From: Mike Sangrey (mike@sojurn.lns.pa.us)
Date: Sat Dec 25 1999 - 17:03:49 EST
META FOBOU KAI TROMOU THN hEAUTWN SWTHRIAN KATERGAZESQE.
Can hEAUTWN bear the weight of "one anothers'" as in "you all should
work for the completion of one anothers' salvation."
Some assumptions and basis for the question:
1. See Smyth 1231 -- "The plural forms of the reflexive pronouns
are often used for the reciprocal ALLHLWN, ALLNHOIS."
2. In my translation above of KATERGAZOMAI, I try to capture the
ideas of both 'accomplishment' and 'effort', thus the words 'work
for the completion' See Louw and Nida 42.17, 90.47, 13.9, and 77.6.
3. It seems to me that the plural middle (KATERGAZESQE) supports
the idea of the body of believers doing something as a group for
the group's benefit; and thereby strengthening the idea in this
case of the reciprocal nature of the reflexive pronoun.
4. I assume 'salvation' is not just a heavenly happening, but begins
in a very real sense in the here and now. My assumption is that
salvation involves the ongoing purification of relationships with
others and therefore is decidely not individualistic. This is
colored by my understanding of the message of Philippians in
general--see 'Contextual basis' below. My intent is NOT to
discuss what 'salvation' is, but to reveal my assumption in
case it has caused me to read into the text that which Greek
will not allow.
5. Contextual basis --
A. If a person is to make a great deal of effort for others'
benefit, then it makes a great deal of sense for that person to
approach that task with FOGOU KAI TROMOU. When approaching
someone with unsolicited help, the questions, "What if I'm
wrong?" and "What if I'm right?" come to mind.
B. And, it also makes a great deal of sense for Paul to underscore
the great need of humility (see 2:1-11) (For proof of points A
and B, consult the archives :-)
C. In Phil. 1:12-26, Paul focuses on the benefit that others receive
as a result of his efforts; even when others do things which harm
him, he still recognizes the benefit to others--note the humility
and other-oriented nature.
D. Likewise, note the illustrations of Timothy and Epaphroditus
(See 2:19-30). There are many other contextual clues.
E. In fact, it seems to me that the whole book is about serving
others for their benefit. And therefore, if one understands 2:12
to be saying that we are to "effect one anothers' salvation", then
it very well may be the pivotal verse in Philippians. Thus the
reason for my question--the pivotal verse frequently
mistranslated! Surely this can't be, but then again...
My reason for the above points is to show where I'm coming from and to
provoke discussion of the Greek. I felt this necessary since my
translation is different then any I have seen; is different than the
commentaries I've consulted; and is a rather difficult passage to
teach when translated the way it normally is. However, since it seems
to fit so well the whole tenor of Philippians when translated as above,
I've been driven (as it were) to ask those much more knowledgable of
the Greek than I am.
Thanks and I earnestly await any thoughts, comments and opinions. (I
will entertain the same regarding the non-individualistic nature of
salvation, but ONLY in private email.)
--
Mike Sangrey
mike@sojurn.lns.pa.us
Landisburg, Pa.
There is no 'do' in faith, everywhere present within it is 'done'.
And faith should commend itself from within every 'do'.
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