[B-Greek] 1 Thes.1:3

Rick Duggin rduggin at comcast.net
Thu Nov 4 12:47:08 EST 2004


Dear B-Greekers,
I'm wondering about the expression EMPROSQEN TOU QEOU KAI PATROS hHMWN
in 1 Thes.1:3:
 
MNHMONEUONTES hUMWN  TOU ERGOU THS PISTEWS KAI TOU KOPOU THS AGAPHS KAI
THS hUPOMONHS THS ELPIDOS TOU KURIOU hHMWN IHSOU XRISTOU EMPROSQEN TOU
QEOU KAI PATROS hHMWN
 
Though several translations (including NET) make the phrase go with
MNHMONEUONTES, this seems to me a little tenuous because it is so far
removed by other words in the sentence.   [The note in NET does allow
for the possibility that the phrase goes with TOU KURIOU hHMWN IHSOU
XRISTOU.]    It seems more natural to me that both final phrases go with
ELPIDOS, making it a hope that waits for the coming of Jesus, at which
time we will stand before God in judgment.  Interestingly, EMPROSQEN
occurs three more times in 1 Thes., at least two of which pertain to the
Lord's coming and judgment (2:19 and 3:13); perhaps 3:9 is not as clear.

 
I'm not dogmatic about either view, but hope that someone may be able to
contribute some thoughts that will help my understanding about anything
I have stated.
 
THANKS!
 
Rick Duggin
 
 
 
 
 



More information about the B-Greek mailing list