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An Exegetical Analysis of John 20:22: The Imperative of Receiving the Holy Spirit
This exegetical study of “Breathing in Gen 2:7, John 20:22” is based on a b-greek discussion from Sun Feb 14 16:01:07 1999.
The initial inquiry concerned a morphological observation regarding the Greek verb ἐμφυσάω and its aorist indicative form, specifically questioning the phonological change from mu (**μ**) to nu (**ν**) in ἐνεφύσησεν and seeking resources for understanding such linguistic phenomena.
The primary exegetical issue at the heart of this discussion revolves around the precise force and implications of the aorist active imperative λάβετε (“Receive!”) in John 20:22, especially when juxtaposed with Jesus’ preceding action of breathing (**ἐνεφύσησεν**) on the disciples. The debate explores whether λάβετε functions as a simple command, an exhortation, a performative utterance, or a pronouncement, and how its aorist aspect contributes to the theological understanding of the Holy Spirit’s reception in this pivotal Johannine passage. Furthermore, the discussion touches on the morphological rules governing prefix assimilation in Greek verbs and the intertextual connections of the breathing act to Old Testament creation narratives.
Greek text (Nestle 1904)
καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐνεφύσησεν καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς, Λάβετε πνεῦμα ἅγιον.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- SBLGNT (2010) capitalizes the terms as Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον, whereas Nestle 1904 uses πνεῦμα ἅγιον. This reflects an interpretative decision regarding the personification of the Holy Spirit rather than a textual variant in the words themselves.
Textual criticism (NA28), lexical notes (BDAG):
The NA28 critical edition of the Greek New Testament presents the text of John 20:22 as: καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐνεφύσησεν καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς, Λάβετε Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον. The textual apparatus for this verse indicates no significant variants for the verbs ἐνεφύσησεν or λάβετε, nor for the phrase Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον, suggesting a high degree of textual stability for these elements across the manuscript tradition.
Lexically, the verb ἐμφυσάω (aorist indicative ἐνεφύσησεν) is derived from the prefix ἐν- (“in” or “on”) and φυσάω (“to blow, to breathe”). BDAG defines it as “to breathe or blow into/on.” Its use here immediately evokes intertextual connections to foundational creation narratives, particularly Genesis 2:7 (LXX: ἐνεφύσησεν εἰς τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ πνοὴν ζωῆς – “he breathed into his face the breath of life”) and Ezekiel 37:9 (LXX: ἐνεφύσησον εἰς τοὺς νεκρούς τούτους καὶ ζήτωσαν – “breathe into these dead ones, and they shall live”), and Wisdom of Solomon 15:11. These parallels suggest that Jesus’ act of breathing signifies a new creation or re-creation, imbuing life or spirit into the disciples. The morphological change from μ to ν in the aorist stem ἐνεφυσ– compared to the present ἐμφυσάω is a standard phonological rule where the prefix ἐν- (which assimilates to ἐμ- before labial consonants like φ in the present stem) reverts to its original form with the augment (`ε`) breaking the assimilation in the aorist indicative (**ἐν-ε-φύσησεν**). The prefix maintains its sense of “into” or “on,” thus “breathed into/on them.”
The verb λαμβάνω (aorist imperative λάβετε) fundamentally means “to take, to grasp, to receive” (BDAG). It often implies active appropriation rather than passive reception. The active imperative form directs the recipients to perform an action. The aorist aspect of λάβετε, as widely recognized in Greek grammar, portrays the action as a whole, a summary command, without specific reference to its duration or repetition. This stands in contrast to a present imperative, which would emphasize ongoing or repeated action. Therefore, λάβετε calls for a decisive, complete act of reception rather than a continuous process.
Translation Variants
The interpretation of John 20:22 hinges significantly on the grammatical and rhetorical analysis of ἐνεφύσησεν and λάβετε within their immediate and broader Johannine contexts. The morphological discussion regarding ἐμφυσάω clarifies that the prefix ἐν- retains its sense of “into” or “on,” supporting the translation “he breathed on them.” This act is consistently linked by commentators to Old Testament creation motifs, particularly Genesis 2:7 and Ezekiel 37:9, suggesting a life-giving, re-creative bestowal of the Spirit by Jesus.
The main point of contention lies in the “imperative force” of λάβετε. While it is an aorist active imperative, clearly a command directed to the disciples, its precise nuance is debated. Grammatically, the aorist imperative commands the action as a whole, a summary or punctiliar act, not an ongoing process. This contrasts with a present imperative which would focus on continuous action. Scholars generally agree that the aorist here calls for a decisive reception. The discussion further distinguishes between the *intended type of action* (a complete, effectual reception) and the *guaranteed outcome* of the command. While a command does not inherently guarantee obedience or “effectual reception” in every real-world scenario (as illustrated by the “grapes” analogy), within this specific theological context, Jesus’ authority and the preceding act of breathing strongly suggest an immediate and successful bestowal/reception. The idea of a “pronouncement imperative” is introduced, typically applied to passive voice verbs where the recipient cannot fulfill the command but it becomes true at utterance (e.g., “Be cleansed”). While λάβετε is active, the unique context of Jesus, the life-giving breath, and the passive sense inherent in “receiving” (as opposed to actively “taking” or “grasping”) lend support to a pronouncement-like interpretation. The imperative is not merely an instruction but a performative utterance that likely simultaneously bestows and commissions the disciples with the Holy Spirit.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The exegetical analysis of John 20:22 reveals the profound theological significance embedded in the Greek verbs ἐνεφύσησεν and λάβετε. Jesus’ act of breathing symbolizes a new creation and the impartation of divine life, echoing Old Testament imagery. The aorist imperative λάβετε, though active, functions as a decisive call to receive what is being offered, conveying the immediate and complete nature of the Spirit’s bestowal. While it is a command, in the context of Jesus’ authority and the performative act of breathing, it carries the weight of a pronouncement, implying that the Spirit is effectively conferred and is to be immediately appropriated by the disciples.
- “And having said this, he breathed on them and says to them, ‘Receive Holy Spirit!’”
This translation emphasizes the sequential nature of Jesus’ actions (speaking, breathing, then commanding) and the decisive, immediate nature of the reception conveyed by the aorist imperative. - “Then, after saying this, he breathed on them and told them, ‘Take hold of the Holy Spirit!’”
This option highlights the active appropriation implied by λαμβάνω and aligns with the understanding of the aorist imperative as calling for a definite, complete act of “taking possession.” - “And having spoken thus, he breathed on them and declares to them, ‘You are to receive Holy Spirit!’”
This interpretation leans into the “pronouncement” aspect, where Jesus’ words, combined with his actions and authority, constitute a performative utterance that effectively confers the Spirit, and the imperative expresses this conferred reality or immediate expectation.
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