[B-Greek] re Yankowy on 1 Cor. 1.26 KATA SARKA

John VanRietschoten jvanriet1 at mts.net
Fri Mar 18 18:58:58 EST 2005


Kerry Yankowy wrote,

> Dear friends,
> 
> Thank you for the very informative comments on the verb BLEPETE. My next question has to do with the phrase KATA SARKA. I think it is clear from the context that Paul is not referring to literal flesh, or even to a person's whole physical body, but as the ESV and NIV translate:
> 
> ESV: "according to worldly standards"
> NIV: "by human standards"
> 
> "BLEPETE GAR THN KLHSIN hUMWN, ADELFOI, hOTI OU POLLOI SOFOI KATA 
> SARKA, OU POLLOI DUNATOI, OU POLLOI EUGENEIS"
> 
> 
> So, my question does not have to do with the meaning of the phrase, but whether or not Paul is also modifying the other two adjectives (DUNATOI, EUGENEIS) with KATA SARKA. In other words, is he intentionally not repeating the phrase KATA SARKA three times because he assumes his readers will understand?
> 
> And if not, why do you think he is then emphasizing wisdom "according to human standards"?
> 
> By the way, I'm planning to preach this text (1 Cor 1:26-31) next week at a mission conference. That's why I'm asking for comments, etc. now. I hope each of you understand how much I appreciate your involvement.
> 
> Kerry S. Yankowy

When we place SOFOI KATA SARKA in the context then we find in chapter one that the philosophers of verse 20 are of the wisdom that God made foolish and are contrasted in verse 24 with Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. In ch. 2.1 Paul says that he did not come with LOGOU hH SOFIAS. In 2.4 Paul contrasts SOFIAS LOGOIS with his message in the demonstration of PNEUMATOS KAI DUNAMEWS. 2:4 is important for the interpretation of SOFOI KATA SARKA in vs 26. Paul places the foolishness of SOFIA KATA SARKA overagainst the DUNAMIS TOU PNEUMATOS. (See also the vss 12-13 of ch. 2)
This is in line with what Paul writes in Gal. 5.16 ff. There he emphatically commands us PNEUMATI  PERAPATEITE KAI EPIThUMIAN SARKOS OU MH TELESHTE. For preaching purposes I would explain the NIV 's wisdom by human standards to my congregation as the wisdom/foolishness of those who are unspiritual over against the wisdom of those who are spiritual because of the Spirit of Christ crucified ( see ch. 1 vss 20-25). I can live with the translations of the major verses but I will preach from the context.
This is my first submission excuse me if I fall short. I'll learn.
John VanRietschoten B.D. minister emeritus in the Canadian Reformed Churches. Carman Manitoba. jvanriet1 at mts.net




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