te^n arche^n in John 8:25
Harold R. Holmyard III
hholmyard at ont.com
Wed Apr 5 09:23:47 EDT 2000
Dear Jason,
A meaning for THN ARCHN listed in LSJ is "to begin with." Could Jesus
possibly answer the question, "Who are you?" by replying, "To begin with,
that which also I am telling to you"? He has been obliguely indicating that
he is the Messiah in verse 24, and He adds in verse 26 that He has many
things to speak and to judge concerning them. Some say that in verse 25 He
asks, "To begin with, why do I even speak with you?" This latter
translation seems jarring. Jesus usually tried to answer questions, and
verses 26-29 accommodate the curiosity of His hearers.
Yours,
Harold Holmyard
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