Fw: "In the beginning was the word" (Jn 1:1a)
Joe A. Friberg
JoeFriberg at email.msn.com
Wed Feb 23 12:45:34 EST 2000
Dear Jay:
I am not sure if you had access to my post of yesterday prior to your post
below, but in any case, I will simply reiterate a few points.
In each example that you cite below, the usage is idiomatic; the specific
idiom in each case is called to mind by specific frames and word
cooccurrences, such as:
-The definite article 'the' is used, unless the reference is anaphoric (may
use 'that', etc.) or cataphoric (use 'a').
-prepositional phrases frequently accompany to specify source ('from'),
topic ('on'), content ('of'), etc.
-specific idiomatic phrases are frequently used 'is out', 'come out in the
open', etc.
-specific verb frames such as: heard, received, etc.
-In each case, the context makes clear that there is a specific message or
news item that is referenced.
Additional notes:
- when used in the plural ('words'), the word 'word' is taken in the
'narrow' sense (you may be able to construct a counter-example, but such
usage would be rare indeed!)
-less specific frames such as 'a word is a...', 'what is the proper word?',
'there is a word for it', etc., connote the 'narrow' sense of the word
'word'.
You make a good point when you ask whether there is a better term. That is
what we are looking for, but many of us critics of the word 'word' have been
rather tentative, agnostic, or just plain tortoise-like in committing
ourselves to a favorite option--and that includes me! So, let me take a
stab at doing a better job on that end.
John was using LOGOS, a word loaded with connotations, yet appropriating it
for his own end; this end (John's intended use) is the point that we must
capture. He wanted to take his readers from their conception of what LOGOS
is, and use these preconceptions to introduce them to the pre-existent one,
who was involved in creation, who was the source of both life and truth, who
became Christ in person. John took a *technical term* in current usage,
though it had many different definitions depending on who you might ask
(Stoic, Hellenized Jew, etc.), and redefined it in his own way in the
context of this passage. That is, John's usage is not dependent upon nor
determined by any of the predecessor definitions, but by his extended
definition in this passage (1.1-14).
At the same time, as with any technical term, whether defined for the first
time or redefined as here, it should correspond in some way to the basic
meaning of the word. Hence the relevance in the argument that the word
'word' is not an appropriate choice in English.
For one-word options 'Message' or 'Communication' seem pretty good.
However, both are a bit plain-vanilla. What *kind* of message, or what is
the essence or content of the communication? John did start with a fuller
term than mere 'message'. Even 'tale' is more specific than 'message'. We
might also evaluate 'plan', 'idea', 'theme'. ('Interpreter' as in
'translator' has also been suggested, at least for another
language--Cheyenne.)
But, one-word options can be rather limiting, so, let me try out several
phrases:
'Communicative-Idea'
'Revelatory-Message'
'Revelatory-Plan'
'Revelatory-Theme'
I like the first one because it connotes an Idea that wants to Communicate
itself. Also, an Idea seems more dynamic than a Message, which is, at least
sometimes, rather mundane. I have not combined 'Communicative-' with
Mesage, Plan, or Theme because they lack this dynamic element. When the
dynamic element of Idea is combined with communicative, it becomes a
communicative impulse, essentially equivalent to 'Revelatory' in the context
of God.
However, my current choice will be the last one: Revelatory-Theme, which
emphasizes both the dynamic self-communication and also the continuity in
message of the LOGOS. Theme is in a certain sense synonymous with Message,
but it singles out the more relevent sense of message: the essense of the
communication. Theme also lends itself to a more personal reference than
does Plan, for a plan can be black and white drawing, but a theme is more
about communication.
So, I offer 'Revelatory-Theme' as a superior substitute to 'Word' as the
translation-term for John's technical term LOGOS.
One other factor in translation that must be considered is acceptability.
If the ommission of the traditional 'Word' renders a translation to be
unacceptable, I might be able to (or have to) live with 'Revelatory-Word'.
I do not think this is as clear as Theme, nor as dynamic. But at least with
'Revelatory' as a modifier, it stands more of a chance to be construed in a
broader sense, since not much can be revealed by just a single word (narrow
sense).
I would be interested in feedback on the above options, including my
(current) choice, or any other phrase-type translations (or even inovative
one-worders) that others might have to offer.
God Bless!
Joe A. Friberg
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jay Adkins" <JAdkins264 at aol.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2000 12:00 AM
<snip>
> Wayne wrote:
> >>Can you think of any
> example sentences where English "word" would have any other meaning, and
> post a few of them here?<<
>
> How about the following?
>
> "Now a word from our sponsors?"
>
> "The word is out on him because he is such a jerk."
>
> "That's the word, it will soon all come out in the open."
>
> "Have you heard the word on the merger yet?"
>
> Do these work?
>
> I might also mention that there was a certain slang reference, popular a
> few years back, where the term 'word' was used for the term 'truth.'
> Although I must admit I have not heard it used that way recently.
>
> After reading the various post on the topic, I am unconvinced there is a
> better translation for LOGOS in John 1:1 than 'Word.' Every gloss has its
> shortcomings. I would guess it is a matter of personal preference, just
<snip>
> Sola Gratia,
> Jay Adkins
> Always Under Grace!
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