[B-Greek] translation of Mark 5:7

Iver Larsen iver at larsen.dk
Sat Oct 29 03:26:03 EDT 2005


> [Ben Crick:]  This expression TI EMOI KAI SOI is a literal rendering of a Hebrew (or
>  Aramaic equivalent) phrase MaH LiY WaLaK "What to me and to thee" or
>  TI EMOI KAI SOI. It is found in Judges 11:12; 2 Samuel 16:10 and 19:22;
>  1 Kings 17:18; 2 Kings 3:13; 2 Chronicles 35:21; and in the GNT, Mark 5:7
>  //Luke 8:28, and John 2:4. Variations occur in Joshua 22:24 and 2 Kings
>  9:18-19.

When we are dealing with an idiom, as here, it is very helpful to look at the context of every occurrence, so I appreciate Ben
taking the time to supply those occurrences.
As I looked at the context, the meaning in each case could be expressed by "Why are you bothering me?" This applies both the OT
and NT contexts. None of the translations suggested so far in this thread communicate the correct meaning in English, and are
therefore not accurate in terms of communicating the original intent. As idiomatic renderings I would accept either "Leave me
alone!" or "Why are you bothering me?"

It seems to go back to the cultural value in keeping a good relationship. So a more literal rendering would be "What is the
problem between us?" However it is not a real question seeking to understand the problem. It is rather a rhetorical question
implying that the other part is causing a problem, and the speaker would rather be left alone and not be bothered.

>
>  It seems in context to be a legal phrase invoking some sort of covenant
>  or legal agreement. The party invoking the agreement says "The LORD do so
>  to me, and more also, if I break this Covenant" (Ruth 1:17; 1 Kings 2:23).

I cannot see how this is relevant, since these two verses were not listed above and do not use the idiom we are dealing with.

Iver Larsen
Bible translation consultant




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