[B-Greek] Article Participle Noun construction
Rob Matlack
rmatlack at alexandria.cc
Thu Apr 15 12:59:51 EDT 2004
My question relates to the interpretation of the article participle noun
construction. I found 89 such constructions in the NT (if I formed my
search correctly). If the somewhat special constructions using the
participle of legw (who is called X) are left out there are about 73
left. (206 in OT & NT) Romans 8:34 shows up in the computer search, but
clearly does not fit our discussion. There may be others. In general
however, the construction seems to me to be of an adjectival participle
in an attributive position (first attributive) giving some attribute of
the noun. For example:
Mat. 2:2 POU ESTIN hOTEXQEIS BASILEUS TWN IOUDAIWN
Where is the born king of the Jews
Many times these are translated with a relative clause: "Where is He who
is Born King of the Jews". Usually that makes little difference in
English. Now consider:
James 1:5 ... AITEITW PARA TOU DIDONTOS QEOU PASIN hAPLWS KAI OUK
ONEIDIZONTOS KAI DOQHSETAI AUTWi
What is the idea here? "Let him ask from the giving God to all
generously..." This is poor English, but it stress the giving attribute
of God which James picks up in 1:12 & 1:17.
But now consider Romans 4:24 where there is a significant difference in
meaning if the relative clause translation is used. (I don't want to
discuss theology, just what the Greek text says.)
Romans 4:24 ALLA KAI DI' hHMAS OIS MELLEI LOGIZESQAI TOIS PISTEUOUSIN
EPI TON EGEIRANTA IHSOUN TON KURION hHMWN EK NEKROWN
"but also for our sakes, to whom it will certainly be inputed, to those
who believe on the risen Jesus our Lord from the dead." That is rough
English, but it is clearly different from the common translations: "but
for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised
from the dead Jesus our Lord". In the first the belief which results in
imputation is in the Jesus who has the attribute of being risen and in
the other the belief which results in imputation is in the One who
raised Him.
What say ye? Which is the meaning of the Greek text? BTW, I did search
the archives, but I may have missed something. Thanks in advance for
your insights.
--
Rob Matlack rmatlack at alexandria.cc
Stilwell, OK
"I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner, trusting in Christ
alone for salvation"--R. E. Lee
"It is not our task to secure the triumph of truth, but merely to fight
on its behalf."--Blaise Pascal
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