Matthew 26:73

An Exegetical Analysis of καί in Matthew 26:73

Matthew 26:73 presents a concise and impactful statement from the bystanders accusing Peter of being a follower of Jesus. The precise function of the initial particle καί in the clause καὶ γὰρ ἡ λαλιά σου δῆλόν σε ποιεῖ constitutes a significant exegetical question. This analysis will explore whether καί serves as a simple conjunction, a strengthening adverb, or a combination thereof, and its implications for understanding the passage’s grammatical structure and rhetorical force.

καὶ γὰρ ἡ λαλιά σου δῆλόν σε ποιεῖ (Nestle 1904)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• In Matthew 26:73, the SBLGNT (2010) presents the identical text for this clause, καὶ γὰρ ἡ λαλιά σου δῆλόν σε ποιεῖ, as found in the Nestle 1904 edition. No substantive differences are observed in the critical apparatus for this specific phrase in NA28 or other major editions relevant to the interpretation of καί.

The textual tradition for Matthew 26:73 is remarkably stable regarding the clause in question. The reading καὶ γὰρ ἡ λαλιά σου δῆλόν σε ποιεῖ is consistently attested across major manuscript families and critical editions (e.g., NA28, UBS5, SBLGNT). There are no significant variants affecting the presence or position of καί or γάρ, thus ensuring a solid textual foundation for grammatical and lexical analysis.

Lexical analysis of the key terms illuminates their semantic range and potential contributions to the overall meaning:

• καί: According to BDAG (3rd ed., s.v. καί), this particle functions primarily as a coordinating conjunction (“and”), but also frequently as an adverb, meaning “even,” “also,” or “too,” serving to emphasize the word or phrase it modifies. Its position before γάρ, a postpositive particle, suggests an adverbial function modifying the subsequent clause or a specific element within it.
• γάρ: BDAG (s.v. γάρ) defines this particle as expressing a causal or explanatory relationship, meaning “for,” “since,” or “because.” It is always postpositive, occurring second (or later) in its clause. In conjunction with καί, its explanatory force is maintained.
• ἡ λαλιά (from λαλέω): BDAG (s.v. λαλιά) defines this as “speech, manner of speaking, accent, dialect.” In the context of Peter, who was from Galilee (cf. Mk 14:70), λαλιά likely refers to his distinct Galilean accent or speech pattern, which differed from that of Judea.
• δῆλον: BDAG (s.v. δῆλος) means “clear, evident, manifest, obvious.” It functions here as the predicate adjective, highlighting the undeniable nature of the evidence.
• ποιεῖ (from ποιέω): BDAG (s.v. ποιέω) has a wide semantic range, but in this context, it means “to make, cause to be, bring about.” Here, “makes you obvious” or “reveals you.”

Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The grammatical structure of καὶ γὰρ ἡ λαλιά σου δῆλόν σε ποιεῖ presents a nuanced challenge for translation, primarily centered on the function of the initial καί. Two main interpretations emerge:

• Conjunctive Interpretation: If καί were interpreted purely as a coordinating conjunction (“and”), the clause would translate roughly as “And for your speech makes you obvious.” This rendering, however, creates an awkward construction with the immediately following postpositive γάρ. While καί can occasionally introduce a new thought or continue a narrative, its direct conjunction with γάρ is less common without a preceding parallel structure. Moreover, such a reading tends to dilute the emphatic force often conveyed by καί in initial positions.
• Adverbial (Emphatic) Interpretation: A more widely accepted and grammatically coherent interpretation understands καί as an adverb meaning “even,” “also,” or “too.” In this construction, καί functions to intensify or particularize the element that follows, or in this case, the main idea of the clause. While γάρ intervenes, grammatical convention dictates that καί can still modify the subject or the entire causal clause, particularly when γάρ is postpositive. The phrase effectively becomes “even your speech” or “also your speech,” with γάρ maintaining its causal force (“for/because”). This usage of καί is common in Greek (cf. BDF §442.2).

Rhetorically, the adverbial interpretation significantly strengthens the accusation. The bystanders have already made a general accusation (“You are also one of them,” v. 73a). Peter’s Galilean accent (ἡ λαλιά σου) serves as undeniable, audible proof, adding to their earlier claims. The “even” or “also” emphasizes that this specific characteristic—his speech—further solidifies their conviction, making any denial on Peter’s part futile. It highlights the inescapable nature of his identity, revealed not just by association but by his very manner of speaking.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

Based on the textual stability, lexical analysis, and grammatical considerations, the most compelling interpretation of καί in Matthew 26:73 is its adverbial, emphatic function. It serves to intensify the subject ἡ λαλιά σου within the explanatory clause introduced by γάρ. This nuanced understanding underscores the rhetorical power of the accusation leveled against Peter.

1. “For even your speech makes you obvious.” This translation captures the intensifying force of καί on the subject, emphasizing that Peter’s manner of speaking is the undeniable proof.
2. “Indeed, your very speech reveals you.” This option blends the emphatic nature of καί with the causal force of γάρ to create a strong affirmative, highlighting the inherent revealing quality of his speech.
3. “Because your accent also exposes you.” This translation specifically emphasizes the nature of λαλιά as an accent or dialect and reflects the corroborative function of καί as “also” or “too,” linking it to prior accusations and adding another piece of evidence.