[B-Greek] Phil 4:2 A Disagreement with Euodia or something else?

david ritsema davidritsema at gmail.com
Mon Jul 17 12:03:04 EDT 2006


In Philippians 4:2 Paul pleads with Eudioa and Syntyche.  The NIV says that
Paul's pleading is for them to "agree with each other in the Lord." The KJV
says it is to "be of the same mind in the Lord." (also NRSV while RSV says
"to agree")

Literally the sentence seems to read: "I plead with Euodia and Syntyche to
"think the same thing in the Lord." It seems to me that this could mean: (1)
To agree (RSV NIV), (2) to be of the same mind (KJV), (3) even to be in
harmony (NASB).  But what if the meaning has nothing whatever to do with a
disagreement?

It is possible that Paul is not asking them to resolve a disagreement.  We
know nothing of these two individuals and nothing of any problems associated
with them.  Obviously one would have to explain why Paul goes out of his way
to same something like this.  Actually in fact, Paul does same something
like this in Phil 2:5.  He even uses the same Greek word "to think" (Greek
phroneo) which KJV renders "let this mind be in you" or NIV "your attitude
should be the same." Are these two passage perhaps pointing not to a single
problem with two individuals but to a general exhortation to the church body
of Philippi to simply have a  Chrsitian attitude in all matters?  Have Bible
Translators gotten the Greek wrong on this passage all along?  What say you
on this matter?

David Ritsema
PhD, New Testament (student)
B. H. Carroll Theological Institute
http://davidritsema.wordpress.com
http://bhcti.org



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