From: Darrell Jachim-Moore (dkmcto@ritvax.isc.rit.edu)
Date: Mon Jul 17 2000 - 14:33:16 EDT
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<DIV><FONT size=2>B-Greekers,</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=2>I'm currently researching the use of the Hebrew root 'mn for a
thesis. Beyond the Hebrew scriptures, I'm also carrying my work into the
NT. Of course, in the NT (in addition to pist- and aleth- stem Greek words) we
continue to see the responsorial 'amen' especially in Paul. However, the
gospels use it in a unique fashion in that on the lips of Jesus it serves as a
pre-positive or introductory particle "amhn legw humin". Even more
pronounced is John's double amhn, amhn in similar constructions.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=2>After some brief review of the related texts (approx. 130
occurrences of amen in the NT over approx. 100 verses), I'm wondering if a case
could be made for viewing this formulation as a unique and emphatic discourse
marker such that one might suggest that its use serves to indicate that what
follows in the text was especially important to the gospel writers (perhaps
even more important than other texts where this formulation was not particularly
utilized). I know that various cases have been made for how the
use of amen as an introductory formula occurred (e.g., conventions from the use
of hH mHn, nai, etc.), yet it seems that this is somewhat less important
than the fact that it is being used to express emphasis regardless of how it
came about. </FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT size=2>I'd appreciate any insights from those who are more
experienced on these types of issues. Can the case be made for this
formulation as an emphatic particle, therefore offering a
particular highlight to the importance of the material being
introduced? Are there other similar introductory formulations (e.g. use of
alhthws legw humin, etc.) that I ought to consider (or not ignore)?
Is there any potential correlation between the Hebrew use of 'thus says
YHWH' and this formulation? Finally, any known resources to help me
better get at this issue?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>Many thanx in advance for your thoughts.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=2>darrell</FONT></DIV>
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