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Re: A question on 'diabolos'
Translation on the basis of etymology is a common practice that is
frought with peril. In addition to "diabolos" another example one
commonly encounters in some circles is "ecclesia" interpreted to mean
"those who are called out" as an exegetical device to make a point
about christian other-worldliness. This is without merit as far as
the usage of the word in contemporary literature is concerned, but the
argument is nevertheless made from a separation of the word into its
component parts: ek = out and kalew = call.
In so far as diabolos is used to translate the Hebrew STN in the Old
Greek, the translation "adversary" or "accuser" might be appropriate.
___________________________________________________________________________
Paul J. Bodin Internet: pjb3@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu
Union Theological Seminary smail: 435-52nd Street
(718) 439-3549 Brooklyn, NY 11220