Re: Luke 23:43 - Where does the comma go?

From: wes.williams@twcable.com
Date: Wed Jul 31 1996 - 20:45:01 EDT


George wrote:
>> I believe it's important to consider the use of the phrase AMHN LEGW SOI
in the Gospels. ... Of the other 8 occurrences, none, in my opinion, use
any kind of adverbial qualifier for LEGW. In conclusion, on linguistic
evidence, I favor taking SHMERON in Lk 23:43 with the following ESHi rather
than with the preceding LEGW. <<
     
Dear George,

While it is true that the exact phrase AMHN LEGW SOI may not have an adverbial
modifier, it is more likely due to the limited scope and minimal examples rather
than grammatical principles.

The issue here is "CAN an adverb or adverbial clause be used with the expression
LEGW SOI, or LEGW HUMIN? Matthew 10:27 provides an example. This is the first
example I found and did not search further since I see no grammatical reason why
Jesus could not use a temporal, spacial, or any other adverb or adverbial clause
with AMHN LEGW SOI. In other words, if Jesus really wanted to say "Truly I tell
you this day," your argument is that he could not or would not use SHMERON with
AMHN LEGW SOI. As a point of grammar, I find this wanting.

Matthew 10:27 ho legw humin en th skotia eipate en tw fwti, kai ho eis to hous
akouete khruxate epi twn dwmatwn.
Matthew 10:27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight;
what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.

---------------------------
Also, the following verses contain SHMERON at the conclusion of a clause or
sentence in Luke. Therefore, I find it reasonable to conclude that considering
"dubious" and not so dubious theological contextual indicators would be required
to help us with this one.

NIV Luke 5:26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with
awe and said, "We have seen remarkable things today."

NIV Luke 12:28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here
today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O
you of little faith!

NIV Luke 13:32 He replied, "Go tell that fox,'I will drive out demons and heal
people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.'

NIV Luke 13:33 In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next
day-- for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!

NIV Luke 19:5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him,
"Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today."

NIV Luke 22:34 Jesus answered, "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows
today, you will deny three times that you know me."

NIV Luke 22:61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter
remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today,
you will disown me three times."

Sincerely,
Wes



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