the symbolism in election and the covenant?as origins of Israel. Israel obtains eschatological relevance and significance. Gentile Christians are drawn into eschatological Israel. The?church is rooted in continuity with the historical Israel. The juxtaposition of different readings renders all interpretation relative. Yet, changing the cognitive environment of its readers guarantees the relevance of?exegetical discourse.