From: Iver Larsen (alice-iver_larsen@wycliffe.org)
Date: Fri Jan 26 2001 - 04:00:44 EST
>
> MHDEIS PEIRAZOMENOS LEGETW hOTI APO TOU QEOU PEIRAZOMAI
> hO GAR QEOS APEIRASTOS ESTI KAKWN
> PEIRAZEI DE AUTOS OUDENA
>
> James 1:13
>
> Is there any possible way of taking hO GAR QEOS APEIRASTOS ESTI KAKWN
> as part of what this individual is claiming (rather than a response to
> his/her claim)?
(snip)
> Sorry to raise this issue again.
This was apparently discussed before I was on the list. So, I won't write
anything lengthy.
Just to say that from a linguistic, grammatical point of view the answer to your
question is: "No, it is not possible."
The fronted "APO TOU QEOU" shows the focus of the question: Where does
temptation come from? From the Devil or from (the) God? The GAR is not a causal
connector, but further explains what has been said. It could conceivable explain
the question, but the content of the question and the content of the clause with
GAR makes this not an option. It is better to take it as an explanation of why
no one should even think that temptations come from God.
I believe the difference between testing and temptation is the motive behind it
and the intended result. Temptation has an evil motive (therefore KAKWN) and is
intended to lead to fall. God is above such evil things (APEIRASTOS KAKWN seems
awkward, admitted.) Testing has a good motive and leads to strengthening and
victory, if one stands the test. And surely, God tests people. He even may use
the Tempter to do so. The same action or incident can be a testing or a
temptation depending on how the person reacts to it.
Iver Larsen
Kolding, Denmark
alice-iver_larsen@wycliffe.org
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