[B-Greek] Hebrews 1:1-2 EN

Alderman, Jim jim.alderman at G3TP.com
Sat Dec 15 12:08:36 EST 2007


The parallel structure of the first two verses of Hebrews is quite
striking, especially if viewed in a diagram.  Here is a sentence tree of
these verses, albeit using Marshall's literal translation, which I am
using with a study group:
http://www.freewebs.com/jlaindy/Hebrews%20Mind%20Map/index.html.

 

My question is regarding the two phrases "by the prophets" (EN TOIS
PROFHTAIS) and "by a son" (EN hUIWi).  Both PROFHTAIS and hUIWi are
dative.  EN would literally be translated "in" but more naturally "by"
for readability in this context.  In a previous message
(http://lists.ibiblio.org/pipermail/b-greek/2004-July/030716.html), a
case was made for requiring EN to "bear the sense 'by means of' or
'through the instrumentality of.' "

 

With both occurrences of EN being in the same sentence, both with the
dative and especially considering the parallel construction, could there
be any reasonable argument made for translating them differently?  In
other words, I am not concerned with how EN is translated, but that both
occurrences should be translated the same way - not in general, but only
in this specific situation.

 

I realize that this question might be toward the fringe area of topics
considered by this group but I would appreciate any responses.

 

James L. Alderman

Takton Systems, Inc.

Indianapolis, IN (USA)

 

Let all things be done decently and in order.

1 Corinthians 14:40

 




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