[B-Greek] Phil 2:17 genitive PISTEWS
Iver Larsen
iver at larsen.dk
Tue Feb 28 04:36:56 EST 2006
>
> ALLA EI KAI SPENDOMAI EPI THi QUSIAi KAI LEITOURGIAi
> THS PISTEWS hUMWN...
>
> I guess this is some kind of analogy or metaphor, but
> I wonder what are the genitive semantic options for
> THS PISTEWS hUMWN in relation to LEITOURGIAi? The
> "service of your faith" seems like a pretty
> straightforward translation, but it doesn't seem to
> convey much meaning. Can anyone offer other options
> for how this genitive might be translated?
You are quite right that a straightforward, literal translation often fails to communicate properly. This is not an easy
text, though, and you will find a host of different suggestions in various English versions, many of which do not convey
much meaning either. There is not much help to find in BAGD or L&N, but do look up EPI with dative. Also look up the two
other places where Paul uses LEITOURGIA: 2 Cor 9:12 and Phil 2:30.
I think it is possible to take EPI in two senses: Either the locative "on top of" or the logical "based upon". With the
first option, EPI is part of the metaphorical language where he places his life as a libation offer to be added to his
life-long sacrifice of service for the Gospel. With the second option, Paul sees his death as the final sacrifice having
come about because of his life-long sacrificial service for the Gospel.
I would understand the genitive to relate PISTIS with LEITOURGIA as outcome, result or purpose (if you want, a kind of
objective genitive). Paul is willing and ready to be sacrificed in his service for God. This service of his was done for
people like the Philippians, first that they should obtain faith in Jesus and secondly that they should grow in their
faith as mentioned in the previous five verses.
A fairly literal, but hopefully clearer rendering, could be:
"But even if I am to give my life (-blood as a drink offering to God) because of (based upon) (my) sacrificial service
to God in bringing (or: in order to bring) you to faith."
If we take the other exegesis of EPI, it might be :
But even if I am to give my lifeblood as a drink offering on top of my sacrificial service to God in bringing (or: in
order to bring) you to faith"
Iver Larsen
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