[B-Greek] Matt 3:17 EUDOKHSA
Iver Larsen
iver at larsen.dk
Fri Dec 16 03:00:25 EST 2005
> The lexical aspect of EUDOKEW becomes an issue here (it is not a dynamic
> verb, but is it always durative?). I would think EUDOKHSA in Matt 3:17
> could be either E<S (I have become pleased) or E=S (I am pleased). But again
> here, I think we have the complicating factor of Semitic influence: the
> suffix conjugation of Hebrew (which is used for the present of stative
> verbs) is conventionally translated into the Aorist of Greek.
>
> Ken Penner, M.C.S. (Greek), M.A. (Hebrew),
----------------------------------------
> From: Yancy Smith [mailto:Y.W.Smith at tcu.edu]
> What about the aorist tense in the classic example used to show a
> timelessness (Matt 3:17):
>
> hOUTOS ESTIN hO hUIOS MOU hO AGAPHTOS, EN hWi EUDOKHSA
> It does not seem in this case that E<S but that E=S since the speech
> constitutes the event (an effective pronouncement).
I am surprised to hear that "this is a classic example used to show timelessness."
Speaking as a translator, the main problem I see is the English gloss "please" which does not adequately capture the
meaning of EUDOKEW. It is better to understand the word in terms of either "consider something/someone to be good",
"approve" or "accept" and sometimes "decide". It is not primarily a feeling word, nor is it durative.
In Matt 316 God has just put his seal of approval upon Jesus by sending the Holy Spirit. And then he says "I have fully
approved/accepted him". The E=S suggestion may be a result of the English gloss "please", but E<S is more likely.
Obviously, once approved, he stands approved. The idea of "pleasing" is expressed by EUARESTEW or EUARESTOS.
Usually the verb is followed by an infinitive clause to express what it is that has been approved, but it can also be
followed by an inanimate object in the accusative as in Heb 10:6 or in the dative as in 2 Th 2:12. If it is a person who
has come under scrutiny for approval or disapproval, that person can be expressed either with EN plus dative or with EIS
plus acc. as in Mat 12:18 and 2 Pet 1:17.
The verb has some overlap with PISTEUW in terms of "accept/approve" which is seen most easily in
2 Th 2:12 hOI MH PISTEUSANTES THi ALHQEIAi ALLA EUDOKHSANTES THi ADIKIAi.
Iver Larsen
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