[B-Greek] PLATUNW in Matt 23:5
Carl W. Conrad
cwconrad at ioa.com
Sat Oct 22 07:12:01 EDT 2005
On Oct 21, 2005, at 9:19 PM, Lorinda Hoover and Jim Mossman wrote:
> Matt. 23:5b reads:
>
> PLATUNOUSIN GAR TA FULAKTHRIA AUTWN KAI MEGALUNOUSIN TA KRASPEDA
>
> In looking up PLATUNW in BAGD, I discovered that it is sometimes
> used in the
> phrase PLATNUW KARDIA. (Deut. 6:12 (A); 11:16; Ps. 118:32-LXX/
> 119:32 Eng; 2
> Cor 6:11).
>
> Is it possible that Matthew is subtly alluding to this phrase,
> suggesting
> either
> (1) that the Pharisees and Scribes should have been widening their
> hearts
> rather than their phylacteries? (in line with the positive turn of
> this
> phrase in the Psalm and 2 Cor) or
>
> (2) that the have widened their heart in the wrong way and turned
> toward
> false "gods" by not practicing what they teach (in line with the
> negative
> turn of the phrase in Deuteronomy)?
>
> Or am I trying to make a connection that isn't there?
I think you are. PLATUNW means "expand, make wider/broader." You seem
to be
arguing that FULAKTHRIA in Mt 23:5b really means KARDIAS. But what is
pretty
clearly intended here is ostentatious piety: making the phylacteries
worn in ostensible
fulfilment of the commandment more readily visible to other people
who will acclaim
the piety thus displayed.
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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