[B-Greek] Phil 4:2 A Disagreement with Euodia or something else?
Iver Larsen
iver at larsen.dk
Tue Jul 18 03:13:39 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
TO AUTO indicates some kind of sameness, togetherness or harmony, but the scope of that togetherness depends on the
context.
Bible translators are guided by context, and IMO they have got it right in Phil 4:2.
In Phil 2:2-3 the KJV says:
"ye be likeminded (TO AUTO FRONHTE), having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind.
3 [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than
themselves."
An appeal to be likeminded or be in harmony implies a potential disagreement or "strife" as v. 3 says (NET: selfish
ambition). Paul uses the same expression in Corinthians where he admonishes his audience to avoid
divisions/disagreements.
The difference between TO AUTO FRONEIN in Phil 2:2 and 4:2 is that in 2:2 it is a general admonition to the whole
audience to be in harmony and not be guided by selfish ambitions, while in 4:2 it is specific to two ladies. In the next
verse Paul asks one of the church leaders to help the ladies, because they used to be working together with Paul and
others for the gospel. It is implied that they no longer do that because they have had a disagreement of some kind. If
they had no disagreement, there would be no reason to talk specifically to just these two ladies in addition to the
general admonition to the whole church in 2:2. It must have been a major case of rivalry with negative impact on the
whole church, since Paul considers it important enough to single them out.
Iver Larsen
More information about the B-Greek
mailing list