[B-Greek] Two troublesome words in Polycarp

Dodson, Derek S Derek_Dodson at baylor.edu
Thu Apr 1 15:05:13 EST 2004


 
Christopher Culver wrote:

I'm currently reading Polycarp's epistle to the Philippians, and there are two words which confuse me.

The first is "hagioprepesin" (1:1) the dative of an adjective which is translated "which are like the saints" in an English translation I have. However, I'm unhappy with this translation and am unable to find the word in Liddell & Scott. I would be most grateful if someone could either tell me what heading it is under in that dictionary, or explain the etymology and literal meaning of the work.

The second word is "apeithountwn" (2:1). According to my dictionary, this can either mean "of those disobeying" or "of those unbelieving." Which meaning is more likely here? While it seems that Polycarp is not directly quoting the New Testament, perhaps this word is used there in a specific way which may help me understand its use here. Furthermore, perhaps someone can tell me how to translate the "hou" beginning that clause.

Sincerely,

Christopher Culver


In regards to hAGIOPREPESIN, G. W. H. Lampe's A Patristic Greek Lexicon gives the dictionary form as hAGIOPREPHS and provides the following entry (p. 18):
 
1.  "hallowed, sacred," 1 Clem. 13.3; Polyc. ep. 1.1; Dion. Ar. c.h. 5;
2.  "befitting saints, holy," Or. adnot. in Dt. 23:14; Cyr. Ps. 9:36
 
In regards to APEITHOUNTWN, you probably need to provide more context.
 
Derek Dodson



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