[B-Greek] Another example of a qualitative QEOS
alethinon61 at milwpc.com
alethinon61 at milwpc.com
Thu Jul 13 07:35:02 EDT 2006
Hi George,
Sorry for the delayed reply, but I saw this message late.
"I'll not cite the entire exchange, but I think it might be helpful
to think
about what we mean when we say God and a god. Usually, nouns do not
change
there meaning in the same sentence unless there is clear contextual
warrant. With respect to John 1:1b-c, the distinction between
definite, qualitative, and indefinite may not be that significant in
determining the meaning of QEOS. If QEOS simply means "a powerful
immortal being" in John 1:1b, then it would mean "a powerful,
immortal being" in John 1:1c. However, if QEOS means John 1:1b, then
it would also mean John 1:1c. I believe NEB translates this verse as
"What God was, the Word was" which keeps the meaning QEOS the same.
So whether we translate QEOS as God, god, a god, or a God makes
little difference as long as the meaning is retained."
Separated for emphasis:
"Unfortunately, God and a god in English usually connotes two very
different meanings and that is what needs to be avoided."
Actually, the difference is in the Greek every bit as much as it is
in the English. hO QEOS at John 1:1b is a proper noun, and as such
is functionally the equivalent of a proper name. QEOS at John 1:1c
is a singular count noun, and is not functioning as a proper name,
but as a description of "what" the LOGOS is. You could describe the
difference as one between "who" (1:1b) and "what" (1:1c). Thus, not
only is it acceptable to highlight the difference in meaning in our
English translations, it is a disservice to our readers not to.
Sincerely,
Sean Kasabuske
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