[B-Greek] Comparison of EIS with PROS

Iver Larsen iver_larsen at sil.org
Thu Jan 15 12:36:40 EST 2004


> I agree with Carl and Paul that synonyms may be used for literary variety
> (Carl's rhetorical variation) or rhetorical piling/emphasis

Agreed.
>
> 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 intende result/purpose of the PROS clause.  That appears to be how the
ESV, RSV,
> NRSV, NAU, NIV, NKJV....

Also agreed. The PROS seems to indicate purpose as also BAGD 3a. says for
PROS:
"with conscious purpose for, for the purpose of, on behalf of ... Cf. Ro
15:2; 1 Cor 6:5; 2 Cor 4:6; 7:3; 11:8; Eph 4:12."

"he gave.... for the purpose of equipping the saints". Most modern English
versions (even RSV) translate that with "to".

EIS then refers to the intended result of that equipping: As the saints are
equipped, they are launched into an ERGON DIAKONIAS. This again results in
building up the body of Christ EIS OIKODOMHN TOU SWMATOS TOU CRISTOU.

A rather free translation of 4:12 might be:
"Their task is to train the Christians to each do their particular ministry
so that the body of Christ can grow and be strengthened." (I am sure a
native English speaker can improve on this.)

Iver Larsen




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