Matt 16:18

c stirling bartholomew cc.constantine at worldnet.att.net
Tue Nov 20 00:22:48 EST 2001


Paul,

on 11/19/01 6:34 PM, Paul Schmehl wrote:

> Matt 16:18: KAGW DE SOI LEGW hOTI SU EI PETROS KAI EPI TAUTH TH PETRA
> OIKODOMHSW MOU THN EKKLHSIAN KAI PULAI hADOU OU KATISXUSOUSIN AUTHS.
> 
> "In normal [Greek] syntax a phrase like KAI EPI TAUTHi
> THi PETRAi can only refer to something outside of the
> speaker AND his interlocutor.

Wrong. 

Wrong for several reasons. This syntax pattern:

First Reason:
***********

The pattern: 
 EPI + DEMONS-PN (within 2 words) NOUN (dative case, agree number & case)

This pattern only exists in Matt. 16:18. So the argument fails using a
strict reading of the conditions stated.

Second Reason
************

Using a loose reading of the conditions stated.
A search for LEGW or PHMI  (followed by in same sentence)  EPI + NOUN
produced some cases where the NOUN after EPI is NOT "outside of the
speaker AND his interlocutor."

Take a look at: Matt 23:36, Lk10:9, 19:14, 23:30, Rev 2:24, 6:16
Also look at Heb 10:16,  Heb 8:8, these are not exactly what we are looking
for however.


Third Reason:
***********

Statement ignores the use of figurative language.

Conclusion:
**********

Three strikes and your out.

Clay

--  
Clayton Stirling Bartholomew
Three Tree Point
P.O. Box 255 Seahurst WA 98062





More information about the B-Greek mailing list