Abstract:
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.
