An Exegetical Examination of the Definite Article in Luke 18:13 (τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ)
This exegetical study of Luke 18:13, specifically the phrase τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ, is based on a b-greek discussion from Tuesday, November 27, 2001. The initial query concerned the common translational practice of rendering the Greek definite article in this context as an English indefinite article, resulting in “a sinner” rather than “the sinner,” and sought justification for such an omission.
The central exegetical issue under examination is the precise grammatical function and semantic force of the definite article preceding the dative noun ἁμαρτωλῷ in the tax collector’s prayer. This involves exploring various classifications of the Greek article, including its use for “class” or “generic” reference, “simple identification,” “par excellence,” and its potential function as a relative pronoun. The discussion seeks to determine whether the Greek construction inherently demands a definite article in English translation or if idiomatic English or specific contextual nuances permit, or even necessitate, an indefinite rendering, while still preserving the original meaning and rhetorical impact intended by the author.
Greek text (Nestle 1904):
ὁ θεός, ἱλάσθητί μοι τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ.
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- There are no significant textual variants or differences in the wording of the phrase τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ between Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010 for Luke 18:13.
Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG):
The text of Luke 18:13, particularly the phrase τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ, is well-attested across major manuscripts, and the NA28 agrees with the Nestle 1904 reading. There are no significant textual critical issues impacting this specific phrase. Lexically, ἁμαρτωλός (hamartōlos) primarily denotes “sinner,” “sinful,” or “one who misses the mark,” often carrying connotations of moral and religious deviance (BDAG, s.v. ἁμαρτωλός). KITTEL emphasizes that in biblical usage, ἁμαρτωλός frequently refers to those who are ritually or morally impure, often distinguished from the righteous (TDNT, s.v. ἁμαρτωλός). The dative case here (μοι… τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ) indicates the indirect object of the verb ἱλάσθητί (“be merciful to me”), with the articular noun likely functioning either in apposition to the pronoun μοι or as an attributive.
Translation Variants
The translation of τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ presents a significant challenge due to the semantic range of the Greek definite article and the conventions of English grammar. The core of the debate revolves around whether the Greek article here denotes specific identification (“the sinner”) or a more generic, qualitative description (“a sinner”).
One perspective, frequently observed in English translations, suggests that the Greek article in this context functions generically, classifying the individual as “a sinner” rather than identifying him as a singular, pre-defined “the sinner.” This interpretation aligns with grammatical discussions where an articular noun denotes a class of which the subject is a member. Examples cited for this “generic” or “class” use include Matthew 18:17 (ὁ ἐθνικὸς καὶ ὁ τελώνης – “a Gentile and a tax collector”) and Luke 10:7 (ὁ ἐργάτης – “a worker”), where an English indefinite article is commonly employed. Proponents of this view argue that it reflects idiomatic English, translating the “sense of the Greek” without literal adherence to the article where English would not naturally use it.
Conversely, a substantial argument is made for retaining the definite article in English, yielding “the sinner.” This position often draws upon more nuanced classifications of the Greek article, particularly the “par excellence” use. According to a significant grammatical resource, the “par excellence” article identifies an individual as the *extreme* of a certain category, deserving the name more than any other. In this view, the tax collector is not simply “a sinner” among many, but is declaring himself, from his own perspective, to be “the worst of all sinners,” thus standing apart. This interpretation implies a superlative idea, even if not explicitly stated by a superlative adjective. This aligns with the context of the parable where the tax collector’s humility contrasts sharply with the Pharisee’s self-righteousness, possibly distinguishing himself as “the sinner” in comparison to the Pharisee who considered himself “the righteous one.” Some translations, such as the NASB/NAS95 and certain literal translations (LITV, YLT, Darby), adopt this rendering.
Another grammatical possibility for the article’s function, particularly with a preceding pronoun in the dative, is its role as a form of “rankshifting” or a substitute for a relative pronoun. In this interpretation, τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ would be understood as “to me, who am the sinner” or “to me, the one who is a sinner.” This function is observed in passages like Luke 1:36 (τῇ καλουμένῃ στείρᾳ – “to her who is called barren”) and Luke 6:24 (ὑμῖν τοῖς πλουσίοις – “woe to you who are rich”). This analysis suggests that the article ties a descriptive noun to the preceding pronoun, acting as an appositional descriptor with a relative force, further solidifying the specific identification of the tax collector with the term “sinner.”
The grammatical debate highlights the inherent difficulty in directly mapping Greek article usage onto English article usage. While the Greek article typically denotes definiteness, its function extends beyond simple one-to-one correspondence with “the” in English. The choice between “a sinner” and “the sinner” therefore hinges on interpreting the tax collector’s self-perception: is he merely stating his membership in a class of sinners, or is he making a more profound, self-abasing declaration of his unique and extreme sinfulness, perhaps even in stark contrast to the Pharisee present?
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The exegetical analysis of τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ in Luke 18:13 reveals a rich interplay of grammatical possibilities, each carrying distinct theological and rhetorical implications. While the Greek article undeniably implies a degree of definiteness, its specific function in this context is open to interpretation. The “generic class” argument allows for an indefinite rendering in English to preserve idiomacy, while the “par excellence” and “relative pronoun” interpretations argue for a definite article, emphasizing the tax collector’s intense self-identification as a prominent or even supreme sinner.
Considering the humility of the tax collector’s prayer and the contrast with the Pharisee’s self-righteousness, a translation that highlights the personal and profound nature of his confession seems most appropriate. The article likely serves to intensify his self-designation, making it a singular, poignant admission of his sinful state.
Based on this analysis, the following translation suggestions are offered:
- “O God, be merciful to me, the sinner.”
This translation emphasizes the tax collector’s strong self-identification, possibly in contrast to others, or as an expression of his perception of being an extreme example of a sinner (“par excellence”). - “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
This rendering prioritizes idiomatic English and interprets the article as indicating membership in the general class of sinners, without necessarily implying a superlative status. This is the most common translation. - “O God, be merciful to me, who am the sinner.”
This suggestion integrates the “relative pronoun” function of the article, highlighting the appositional nature and the tax collector’s personal and profound identification with his sinful state, akin to the “par excellence” idea.