[b-greek] Re: John 12:27

From: Mike Sangrey (msangrey@BlueFeltHat.org)
Date: Sat Jul 28 2001 - 08:51:17 EDT



Mark Wilson wrote:
> 12:27 "Now my soul is greatly distressed. And what should I say?
> `Father, deliver me from this hour'? No, but for this very reason I
> have come to this hour.

> Is there a grammatical principle here that suggests that the
> response to this question begins, "No..." Or, is that just
> understood based on common sense?

FWIW: If I remove the word `No' and read the translation it is not
clear to me what the `but' sets up contrast with. Is the constrast
between Jesus' desire for deliverance and his purpose; or is it
between his emotion of being greatly distressed and his purpose?

Obviously, upon reflection, it needs to be the former, but one key
element in translation is clarity. The "addition" (and I put that in
quotes since I don't think it offers any additional meaning) of the
word `No' creates a clarifying tie between the meaning of "for this
very reason" and the rhetorical question. It also enhances the
contrast, which is something ALLA brings to the table.

So, to answer your question directly, no, there is no grammatical
reason; however, there is a translation principle so it is more than
just "gut feel" or common sense. It is important to not only make the
original meaning understood, but to make it so that it cannot be
misunderstood. At least that's the goal. Clarity is one of the three
legs under the translator's stool. Accuracy and naturalness being the
other two.

--
Mike Sangrey
msangrey@BlueFeltHat.org
Landisburg, Pa.
                        "The first one last wins."
            "A net of highly cohesive details reveals the truth."



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