[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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