An Exegetical Analysis of *τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν* in Mark 2:1-2
This exegetical study of *τα* in Mark 2:1 is based on a b-greek discussion from May 27, 1999. The initial inquiry concerns the phrase τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν in Mark 2:1 (subsequently identified as Mark 2:2), which Zerwick/Grosvenor translate as “space near the door.” The central question revolves around the precise function of the definite article τὰ in this construction and its usage elsewhere in the New Testament.
The main exegetical issue is the grammatical and semantic interpretation of the neuter plural definite article τὰ when it precedes a prepositional phrase, specifically πρὸς τὴν θύραν in Mark 2:2. This construction presents challenges in determining whether τὰ renders the entire phrase substantival, effectively meaning “the things/area pertaining to the door,” or if it serves another anaphoric or emphatic function. Furthermore, the textual variant concerning the presence or absence of τὰ significantly impacts the preferred reading and subsequent translation, influencing the portrayal of the crowd’s density and the spatial context within the narrative.
Greek text (Nestle 1904)
Καὶ εἰσῆλθεν πάλιν εἰς Καφαρναοὺμ δι’ ἡμερῶν, καὶ ἠκούσθη ὅτι ἐν οἴκῳ ἐστίν. 2 καὶ συνήχθησαν πολλοὶ ὥστε μηκέτι χωρεῖν μηδὲ τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν, καὶ ἐλάλει αὐτοῖς τὸν λόγον.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- SBLGNT 2010 omits the article τὰ before πρὸς τὴν θύραν, reading: *μηκέτι χωρεῖν μηδὲ πρὸς τὴν θύραν*.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes
The phrase τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν in Mark 2:2 presents a notable textual variant. While the Nestle 1904 text includes τὰ, modern critical editions such as NA28 and SBLGNT 2010 opt for its omission. The NA28 apparatus indicates that the reading with τὰ is supported by a significant array of manuscripts including 𝔓75, C, D, W, Θ, 0132, 28, 565, 700, 892, 1009, 1241, 1582, the Byzantine tradition (𝔪), and various Old Latin, Syriac, Bohairic, Georgian, and Armenian versions. Conversely, the omission of τὰ is attested in א, B, L, (0247), f1.13, and the Sahidic Coptic version. The preference for the shorter reading (omitting τὰ) in NA28 and SBLGNT suggests that τὰ may have been an interpretive addition to clarify or emphasize the “space” near the door, reflecting a tendency towards explicitness in later textual traditions. However, the strong early and widespread support for the inclusion of τὰ necessitates a thorough analysis of its grammatical function.
Lexically, the terms involved are instructive:
- χωρέω (BDAG 1.a; KITTEL IV, 799-801): Primarily means “to have room,” “make room,” or “contain.” In Mark 2:2, the context clearly indicates “to have room.” The phrase *μηκέτι χωρεῖν* thus means “to no longer have room.”
- θύρα (BDAG 1; KITTEL III, 173-178): Refers simply to “door” or “gate.” Its meaning is straightforward here.
- πρός (BDAG I.1.c.γ, I.3.a; KITTEL VI, 716-724): With the accusative case, it can denote “pertaining to,” “with regard to,” or “near,” “at.” In combination with τὴν θύραν, it typically signifies spatial proximity (“near the door”).
- τὰ (BDAG I.1.a.γ): The neuter plural definite article, often used substantivally to denote a collective concept or idea, such as “the things pertaining to” or “the area of.” Examples cited in the b-greek discussion include οἱ τότε (“men at that time”), τὸ ἀγαθὰ πράττειν (“performing good actions”), and more specifically, phrases like τὰ περὶ ἐμοῦ (“the things concerning me,” Acts 23:11) and τὰ πρὸς τὸν θεόν (“the things pertaining to God,” Rom 15:17). In Mark 8:33, *οὐ φρονεῖς τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ ἀλλὰ τὰ τῶν ἀνθρώπων* (“you are not thinking the things of God but the things of men”) further illustrates this substantival usage, where τὰ collectivizes the concepts.
Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The presence or absence of τὰ significantly shapes the grammatical structure and rhetorical impact of Mark 2:2. When τὰ is included, as in the Nestle 1904 text, the phrase τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν functions as a substantive. This construction refers to “the things pertaining to the door” or, more idiomatically, “the area near the door.” The neuter plural article collectivizes the concept, transforming the prepositional phrase into a noun-equivalent. In this reading, the clause *ὥστε μηκέτι χωρεῖν μηδὲ τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν* means “so that there was no longer room, not even for *the area near the door*.” The conjunction μηδὲ (meaning “not even” or “and not”) serves to intensify the negation, highlighting the extreme overcrowding: not only was there no room inside, but even the space immediately adjacent to the entrance was completely filled.
Carl Conrad’s interpretation of τὰ πρὸς τὴν θύραν as a substantive accusative of respect offers a nuanced perspective: “so that there was no room, not even *with respect to the area near the door*.” This emphasizes the lack of space even when considering the specific locus of the door. The debate among commentators, as noted in the discussion, sometimes centers on whether this “area” refers to the space *inside* the door or the *courtyard* outside, but the grammatical function of τὰ remains key to defining “the area” itself.
If τὰ is omitted, as in NA28 and SBLGNT, the phrase πρὸς τὴν θύραν functions adverbially, simply meaning “near the door” or “at the door.” In this case, the clause would be rendered “so that there was no longer room, not even *at the door*.” While still conveying the sense of extreme overcrowding, the omission of τὰ makes the phrase less concretely refer to a “space” or “area” and more to a mere location. The emphasis shifts from the *occupation of a defined space* (the area near the door) to the *impossibility of finding space anywhere, even at the entryway*. Both readings depict a severe lack of space, but the presence of τὰ adds a layer of specificity and substantiality to the description of the packed conditions.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The analysis of Mark 2:2 reveals a significant textual variant and a rich grammatical discussion regarding the function of the neuter plural article τὰ. The inclusion of τὰ (as in Nestle 1904) transforms the prepositional phrase into a substantive, referring to “the area/things near the door,” thereby emphasizing the absolute saturation of space. The omission of τὰ (as in NA28/SBLGNT) renders the phrase adverbial, simply stating “at the door.” Both readings underscore the intense overcrowding, but the former provides a more vivid and concrete image of the occupied space. Given the robust textual support for both readings, a comprehensive understanding should consider both possibilities, recognizing that the presence of τὰ enhances the rhetorical emphasis on the complete lack of room.
Based on this exegetical study, the following translation suggestions are offered for Mark 2:2, specifically for the phrase *ὥστε μηκέτι χωρεῖν μηδὲ (τὰ) πρὸς τὴν θύραν*:
- “so that there was no longer room, not even *for the area near the door*.”
This translation adopts the reading with τὰ, emphasizing its substantival function to denote a specific “space” or “area” that was completely occupied. - “so that no more space was left, not even *the vicinity of the door*.”
This variant also incorporates the reading with τὰ, offering a more idiomatic English rendering of the collectivized substantive while retaining its essential meaning. - “so that there was no longer any room, not even *at the door*.”
This translation reflects the textual reading where τὰ is omitted (as in NA28/SBLGNT), rendering πρὸς τὴν θύραν adverbially, indicating location.