[B-Greek] (no subject)

robert newman rob at designceramics.co.uk
Mon Jun 28 04:17:44 EDT 2004


Pastor Eddie Mishoe writes
 
MOLIS GAR hUPER DIKAIOU TIS APOQANEITAI
hUPER GAR TOU AGAQOU TACA TIS KAI TOLMAi APOQANEIN
 
(For rarely will anyone die for a righteous person,
though for a good person perhaps someone might
possibly dare to die.)
 
Am I understanding this correctly? The author is
saying that it would be very rare for someone to be
willing to die for a DIKAIOU/righteous person. But, 7b
suggests that someone would be 'more likely' to die
for a AGAQOU/good person. Why does this seem to say
that a person is less likely to die for a righteous
person and perhaps every so slightly but more willing
to die for a good person?
 
Dear Eddie
May I offer another possibilty. What is a DIKAIOU "righteous person"?
And a AGAQOU "good person"? The two words have a considerable overlap in
the way they are used, but there are also striking differences. The
righteous man can be counted on to adhere faithfully to the requirements
of the law, but a good man does more. He takes the initiative, actively
seeking ways to benefit others. Because Goodness includes kind,
generous, benevolent when we see it in another person it is an even more
appealing quality than righteousness!
The suggestion previously given that this is speaking of a self
righteous man doesn't work well in context. God's love is here being
emphasised. Rarely would any human die for a righteous man or even good
man(whom they would especially warm to), but while we were yet sinners
Christ died for us. There is a contrast between righteous/good and
sinners.
 
Robert Newman
Essex England



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