Matthew 9:4-17 in the light of relevance theory

Abstract

This brief article applies insights of relevance theory to the sequence of three parables found in the passage specified. It explores step-by-step how the interpretation process - constrained by the principle of relevance - could have proceeded, paying special attention to the likely accessibility of background information needed for deriving implicatures. It points out how such an explicit analysis can be used to evaluate rival interpretations of the text.