[B-Greek] Re: 2 Cor 2:1
Paul Toseland
toseland at blueyonder.co.uk
Sat Jun 12 12:36:47 EDT 2004
Since no one has yet responded to my question, I should like to
explain why I am asking.
Many of the major English translations, and the vast amajority
of interpreters take PALIN in 2 Cor 2:1 to modify EN LUPHi.
So, for example,
ESV For I made up my mind not to make another painful vist
to you.
And there is a consensus among the vast majority of interpreters
that it is somehow more natural to take PALIN with EN LUPHi
than with ELQEIN. Of course, if Paul had made a painful visit to
Corinth, it would be quite understandable that he would to avoid
repeating the experience, and the interpretation of the ESV would
then be perfectly natural. However, I cannot see what is unnatural
about taking PALIN as a modifier of ELQEIN, together with EN
LUPHi and PROS hUMAS. All three adverbial expressions fall
with the span of TO ... ELQEIN. Is there any reason why it would
be unnatural for each to independently modify the verb?
I am asking for this reason: if the form of expression Paul chooses
here would be odd, strained, in terms of how adverbs normally
work in articular infinitive clauses, then that would be one factor
that would weigh in favour of the hypothesis of a painful viisit
before 2 Corinthians. It would certainly not be decisive, but it
would need to be weighed, along with other evidence. If not,
then I am perplexed by the consensus to the contrary.
The suggestion that, strictly speaking, one would expect
ELQWN to follow PALIN if the sense of the clause is, 'not
to return to you in sorrow', is due to Baur, a distinguished
19th century scholar. Would that be the case in Attic? Is
Koine more relaxed about this?
Many thanks
Paul Toseland
====================
My original message:
2 Cor 2:1 EKRINA GAR EMAUTWi TOUTO TO MH PALIN
EN LUPHi PROS hUMAS ELQEIN.
Is there any reason why PALIN and EN LUPHi should not be
taken to separately qualify ELQEIN; hence, 'I made up my mind
not to return to you in sorroiw'? Would this strictly require
ELQWN after PALIN, even in Koine Greek?
Many thanks
Paul Toseland
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