[B-Greek] Epikataratos in Gal. 3:13
Laurence Schell
laurenceschell at yahoo.co.uk
Tue Dec 2 22:33:05 EST 2003
To the list members:
I am examining the meaning of EPIKATARATOS in Gal. 3:13.
GENOMENOS hUPER hHMWN KATARA GEGRAPTAI GAR EPIKATARATOS PAS hO KREMAMENOS EPI XULOU
In the LXX, the quoted passage from Deut. 21:23 reads: KEKATHRAMENOS hUPO QEOU PAS KREMAMENOS EP XULOU.
My question is whether Paul intended the meaning of "cursed" in Galatians 3:13?
I noticed in the English translations from the Hebrew word in Deuteronomy 21:23 that "accursed" or "cursed" is usually chosen. However, the word is, in the KJV, translated "accursed" only once in this verse, and "a curse" 33 times elsewhere. I know of at least one English translation that chooses "a curse" in Deuteronomy 21:23 as well. The context in Deuteronomy seems to indicate that hanging someone up brings a curse upon the land. A curse upon the hangee is not in view. In Gal. 3:13, it makes more sense, because of the preceding context, to say, not Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree, but, "Everyone who hangs on a tree is a curse."
I am somewhat a novice in Greek, and have limited resources, but what I have tells me that EPIKATARATOS is a verbal adjective functioning as a predicate. Im wondering: Is it possible that this word could also function like a verbal noun, "a cursing," or something of the sort? It would seem to work better that way in the context and make more sense when compared with the original context and meaning in Deuteronomy.
Perhaps this question strays somewhat far afield, grammatically speaking, but, if so, is there some other explanation for the shift in meaning from Deuteronomy to Galatians?
Any insights or citations of Greek reference materials that are pertinent would be much appreciated. I am also interested in the theological implications, off-line, of course.
Sincerely,
Laurence Schell
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