Subject: Greek genitive cases and the word "of" |
Bible Note: Greetings Ed, Thank you for replying to my question. Yes, I like the ESV also; it being my 2nd favorite "all around" translation behind the NASB. The ESV is essentially a "literal" translation, but it agrees more with the NIV in Ephesians 1:13. I myself lean towards "promised Holy Spirit" over "the Holy Spirit of promise." One could ask, what does "the Holy Spirit of promise" mean? I believe that it means the Holy Spirit 'who was promised', or, as the ESV puts it, "promised Holy Spirit." However, Emmaus has supplied a good answer that includes a case for "Holy Spirit of promise." Again, in Ephesians 1:18, the ESV seeks to 'communicate' this verse a little more effectively by stating "the hope to which he has called you".. This pronunciation leaves out the obvious deviation which begs to question (according to the literal rendering): Do believers "hope" that they will be called? However, I approve of the literal "hope of His calling", since it communicates to me that 'hope' comes with the 'calling' that we receive as a disciple of Jesus. That is why I like the literal over that of its dynamic equivalent. The ESV gets back to its 'more literal' methods by stating "the word of his power" rather than "by his powerful word" in Hebrews 1:3.. The dynamic equivalent "by his powerful word" seeks to eliminate the question (that may be suggested by the literal): Does His power possess a word? Or what word does He speak or have possession of? And that is why I approve of the dynamic "by his powerful word" rather than the literal, since the dynamic seems to convey that this is a connection to His 'authority', keeping the emphasis on Him rather than the direct object, which is "word." But those are simply my observations that I obtain from the text, all the while bringing my own presuppositions to the text as I make my interpretation. ESV with capitalization and in wide margins? :-) My friend, perhaps if you lobby enough, you will get your wish! :-) Of all the Bibles on the market today, I have not seen a more prolific 'capitalizer' than that of the NKJV. It seems to capitalize almost to the extent of 'overcapitalization', if that were possible. I say that we all chip in and by our beloved fellow forum poster who has a great knack for capitalization, Ray, a brand new NKJV for Christmas! :-) Blessings to you, Makarios |