Acts 17:11

An Exegetical Analysis of εὐγενής in Acts 17:11

This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of εὐγενής in Acts 17:11 is based on a b-greek discussion from June 8th, 2013. The initial inquiry concerns the definition of the Greek term εὐγενής in Acts 17:11, specifically questioning the rendering ‘open-minded’ offered by the third edition of BDAG. The query highlights that supporting citations from Menander, Dyskolos 723, and Josephus, Antiquities 12,255, do not immediately or clearly substantiate this definition, and Liddell & Scott (L&S) does not list ‘open-minded’ as a meaning for the term, prompting an investigation into whether BDAG’s interpretation is primarily contextually motivated or lexically grounded.

The central exegetical issue revolves around the precise semantic range and contextual nuance of the adjective εὐγενής (eu/gene/s) in Acts 17:11, particularly in light of BDAG’s proposed definition of ‘open-minded’ and its supporting evidence. This study aims to evaluate the lexical justification for this rendering against classical and New Testament usage, as well as the immediate co-text, to determine the most accurate and contextually appropriate understanding of the Bereans’ character. The discussion explores whether the ‘nobility’ of the Bereans is best understood as an innate quality, an enthusiastic reception of the Word, or a diligent, critical examination of the Scriptures.

Οὗτοι δὲ ἦσαν εὐγενέστεροι τῶν ἐν Θεσσαλονίκῃ, οἵτινες ἐδέξαντο τὸν λόγον μετὰ πάσης προθυμίας, τὸ καθ’ ἡμέραν ἀνακρίνοντες τὰς γραφὰς εἰ ἔχοι ταῦτα οὕτως. (Nestle 1904)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• There are no significant textual differences in Acts 17:11 between Nestle 1904 (represented by NA28/UBS5 for this verse) and the SBLGNT (2010). The Greek text for this verse is stable across major critical editions.

Textual criticism (NA28), lexical notes (KITTEL, BDAG): The textual tradition for Acts 17:11 is robust, with no significant variants affecting the meaning of εὐγενέστεροι. The NA28 text is universally accepted for this passage.

Lexically, the term εὐγενής (eu/gene/s) typically signifies ‘well-born’, ‘noble’, or ‘of noble lineage’.

• KITTEL (TDNT): The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT) by Kittel (et al.) traces the semantic development of εὐγενής from its classical roots, where it denotes social standing and good birth, extending to qualities associated with such status, such as ‘noble character’, ‘generosity’, or ‘integrity’. It emphasizes the shift from inherited status to a spiritual or moral ‘nobility’ in the New Testament context, which is demonstrated through actions and character. Kittel would likely interpret the Bereans’ εὐγενέστεροι as a superlative of character, exemplified by their behavior rather than their birth, though it might not directly offer “open-minded” as a primary definition but rather as a potential manifestation of noble disposition.
• BDAG (3rd ed.): BDAG offers “open-minded” as a specific contextual meaning for εὐγενής in Acts 17:11. This rendering is questioned by the original post due to its perceived lack of support in classical sources like Menander and Josephus, and its absence from other standard lexicons like L&S. The Menander passage (Dyskolos 723), where εὐγενέστατος describes Gorgias’s selfless and generous act, seems to align more closely with traditional notions of ‘nobility’ or ‘generosity’ rather than mere ‘open-mindedness’. This suggests BDAG’s interpretation might be a highly contextualized inference, emphasizing one aspect of the Bereans’ behavior.

Translation Variants

Grammatically, εὐγενέστεροι is the comparative adjective of εὐγενής, meaning “nobler” or “more noble.” It modifies οὗτοι, referring to the Bereans, thereby drawing a direct comparison with the Thessalonians. Rhetorically, the passage employs this comparative to commend the Bereans. The *reason* for their superior nobility is explicated by two subsequent participial clauses:

1. οἵτινες ἐδέξαντο τὸν λόγον μετὰ πάσης προθυμίας (who received the word with all readiness/eagerness)
2. τὸ καθ’ ἡμέραν ἀνακρίνοντες τὰς γραφὰς εἰ ἔχοι ταῦτα οὕτως (daily examining the Scriptures to see if these things were so).

The grammatical structure links the Bereans’ ‘nobility’ to their actions. The exegetical challenge lies in determining how these actions inform the specific nuance of εὐγενέστεροι. Does it denote an inherent character trait (noble by birth or upbringing), an enthusiastic reception of the message, or a diligent, critical examination of its truth claims? The discussion in the source post leans towards the third option, suggesting that their nobility is primarily demonstrated by their thorough investigation of the Scriptures, implying an *intellectual integrity* that goes beyond mere eager acceptance. This reading supports a rendering that encapsulates both the readiness to hear and the critical faculty to verify, thus combining spiritual receptivity with intellectual discernment. While ‘open-minded’ captures the readiness to consider new information, it may not fully encompass the active, diligent scrutiny that characterizes the Bereans’ actions.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The term εὐγενής in Acts 17:11, while rooted in the concept of ‘well-born’ or ‘noble status’, is clearly used here to describe a moral and intellectual excellence. The Bereans’ actions—eager reception combined with diligent scriptural verification—are presented as the manifestation of this superior character. While BDAG’s ‘open-minded’ captures an important aspect of their receptive and investigative spirit, a more comprehensive translation might reflect both the internal disposition and the external, active pursuit of truth. The classical references do not strongly support ‘open-minded’ as a primary meaning for εὐγενής, suggesting that this rendering is a highly contextual and interpretative choice for Acts 17:11.

Suggested translations include:

1. “These were nobler in spirit than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all eagerness and examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
   This translation emphasizes the moral quality of their character, extending ‘nobility’ beyond birth to a commendable disposition.
2. “Now these were more discerning than those in Thessalonica, because they welcomed the message with great readiness and diligently studied the Scriptures every day to verify its truth.”
   This option highlights the intellectual aspect of their character, focusing on their capacity for judgment and critical inquiry, which aligns with the “examining the Scriptures” clause.
3. “The Bereans proved to be of superior character to the Thessalonians, for they eagerly welcomed the message and thoroughly investigated the Scriptures daily to confirm its veracity.”
   This rendering combines the general praise of ‘superior character’ with a clear explanation of *how* that character was demonstrated, encompassing both receptive enthusiasm and diligent verification.