[B-Greek] Comparison of EIS with PROS

A. Philip Brown II pbrown at GBS.EDU
Wed Jan 14 21:25:05 EST 2004


I agree with Carl and Paul that synonyms may be used for literary variety
(Carl's rhetorical variation) or rhetorical piling/emphasis (like James
1:4b, perfect, complete, lacking nothing) or Michael's John 21 example with
'fish.'

On the other hand, in regard to Eph. 4:12, I think the issue is whether the
persons mentioned in v. 11 were "given" for three purposes (1) for the
equipping of the saints, (2) for [the] work of ministry, and (3) for the
edification of the body. OR are the two EIS clauses indicating the intended
result/purpose of the PROS clause.  That appears to be how the ESV, RSV,
NRSV, NAU, NIV, NKJV, and how Michael Tarver is taking it.

So the point is not so much a distinction in the meaning of EIS and PROS
here, but in the semantic relationship(s) indicated.  I would suggest that
the author switches prepositions not to indicate a change in meaning, but to
signal that EIS ERGON DIAKONIAS [and] EIS OIKODOMHN TOU SWMATOS TOU CRISTOU
are semantically subordinate to PROS TON KATARTISMON TWN hAGIWN.

Philip Brown
Cincinnati, OH






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