Eph 5:19 and Participles of means

Beta-user Rob Elkington (elkington@igubu.saix.net)
Wed, 30 Oct 1996 10:55:30 +0000

After concluding that "EN PNEUMATI" is best translated "with the
Spirit" from those who responded to this question Ephesians 5:18, I
would like to pose another question.

5:18 "PLHROUSQE" is a present passive imperative, "You be filled".

Can we take the five adverbial participles to be "Circumstantial
participles of means {Chapman 1977: 2; Robertson 1934: 1124-1128}.

Thus, a translation might be:
"And do not be drunk on wine, in which is debauchery, but be filled
with the Spirit, by speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, by singing and making melody in (or with; alla Doug
Jantz quite strongly argues for the heart as instrument as does
Marshfield) your heart to the Lord, by giving thanks always to God
the Father concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ; by submitting to one another in reverence of Christ."

If this translation is grammatically viable then it seems plausible
that Paul is giving us the means to effect Spirit filling in our
lives?

I would really appreciate any thoughts or comments on this

Thanks

Rob Elkington
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Rev. R. Elkington
Community Baptist Church
P.O. Box 366
Westville
3630
South Africa

elkington@igubu.saix.net
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