[B-Greek] What is it between you and I?

Ron Bonica ron at bonica.org
Wed Jul 2 10:54:25 EDT 2008


Folks,

In Matthew 8:29, two demoniacs approach Jesus with the greeting "TI 
hUMIN  KAI SOI". Translated literally, this means "What to us and you". 
Considering that the speaker is a demoniac, I suspect that this is not 
the most cordial of greetings. In fact, it might be downright rude.

But in John 2:4, Jesus asks his mother "TI EMOI KAI SOI, GUNAI". 
Translated literally, this means "What to you and me, woman". To me, 
this sounds even more abrupt than the demoniacs' greeting. I wonder if 
we aren't supposed to read some tension between Mary and Jesus at the 
beginning of this pericope.

Can anybody point to other places where the phrase "TI EMOI KAI SOI" is 
used? I would like to know if it is generally used in a confrontational 
situation.

Also, I suspect that in the ancient world, it was perfectly acceptable 
to address one's mother as "GUNAI" (woman). Or was it? Can anyone point 
to other places where this usage is employed?

                                           Ron





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