Re: Genitive strings in Eph 1

James H. Vellenga (jhv0@viewlogic.com)
Wed, 22 Jan 97 15:45:21 EST

> From: Randy Leedy <RLEEDY@wpo.bju.edu>
>
> While we (some of us, at least) are on the subject of genitive
> strings in Ephesians 1, I'd like to add another thought that seems to
> bear on some of them. There are several examples of X of Y phrases
> where X and Y are synonyms. I take Y in these cases as genitive of
> apposition, and understand the construction as a device for elevating
> the tone of the language. In each case it seems that either of the
> words alone would do; yet Paul combines them. A quick skim of the
> chapter yields these examples.
>
A possible different approach is to "desynonymize" the nouns --
i.e., to look for enough difference in meaning to justify a
non-appositive relationship. One of my particular pet projects
has been to try to get a closer approximation to the meanings of
various words, so I come out with the following interpretations
interspersed as below.

> X Y
> 1:5 KATA THN EUDOKIAN TOU QELHMATOS AUTOU

... in accordance with the kindly purpose of his desire ...

(i.e., a kindly purpose arising out of his desire)
>
> X Y
> 1:11 KATA THN BOULHN TOU QELHMATOS AUTOU

... in accordance with the disposition(or decision) of
his desire

(i.e., a decision made in accordance with his desire?)

(Both of these seem to be treating "his desire" as an
active agent.)

>
> X Y
> 1:13 TON LOGON THS ALHQEIAS (possibly)

... [on] hearing the statement of the truth ...

>
> X Y Z
> 1:19 THN ENERGEIAN TOU KRATOUS THS ISCUOS AUTOU

... the inner working of the strength of his energy ...

This last one I'm not too happy with yet -- I don't yet have
a comfortable feeling about the (more nearly) precise meaning
of ISChUS -- perhaps something like "vital force"? But I do
in general think of ENERGEIA as an "inner working", and that
seems distinct enough from the other two.

>
>
> The last one is my favorite, consisting of 3 members rather than two.
>
> Does anyone have a better way of understanding these phrases?
>
Anyhow, that's the approach I'm tending toward for now.

Regards,
j.v.

James H. Vellenga | jvellenga@viewlogic.com
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