ALLHLWN

Iver Larsen iver_larsen at sil.org
Tue Dec 17 23:57:27 EST 2002


> So I now want to ask the b-greek list: Can ALLHLWN refer to what one
> subgroup of addressess does to others (English "some... others")? Or
> must it refer to what all addressees do to every other addressee
> (English "each other")?

It would be too restrictive to say that ALL addresses must do it to every
other addressee. This is more than what is implied in ALLHLWN. The
reciprocity may be from one subgroup to another as long as they are
subgroups of a larger group.

Luk 7:32 says PROSFWNOUSIN ALLHLOIS and
Mat 11:16 says PROSFWNOUNTA TOIS hETEROIS

The context here is two subgroups of children. One subgroup calls out to the
other subgroup who refuses to join in the activity suggested. Whether the
other subgroup calls back is not stated.

Acts 19:38 EGKALEITWSAN ALLHLOIS

If Demetrius and his group have a complaint against someone, then "let them
bring charges against one another." Again we have two subgroups, the
accusers and the accused who together form a group of involved parties. The
first subgroup is not bringing mutual charges against themselves, but it is
possible that the accusers and the accused will mutually charge one another,
although we would normally expect one party to bring charges and the other
party to bring a defense.

My guess it that in the particular verse you are referring to, the question
cannot be resolved by referring to ALLHLOIS alone. There are other crucial
factors, for instance, is the command really directed to all believers or to
a subgroup? Context is as always crucial.

All for now,
Iver Larsen




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