Intention and the Text in the New Testament Studies

This study delves into the intricate interplay between intentionality and text within the framework of the Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), focusing particularly on the process of language usage and intentions in conjunction with linguistic choices. While Michael A. K. Halliday, a leading figure in SFL, predominantly addresses the sociological aspects of language, there remains a notable gap in addressing the inherent intentions guiding linguistic behaviors. In contrast, Biblical Studies often aim to interpret the intentions of the author or community behind the text without giving due consideration to linguistic factors. Therefore, this study seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of how the intentions of the authors of biblical texts should be discerned from the text as a language, taking into account language strata and rank scales which contribute to a multidimensional intention, ultimately impacting the various levels of meaning conveyed by the text.