[B-Greek] Negative Articles

Carl W. Conrad cwconrad at ioa.com
Fri Nov 18 14:06:41 EST 2005


On Nov 18, 2005, at 12:58 PM, Theodore Mann wrote:

> I have been gently reprimanded a few times for asking inappropriate
> questions, so I hope this one is OK.

Yes indeed: this is a question about GREEK!

> I have several grammars stating that MH is a negative particle,  
> used in
> questions to indicate a negative answer; also, that OU implies a
> positive answer.  However, my PDA version of Gramcord  includes a note
> for Lk. 18:8 stating that ARA, in that verse, is "an interrogative
> particle expecting a negative response" to Christ's question.  Is this
> accurate, or have I misread Gramcord?

Ted, you'd do well to read carefully through the article in BDAG (and  
it is important to distinguish A)=RA (w. circumflex and smooth  
breathing) from A)/RA (w. acute and smooth breathing). It's A)=RA in  
Lk 18:8. Among other things, BDAG says:

" ...  but in gener. marker of a tone of suspense or impatience in  
interrogation, then w. the onus for a correct answer put on the  
addressee ἆ. ARA hEURHSEI THN PISTIN? will he find (the necessary)  
faith? Lk 18:8; ARA CRISTOS hAMARTIAS DIAKONOS? is Christ, then, a  
servant of sin? Gal 2:1 ..."

Carl W. Conrad
Department of Classics, Washington University (Emeritus)
1989 Grindstaff Road/Burnsville, NC 28714/(828) 675-4243
cwconrad2 at mac.com
WWW: http://www.ioa.com/~cwconrad/




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