[B-Greek] MATTHEW 28:19

Iver Larsen iver_larsen at sil.org
Fri Dec 8 08:43:24 EST 2006


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Yates" <bill.yates at tesco.net>


>I have just subscribed to B-Greek so apologies if this query is misdirected.  I couldn't find any 
>link to a Discussion Forum.
>
> Matt 28:19 has the phrase, "baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy 
> Ghost.
>
> My query concerns the Greek phrase in the Greek NT, 'EIS TO ONOMA'
>
> This clearly means 'into the name....'      However, I can find no English translation of the 
> Bible which uses this translation: they all state 'IN the name'
> I can find no rationale for this as 'EV TW ONOMATI'  would be what I would expect to see.   Is it, 
> perhaps, because the Vulgate translates the phrase as 'in nomine Patris'  and this has just been 
> repeated in all the English translations?
>
> My query is based on the fact that the two English versions seem fundamentally different.  In the 
> name of suggests 'with the authority of' as, for example, 'I command you in the name of the 
> President of the United States'.
>
> Into, however, seems to suggests baptizing INTO the family of the Trinity.   In the same way as a 
> bridegroom invites his bride into the name of his family when they marry.
>
> So the query has two parts, really.   Why is a fairly straightforward Greek phrase been so 
> consistently translated 'incorrectly' into English?  I understand that translation requires some 
> degree of flexibility when a literal translation would not correctly portray the English meaning - 
> but this does not seem to apply here.
>
> The second part is the theological importance of the differences in the translation given in 
> English Bibles.

Hi, Bill,

We cannot go into the theological importance on this list. On your first question, my answer is that 
the apparently incorrect translation is probably based on theological tradition, so it is pretty 
impossible to discuss it on a purely linguistic ground.

I will only quote what BAGD has to say under hONOMA:
"The concept of dedication is also highly significant, in all probability, for the understanding of 
the expression: BAPTIZEIN EIS TO hONOMA TINOS. Through baptism EIS (TO) hONOMA TINOS,  the one who 
is baptized becomes the possession of and comes under the protection of the one whose name he bears; 
he is under the control of the effective power of the name and the One who bears the name, i.e., he 
is dedicated to them."

As far as English translations go, I noticed that NIV uses "in the name" in Matt 29:19, but "into 
the name" in 1 Cor 1:13, where the same expression occurs. For this last place, TEV says "Were you 
baptized as Paul's disciples?"

Iver Larsen




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