An Exegetical Analysis of Acts 3:16: Grammatical Ambiguity and Theological Implications of το ονομα αυτου
This exegetical study of Acts 3:16 is based on a b-greek discussion from May 14, 1999, which originated from a conversation titled ‘Word Order: Mark 3.1 and beyond syntax and semantics’ within a biblical studies group. The discussion centered on various questions arising from the Greek text of Acts 3:16, particularly regarding its punctuation and, more critically, the precise syntactic function of the phrase το ονομα αυτου within the verse.
The primary exegetical issue at hand involves determining the grammatical placement and function of the phrase το ονομα αυτου (“his name”). A significant ambiguity exists as to whether this phrase serves as the subject of the verb εστερεωσεν (“he strengthened” or “it strengthened”) in the first clause, or if it is to be understood in conjunction with η πιστις η δι’ αυτου (“the faith that is through him”) in the subsequent clause. This syntactic uncertainty has profound implications for the theological interpretation of the passage, particularly concerning the agency of healing: whether the “name” itself is the active subject, representing an impersonal invocation or inherent power, or if a personal agent (Jesus Christ) is understood to be the subject, with the name signifying his person, authority, or the means through which faith operates.
Greek text (Nestle 1904)
Καὶ ἐπὶ τῇ πίστει τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ τοῦτον, ὃν θεωρεῖτε καὶ οἴδατε, ἐστερέωσεν τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἡ πίστις ἡ δι᾿ αὐτοῦ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ τὴν ὁλοκληρίαν ταύτην ἀπέναντι πάντων ὑμῶν.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- There are no substantive differences in wording between the Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010 editions for Acts 3:16. Minor orthographical variations (e.g., capitalization of initial Καὶ) do not affect the meaning or the exegetical issue under consideration.
Textual Criticism (NA28)
A review of the Novum Testamentum Graece (NA28) apparatus for Acts 3:16 reveals no significant textual variants that impact the phrase το ονομα αυτου or the verbs εστερεωσεν or εδωκεν. The textual evidence consistently supports the reading presented above, confirming that the grammatical ambiguity is inherent to the original formulation rather than a product of textual transmission.
Lexical Notes
- πίστις (pistis): BDAG defines πίστις primarily as “the state of believing on the basis of the reliability of the one trusted, trust, faith, reliance.” In the New Testament, particularly in Christological contexts, it often refers to faith in Jesus Christ, implying personal commitment and reliance. Kittel’s TDNT highlights its active, personal nature, distinguishing it from mere intellectual assent. Here, ἐπὶ τῇ πίστει τοῦ ὀνόματος αὐτοῦ signifies faith directed toward or grounded in the person and authority represented by Christ’s name.
- ὄνομα (onoma): While literally “name,” BDAG also notes its theological usage to denote “that which is invoked or by which something is known or called; name.” More profoundly, it can represent the entire person, character, power, or authority of the one named. Kittel (TDNT) extensively explores the concept, noting that in ancient thought, the “name” could embody the presence and efficacy of the bearer. In early Christian literature, “the Name” (often of Jesus) frequently stands for Christ himself and the divine power inherent in or associated with him.
- ἐστερέωσεν (estereōsen): From στερεόω, meaning “to make firm, make strong, strengthen” (BDAG). In Acts 3:7, εστερεώθησαν (passive) describes the strengthening of the lame man’s feet and ankles. Here, the active voice implies an agent performing the strengthening.
- ὁλοκληρία (holoklēria): BDAG defines this term as “state of being complete, soundness, perfect health, wholeness.” It is a hapax legomenon in the New Testament, appearing only in Acts 3:16, emphasizing the completeness and perfection of the healing received.
Translation Variants
The ambiguity of Acts 3:16 primarily concerns the syntactic role of το ονομα αυτου and its impact on the understanding of agency in the miracle. Two main interpretive pathways emerge:
Variant 1: το ονομα αυτου as the Subject of εστερεωσεν
- Grammatical Analysis: In this rendering, το ονομα αυτου (nominative, neuter singular) is understood as the grammatical subject of the aorist active indicative verb εστερεωσεν (3rd person singular). This interpretation implies that “his name” itself is the active agent that strengthened the lame man. This reading is common among many English translations (e.g., KJV, RSV, NRSV, NASB).
- Rhetorical Analysis: This construction creates a semantic parallelism within the verse: “his name strengthened” and “the faith… gave complete healing.” It rhetorically emphasizes the intrinsic power or efficacy associated with the name of Jesus. The original discussion noted that “On the basis of faith in his name, his name has strengthened…” might sound “clumsy” in English. This perceived clumsiness in English highlights a potential rhetorical feature in Greek, possibly an emphatic re-statement or a deliberate focus on the power of the name as an extension of the person. It foregrounds the name as a dynamic entity, either in an invocational sense (the name being called upon) or an objective sense (the inherent power of the name).
Variant 2: το ονομα αυτου Associated with the Second Clause, Implying a Personal Subject for εστερεωσεν
- Grammatical Analysis: This interpretation suggests that το ονομα αυτου is not the subject of εστερεωσεν. Instead, it might be understood in close connection with η πιστις η δι’ αυτου, conceptually forming a combined agency, or, more likely, εστερεωσεν takes an implied personal subject, such as “he” (referring to Jesus Christ). The NIV translation (“It is Jesus’ name and the faith…”) points to a thematic understanding of combined agency, rather than a direct grammatical re-assignment of το ονομα αυτου to the second clause’s verb. If το ονομα αυτου is not the subject of εστερεωσεν, then the context demands that Jesus Christ is the implicit subject: “He (Jesus), through the faith in his name, strengthened…”
- Rhetorical Analysis: This reading avoids the “clumsiness” of the name strengthening itself and places the agency firmly on the person of Jesus Christ. The “name” then functions as representing his authority, presence, or the means through which his power is invoked, rather than being the power itself. This interpretation aligns with the common understanding that miracles are performed by Christ through his disciples, emphasizing the personal agent. It also enhances the parallelism by presenting two distinct, yet complementary, agents or aspects of the healing: Christ’s personal power and the faith exercised through him.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The grammatical structure of Acts 3:16, specifically the placement and function of το ονομα αυτου, presents a genuine ambiguity. While many English translations opt for the literal rendering of “his name” as the subject of “strengthened,” this can lead to a less natural English expression and potentially an impersonal theological understanding of the “name.” Interpreting “he” (Jesus) as the implicit subject for “strengthened” provides a smoother flow and foregrounds Christ’s personal agency. Ultimately, both interpretations converge on the understanding that the healing occurs through Jesus Christ’s power, mediated by faith, yet the syntactic choice subtly shifts the emphasis.
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“And on the basis of faith in his name, this man whom you see and know, his name has strengthened; and the faith that is through him has given him this complete healing in the presence of you all.”
This translation maintains the literal rendering of το ονομα αυτου as the subject of εστερεωσεν, emphasizing the intrinsic power associated with the name itself. -
“And by faith in his name, this man whom you see and know, he (Jesus) has strengthened; and the faith that is through him has given him this complete healing in the presence of you all.”
This translation interprets “he” (Jesus Christ) as the implied personal subject of εστερεωσεν, providing a clearer agent for the action and avoiding the potential awkwardness of the name strengthening itself. -
“And it is through faith in the name of Jesus that this man whom you see and know has been strengthened, and the faith that comes through him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.”
This suggestion rephrases the first clause to emphasize the means (through faith in the name) rather than directly naming the “name” as the subject, while maintaining the personal agency of Christ implicitly, aligning with the interpretive nuance found in translations like the NIV.