Re: PANTOKRATWR

From: clayton stirling bartholomew (c.s.bartholomew@worldnet.att.net)
Date: Sat Apr 04 1998 - 09:16:27 EST


Edgar Foster wrote:
>
> Is the English word Omnipotent (Latin, Omnipotentia) an adequate
> translation of the Greek word PANTOKRATWR? (Rev. 19:8)

PANTOKRATWR is the word used to translate the Hebrew word SEBAOTH in the LXX.
If my memory serves me correctly this word has military overtones (yes, I
just checked Harris-Archer-Waltke). The word typically appears in combinations
like KURIOS QEOS PANTOKRATWR, or KURIOS PANTOKRATWR. I like to translate it
Lord of Armies. But no one else translates it that way.

Doubtless some one will accuse me of an etymological fallacy. But I think not.
Since this phrase is used in a highly specialized way in the MT and LXX, I
think we need to take a close look at the OT usage before we make up our mind
about what in means in the Apocalypse.

-- 
Clayton Stirling Bartholomew
Three Tree Point
P.O. Box 255 Seahurst WA 98062

"Mis'tah Kurtz, He dead."

Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness



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