[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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