The work presents the degree to which early Goethe is affected by the debate concerning biblical exegesis. Goethe provides concept-theoretical paradigms particularly on pietism, which he uses in a playful way in the development of his concept of genius. The 'reborn in Christ', who is granted merciful understanding and whose rapture erupts in speaking in tongues, becomes a template which is used to characterize the relationship between impression and expression, hermeneutics and aesthetics.