[B-Greek] Romans 9:22-24 EI DE.. KAI HINA...?

George F Somsel gfsomsel at juno.com
Wed Dec 29 22:02:53 EST 2004


On Thu, 30 Dec 2004 11:24:34 +1000 "craig"
<newsgroupstuff at swiftdsl.com.au> writes:
> > > Romans 9:22-24 begins with 'EI DE...'
> > > 
> > > How does this work grammatically?
> 
> > EI does not always indicate an "'if' clause."  Consider Heb 
> > 3.11; 4.3,5
> > (same thing repeated)
> > 
> > EI EISELEUSONTAI EIS THN KATAPAUSIN MOU
> >
> > where it seems to function as a strong negative.
> 
> Although I believe this is Hebrew idiom carried over into LXX?
> 
> >  Or consider cases of
> > aposiopesis (incomplete sentences) where the thought seems to 
> > break off
> > in the middle (Lk 19.42).  Another usage is as "that" -- see 
> > 4 Macc 4.7. 
> > In other words, there are a number of usages for EI which can 
> > be reviewed
> > in BDAG.
> > 
> > george
> > gfsomsel
> 
> So what do you think is the usage in Rom 9:22?
> --
> Craig Johnson
> Brisbane, Australia 
___________________

It is probably a form of aposiopesis.  The thought does not seem to be
completed.  BTW:  the Hebrews passages might also be considered as
aposiopesis in that it is distinctly stated that it is an oath.  The form
of the oath is "If X happens, then let Y happen to me" -- If he is ever
allowed to do such-and-such, may my nose rot from my face" (or some such
consequence).  I'm on my way out right now, but will attempt to take
another look at it tomorrow.

george
gfsomsel
___________



More information about the B-Greek mailing list