[B-Greek] RE; John 2:4 TI EMOI KAI SOI

Blue Meeksbay bluemeeksbay at yahoo.com
Mon Feb 22 10:16:29 EST 2010


I found the following from a book in my library.  This is a used book I found a number of years ago. I do not really know anything about this author, but his name is George M. Lamsa. The book is called “Gospel Light, Comments from the Aramaic and Unchanged Eastern Customs on the Teaching of Jesus.” It was published by A. J. Holman Co., 1939.
 
It is interesting what he says, but there is no documentation, so I cannot vouch for the veracity of what he says. It seems he might be reading back from current culture into ancient culture. Also I do not quite follow him how making signs (from paragraph four), equates with what the text reads. Nevertheless, I thought some on the list that were engaged in this thread might enjoy what he relates. Does anyone know anything about him?  
 
This is what he said:
 
“The Eastern text reads, “What is it to me and to you, woman? My turn has not yet come.” This means “of what concern is it of ours. It is not my turn to buy wine.” This rendering is more expressive of an Oriental wedding custom. Jesus did not rebuke his mother as stated in the King James version, “Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mind hour is not yet come.”
 
“The Aramaic word “shaa” means hour, time, turn; but in this verse it means turn. Jesus was referring to the custom of entertaining. At a wedding feast, men sit on the floor in a line in the order of their age and social standing. The women sit on the opposite side but in a circle…”
 
“The guests take their turns in ordering the servants to procure the wine. When the wine is being poured the servant mentions the name of the guest who has purchased it. It is then drunk by all to the health and happiness of the bridal couple. Every guest must do his duty in this matter so as to make the wedding banquet a success. It is however contrary to Eastern etiquette for any guest to call out of turn on a servitor to bring wine until his own turn has come…”
 
“…The servants were standing idle, for according to the Eastern text, ‘the wine had decreased.’ Mary, supposing it was Jesus’ turn to treat the guests made a sign to him with her eyes, as much as to say, ‘they have no wine.’ Jesus replied by signs indicating his turn had not yet come. Mary then turned to the servants who were standing near her and whispered to do whatever he requested them, meaning when Jesus sent them to procure wine, she would pay for it.”
 
“Mary and Jesus had come a distance from Nazareth to Cana. In the East when a mother and son travel together the mother holds the family purse…”
 
With Regards,
Blue Harris


      


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