te^n arche^n in John 8:25

Polycarp66 at aol.com Polycarp66 at aol.com
Wed Apr 5 06:22:15 EDT 2000


In a message dated 4/4/2000 7:42:25 PM Central Standard Time, Bill at sjd.org 
writes:

<< I am hestitant to raise this question fearing it might have already been 
 well-discussed in the past.  But I could find no evidence in the archives.  
 I find the "adverbial" use of te^n arche^n in John 8:25 quite odd.  Could 
 someone shed some light on the meaning of this construction in this 
 context?  I have already read the discussion in BAGD.  I am looking for 
 more help than that.
 
 te^n arche^n ho ti kai lalo^ humin
  >>


e. Summary of Genitive, Dative, and Accusative of Time

One way to remember the distinctions between the cases used for time is to 
remember the root idea of each case. However, under the five-case


203

system this may prove a bit confusing. Therefore, for the cases used for 
time, it may be helpful to think in terms of the eight-case system. The root 
idea of the genitive is kind. Thus the genitive of time expresses the kind of 
time or time within which. The root idea of the locative (not dat.) is 
position, expressing point in time. The root idea for the accusative is 
extent. Thus the accusative of time expresses the extent of time.

One illustration may help. If I were to say, “I worked last night” it could 
mean (1) during the night, (2) all night, or (3) at a point of time in the 
night. But in Greek, the case of night would indicate what I meant. If I had 
said nuktov" (gen.), I would mean “during the night.” If I had said nuktiv 
(dat.) I would mean “at a point of time in the night (e.g., 1 a.m.).” If I 
had said nuktav (acc.) I would mean “for the length of the night.” This can 
be illustrated graphically as well (see chart 16 below).


Wallace, Daniel B., Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics - Exegetical Syntax of 
the New Testament, (Garland, TX: Galaxie Software) 1999, c1996.

gfsomsel



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