[B-Greek] Acts 22:17 Septuagintal construction of a sort?

RRedden604 at aol.com RRedden604 at aol.com
Wed Jan 25 14:12:46 EST 2006


Dr Conrad et al,
 
I've enjoyed the scholarly insights given on this exchange.  What I  have to 
offer is just an interesting tidbit that is more illustrative than  definitive.
 
I perused the Hebrew and LXX  examples given and others that  I found, and I 
certainly see a Semitic influence present in Acts  22:17.   Picking from many 
examples, I found a comparison of  Gen. 4:8 in Hebrew and Greek very helpful.  
 Delitzsch's translation of the NT into Hebrew is  interesting.  I realize, 
in general, translating the  Greek into Hebrew does not tell us much about the 
Greek, but it is  interesting to notice how easily the Greek of Acts 22:17 is 
translated into  Hebrew.   Delitzsch seems to make a very literal translation 
of  the Greek into Hebrew (except for the final clause).  "It came about when 
I  returned to Jerusalem, that I prayed in the sanctuary and the hand of the 
Lord  was upon me." (If my translation needs polishing, please let me  know).   
The NAS translation of Gen 4:8 reads: "And it came about when  they were in 
the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed  him." I 
certainly can see the similarity of structure in these literal  translations.  I 
found this interesting although it may not contribute  anything of importance to 
the discussion.  (Cf. GKC section 111,  esp. p. 327, for insights).
 
For those who have studied the Acts speeches of Paul in Greek, could you  
tell us if those "quoted" speeches are more Semitic than Luke's own  narration?   
I think this was recently touched on lightly, but would  like more detail - 
if anyone has the time.   
 
 
Also, I would be interested in knowing how the versions handled the  
construction.  The DRA is straightforward, but since I don't know  Latin, I have no 
way of knowing if the Latin indicates a struggle with the  Greek.   I wonder, 
also, if those who are widely read in the Greek  papyri could share with us any 
parallel examples that may  indicate this theory of  Semitic influence is not 
as  significant as it seems.

 
Rob Redden
Grover Beach Church of Christ
Grover Beach, CA



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