An Exegetical Analysis of Philippians 1:29: The Syntactical Function of the Definite Article το
This exegetical study of ‘What does this text mean? Re: Phil 1:29 – το‘ is based on a b-greek discussion from September 20th, 2012. The discussion commenced with an inquiry into the precise purpose of the definite article το in its three occurrences within Philippians 1:29. The initial query sought to understand the grammatical link of το to χριστου in each instance and to ascertain whether the meaning of the verse would be substantially altered if το were omitted.
The central exegetical issue in Philippians 1:29 revolves around the exact syntactical role of the definite article το. Specifically, scholars debate whether the initial phrase το ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ functions as the grammatical subject of the passive verb ἐχαρίσθη, with the subsequent nominalized infinitives (το εἰς αὐτὸν πιστεύειν and το ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ πάσχειν) serving as an appositional explanation. Alternatively, the construction might be interpreted as an anacoluthon, where the author, mid-sentence, shifts the grammatical trajectory, perhaps intending an initial unified subject that is then expanded and clarified by a more detailed, parallel enumeration of the divine grants.
ὅτι ὑμῖν ἐχαρίσθη τὸ ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ, οὐ μόνον τὸ εἰς αὐτὸν πιστεύειν ἀλλὰ καὶ τὸ ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ πάσχειν. (Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- No significant textual variants affecting the interpretation of το are present between Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT (2010) for this verse. Both editions present an identical Greek text for Philippians 1:29.
Textual Criticism (NA28): The critical text of Nestle-Aland (NA28) for Philippians 1:29 is identical to Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010. There are no substantial textual variants in the manuscript tradition that would alter the presence or usage of the definite article το in this verse, thus maintaining the syntactical challenge for interpretation.
Lexical Notes (BDAG): The definite article ὁ, ἡ, τό (το in neuter singular) serves various functions in Koine Greek, prominently including its use as a nominalizer. In Philippians 1:29:
- το ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ: Here, το nominalizes the prepositional phrase ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ, transforming it into a substantive meaning “that which is for Christ” or “the thing pertaining to Christ.” This makes the phrase capable of functioning as a noun.
- το εἰς αὐτὸν πιστεύειν: The article το nominalizes the infinitive πιστεύειν (“to believe”), creating a substantive phrase meaning “the act of believing in him.”
- το ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ πάσχειν: Similarly, το nominalizes the infinitive πάσχειν (“to suffer”), forming “the act of suffering for him.”
The verb ἐχαρίσθη (aorist passive indicative of χαρίζομαι) means “it was granted” or “it was freely given.” The passive voice indicates that the privilege originates from a divine source, bestowed upon the recipients.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
Two primary grammatical interpretations emerge regarding the function of το in Philippians 1:29, each with distinct rhetorical implications:
1. Appositional Elaboration: This interpretation posits that το ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ functions as the singular, overarching subject of ἐχαρίσθη, meaning “that which pertains to Christ has been granted.” The subsequent two nominalized infinitives, το εἰς αὐτὸν πιστεύειν and το ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ πάσχειν, are understood as being in apposition to the initial phrase, serving as an epexegesis to clarify and elaborate on what “that which pertains to Christ” specifically entails.
Grammatical Analysis: This approach is syntactically straightforward, treating the initial article-prepositional phrase as a cohesive nominal unit. The appositional infinitives then explicate the components of this grant.
Rhetorical Analysis: This construction emphasizes the holistic nature of the divine gift, which is entirely “for Christ,” and subsequently specifies the dual manifestation of this Christ-centered privilege as both belief and suffering. It highlights a unified theological concept being unpacked.
2. Anacoluthic Redirection: This view suggests that the verse contains an anacoluthon, a break in grammatical consistency. It is argued that the author might have initially intended a different, more concise formulation, such as “to you it has been granted the suffering for Christ” (τὸ ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ πάσχειν, where the infinitive is implied after the first το), but then consciously or spontaneously altered the structure to introduce the act of believing as a foundational or co-equal component of the privilege. The subsequent phrasing then clarifies the *actual* granted privileges as two distinct, nominalized infinitives.
Grammatical Analysis: This interpretation acknowledges a dynamic in the author’s thought process, where an initial syntactic trajectory is modified. The repeated το before each infinitive would then directly introduce the two specific, granted actions.
Rhetorical Analysis: Anacoluthon often conveys a sense of immediacy, passion, or thoughtful revision in the speaker’s mind. In this case, it suggests that Paul, perhaps initially focused on suffering, felt compelled to explicitly include belief as an equally crucial and perhaps prior element of the divine gift, thereby expanding and reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the privilege bestowed.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The syntactical flexibility of the definite article το in Koine Greek allows for multiple valid interpretations in Philippians 1:29, reflecting subtle differences in emphasis regarding the relationship between belief and suffering within the divine grant. While both appositional and anacoluthic readings are grammatically tenable, the choice often comes down to discerning the author’s rhetorical intent and the most felicitous English expression.
- “For to you it has been granted that which pertains to Christ, namely, not only the act of believing in him but also the act of suffering for him.”
This rendering interprets το ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ as the general subject, a holistic divine grant, which is then specified by the subsequent two nominalized infinitives in apposition, clearly delineating the dual nature of this privilege. - “For to you has been granted the privilege for Christ: not only to believe in him but also to suffer for him.”
This translation attempts to smooth out the potential anacoluthon by presenting the initial phrase as a thematic introduction to the two specific and parallel privileges of belief and suffering, which are the direct objects of the divine grant. - “For to you it has been granted, not only to believe in Christ but also to suffer for his sake.”
This translation prioritizes a natural English flow, effectively integrating the meaning of the initial phrase with the subsequent elaboration. It implicitly understands `το ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ` as applying to both actions, thereby emphasizing the combined nature of the divine bestowal without dwelling on the intricate syntactical relationship of the initial `το` phrase to the subsequent parallel clauses.