[B-Greek] 1 Cor 15:52

Iver Larsen iver_larsen at sil.org
Tue Feb 5 02:10:31 EST 2008


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Weiner" <cdweiner at comcast.net>
To: <b-greek at lists.ibiblio.org>
Sent: 5. februar 2008 03:24
Subject: [B-Greek] 1 Cor 15:52


> At the beginning of this verse there are three phrases which each begin
> with EN.  The first two seem to be taken as figurative pictures of the
> brief time required for the transformation mentioned later in the
> verse.  The third EN phrase is taken as a time marker and not another
> picture of brevity.  Also, there is the seeming play on words with
> SALPIGGI SALPISEI to point to a figurative use of SALPIGGI rather than
> it referencing a specific trumpet in God's plan. Is there is a
> theologically neutral reason for not considering all three phrases taken
> together as making the same point in a very emphatic manner?
>
> David Weiner

Yes, the context should be adequate not to do so.

PANTES DE ALLAGHSOMEQA, EN ATOMWi, EN RIPHi OFQALMOU
EN THi ESCATHi SALPIGGI.
SALPISEI GAR KAI hOI NEKROI EGERQHSONTAI AFQARTOI
KAI hHMEIS ALLAGHSOMEQA

The first two obviously express the speed of the change, but the third must refer to when this 
change is going to happen. The blowing of a trumpet takes longer than the wink of an eye, and this 
particular trumpet blast is said to be the last one. Therefore, the point is not the length of the 
blast but when it occurs. This is further clarified by the next sentence introduced by GAR. When 
that trumpet blows the dead shall rise and we shall be changed. There is no play on words, and the 
repetition of a cognate word in a new sentence does not point to figurative use.

Iver Larsen 




More information about the B-Greek mailing list