I feel the need to ask: can you explain the textual basis for saying that adultery, as expressed, is ongoing and continual? This runs counter to my understanding, but I'm open to better explanations based on the text. Thanks!
I feel the need to ask: can you explain the textual basis for saying that adultery, as expressed, is ongoing and continual? This runs counter to my understanding, but I'm open to better explanations based on the text. Thanks!
When Jesus uses the Greek word (moichao╠Д) which is translated "commits adultery" - it is a present tense verb which means this is a continuous, ongoing action. The KJV translators put an "eth" on the end of present tense verbs to show the ongoing action. So what Jesus is literally saying is that the one in this passage who marries another "continues to commit adultery" so long as they are married to the other person.
I appreciate you venturing into this topic. I have noticed that it seems to be rare for Mt. 19:1-11 to be featured in sermons (and virtually unheard of for v. 12 to be mentioned, 12a being a verse that is personally important to me).
I don't think this changes your point at all, but I like to compare English translations with the Greek, and I am wondering about ╬╝╬┐╬╣╧З╬▒═В╧Д╬▒╬╣. If it is in the present passive indicative then I would expect it to be of undefined aspect, rather than continuous. Just curious.
I see that there are also variants at this point in the text. Interesting.
Thanks for a thoughtful article, Jameson.
I feel the need to ask: can you explain the textual basis for saying that adultery, as expressed, is ongoing and continual? This runs counter to my understanding, but I'm open to better explanations based on the text. Thanks!
Thank you Tony!
When Jesus uses the Greek word (moichao╠Д) which is translated "commits adultery" - it is a present tense verb which means this is a continuous, ongoing action. The KJV translators put an "eth" on the end of present tense verbs to show the ongoing action. So what Jesus is literally saying is that the one in this passage who marries another "continues to commit adultery" so long as they are married to the other person.
I hope that's been helpful!
I appreciate you venturing into this topic. I have noticed that it seems to be rare for Mt. 19:1-11 to be featured in sermons (and virtually unheard of for v. 12 to be mentioned, 12a being a verse that is personally important to me).
I don't think this changes your point at all, but I like to compare English translations with the Greek, and I am wondering about ╬╝╬┐╬╣╧З╬▒═В╧Д╬▒╬╣. If it is in the present passive indicative then I would expect it to be of undefined aspect, rather than continuous. Just curious.
I see that there are also variants at this point in the text. Interesting.