An Exegetical Analysis of Luke 24:15: The Accusative Subject of the Infinitive and the Nuance of Συζητεῖν
This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of Luke 24:15: The Accusative Subject of the Infinitive and the Nuance of Συζητεῖν is based on a b-greek discussion from Wed Apr 10 00:28:17 2002. The initial inquiry concerns the grammatical function of αὐτούς in Luke 24:15, particularly its role within the clause ἐν τῷ ὁμιλεῖν αὐτοὺς καὶ συζητεῖν. The questioner expressed difficulty in understanding its grammatical placement and function, seeking clarification regarding this specific usage.
The primary exegetical issue addressed in this analysis revolves around the interpretation of the accusative pronoun αὐτούς as the subject of the infinitives ὁμιλεῖν and συζητεῖν. This grammatical construction, though common in Koine Greek, can sometimes pose difficulties for interpreters. Additionally, a careful examination of the precise semantic range and rhetorical implications of the verb συζητεῖν is undertaken. This verb describes the nature of the disciples’ conversation prior to Jesus’s appearance on the road to Emmaus, and its nuanced meaning is crucial for fully grasping the scene’s theological and narrative significance.
Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ ὁμιλεῖν αὐτοὺς καὶ συζητεῖν, καὶ αὐτὸς Ἰησοῦς ἐγγίσας συνεπορεύετο αὐτοῖς· (Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- No substantive textual variants are present between the Nestle-Aland 28th edition (which is broadly representative of critical texts including Nestle 1904 for this verse) and the SBLGNT 2010 for Luke 24:15.
- Minor punctuation differences may occur (e.g., the presence or absence of a comma after συζητεῖν), but these do not affect the lexical content or grammatical structure.
Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)
Textual Criticism (NA28): The text of Luke 24:15 is remarkably stable across critical editions. The Nestle-Aland 28th edition (NA28) apparatus records no significant textual variants for this verse that would alter its meaning or grammatical structure. The consensus of manuscripts supports the reading presented above, indicating a high degree of certainty regarding the original wording.
Lexical Notes:
- ὁμιλεῖν (from ὁμιλέω): According to BDAG (706 s.v. ὁμιλέω), this verb means “to engage in conversation, talk with, converse.” It often denotes a personal, interactive exchange. In Luke 24:15, it describes the general act of the two disciples engaging in discourse with one another.
- συζητεῖν (from συζητέω): BDAG (968 s.v. συζητέω) offers several nuances for this term:
- “to carry on a discussion, discuss.” This sense is specifically flagged for Luke 24:15.
- “to contend with persistence for a point of view, dispute, debate, argue.” This meaning is found in contexts such as Mark 1:27; 9:14, 16; Luke 22:23; Acts 6:9; 9:29.
- “to ponder various aspects of a matter, reflect, meditate.”
KITTEL (TDNT Vol. VII, p. 892 s.v. συζητέω) further clarifies that while the primary sense is “to search with,” “to discuss with,” or “to dispute,” its usage in the New Testament can range from intense discussion to outright debate, particularly when adversaries are involved. However, in the context of Luke 24:15, given the disciples’ sorrow and confusion, the connotation leans more towards a profound and possibly perplexed discussion rather than a hostile argument. The prefix συν- (syn-), meaning “with” or “together,” inherently emphasizes the joint nature of the action, whether it be shared conversation, deliberation, or mutual inquiry.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
Grammatical Analysis: The clause ἐν τῷ ὁμιλεῖν αὐτοὺς καὶ συζητεῖν is a common periphrastic construction in Koine Greek, consisting of ἐν τῷ followed by an infinitive. This structure functions adverbially, typically indicating concurrent action, and can be translated as “while they were speaking/discussing.” The core grammatical point, as correctly identified in the initial discussion, is that αὐτούς, an accusative pronoun, serves as the subject of the infinitives ὁμιλεῖν and συζητεῖν. This is a standard grammatical feature when the subject of the infinitive is distinct from the subject of the main verb. In this sentence, the main verb is συνεπορεύετο, whose subject is Ἰησοῦς. Therefore, αὐτούς explicitly clarifies who was engaged in the conversation and discussion, preventing any ambiguity that Jesus himself was performing these actions simultaneously with joining them. Modern grammars, such as Wallace’s Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics (p. 193), confirm that this is best understood as the accusative subject of the infinitive, rather than an older designation like “accusative of respect.”
Rhetorical Analysis: The use of two distinct verbs, ὁμιλεῖν and συζητεῖν, to describe the disciples’ activity prior to Jesus’s approach is rhetorically significant. Ὁμιλεῖν suggests a general, ongoing conversation, a natural interaction between companions on a journey. However, the addition of συζητεῖν elevates the quality of this conversation. It implies a more earnest, possibly intense, or even troubled discussion. Given the bewildering events the disciples had recently witnessed – the crucifixion of their Lord, the reports of an empty tomb, and the conflicting testimonies of women and other disciples – their conversation would undoubtedly have been fraught with perplexity, sorrow, and a profound desire to comprehend. The juxtaposition of these two verbs paints a vivid picture of individuals deeply engrossed in trying to make sense of bewildering circumstances, perhaps debating possible interpretations or grappling with their dashed hopes. This intense intellectual and emotional engagement establishes the perfect narrative context for Jesus to appear as the authoritative interpreter who will illuminate their understanding.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
Luke 24:15 provides a clear illustration of the accusative subject of the infinitive, where αὐτούς unambiguously identifies the disciples as the ones conversing and discussing. The deployment of both ὁμιλεῖν and συζητεῖν is a rhetorical device that conveys the depth, intensity, and possibly the perplexed nature of their conversation regarding the recent, traumatic events. Understanding this dual verbal expression is crucial for appreciating the narrative setup that precedes Jesus’s revealing appearance.
- “And it happened that, while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and journeyed with them.”
This translation emphasizes the potentially argumentative or deeply investigative nature implied by συζητεῖν, suitable for a discussion of perplexing and contradictory reports. - “And it came to pass that, as they were talking and earnestly discussing, Jesus himself approached and walked along with them.”
This rendering highlights the continuous nature of their discourse and the serious, engaged quality of their discussion without necessarily implying open debate. - “And it happened, as they were speaking to one another and deliberating, Jesus himself came near and went with them.”
This option uses “deliberating” to capture the sense of thoughtful, perhaps anxious, consideration of the events, thereby avoiding a strong ‘dispute’ nuance and focusing on their shared process of understanding.