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Exegetical Study of Luke 1:2: The Semantics of καθα and καθωσ in the Transmission of the Gospel Narrative
This exegetical study of Luke 1:2: The Semantics of καθα and καθωσ in the Transmission of the Gospel Narrative is based on a b-greek discussion from Wed, 21 Aug 2002.
The initial discussion encountered difficulties in presentation, stemming from an original formulation in French with subsequent English translation attempts. To address this, a revised approach was adopted, focusing on clear, English-only formulations of exegetical issues, accompanied by concise summaries of ongoing discussions.
The primary exegetical issue under consideration in Luke 1:2 concerns the textual variant between καθα (as found in Codex Bezae, D05) and καθωσ (the reading adopted by critical editions such as NA27/UBS4, and subsequently NA28/SBLGNT). The core question is whether καθα should be interpreted as a simple adverbial conjunction, semantically equivalent to καθωσ, or if it represents a contraction of κατ’ ἃ, thereby introducing a relative pronoun (ἃ) that functions as a direct object to the verb παρέδοσαν (‘handed down’), thus subtly altering the nuance of the verse concerning the nature of the transmitted tradition.
καθὼς παρέδοσαν ἡμῖν οἱ ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς αὐτόπται καὶ ὑπηρέται γενόμενοι τοῦ λόγου
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT 2010 both present καθώς as the accepted reading in Luke 1:2.
- The discussion, however, centers on the significant textual variant καθα found in Codex Bezae (D05), which is not reflected in these standard critical editions as the primary reading.
Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (BDAG, Louw & Nida)
Textual Criticism (NA28): The Nestle-Aland 28th edition (NA28), like its predecessors (NA27/UBS4), adopts καθώς (‘as’) as the preferred reading in Luke 1:2. This choice reflects the weight of manuscript evidence from significant uncials and minuscules, which predominantly support καθώς. The variant καθα, found notably in Codex Bezae (D05), represents a Western textual tradition and is considered a less widely attested reading. The question for textual critics is whether καθα functions as a mere orthographical variant or carries a distinct semantic force that might justify its inclusion or a different interpretation of the passage.
Lexical Notes (BDAG, Louw & Nida, L&S):
- The primary lexical resources, such as BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich Lexicon), generally categorize καθα as an adverbial conjunction, essentially synonymous with καθώς and καθό. BDAG notes that καθα can function as ‘just as, according as, in proportion as’. It is a rarer form in the New Testament, appearing notably in Matthew 27:10 (καθα συνεταχεν μοι κυριος, ‘as the Lord commanded me’).
- Louw & Nida (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains), in section 64.16, explicitly lists καθα and καθώς as equivalent adverbial conjunctions, denoting ‘in the way in which’ or ‘to the extent that’. This perspective supports the idea that any perceived difference in meaning between the two forms is negligible in many contexts.
- Liddell, Scott, and Jones (LSJ), and Thayer’s Lexicon also generally affirm the equivalence of καθα and καθώς in their adverbial function, both meaning ‘as, according as, just as’.
- However, an alternative interpretation proposes καθα as a contraction of κατ’ ἃ (κατά + accusative plural relative pronoun ἃ), meaning ‘according to what/the things which’. In this construction, ἃ would function as a direct object of παρέδοσαν (‘they handed down’). The phrase would then mean ‘according to the things which they handed down to us.’ This places a greater emphasis on the specific content or substance of the tradition—the actual matters or events—rather than solely the manner of their transmission.
- Instances from the Septuagint (e.g., Genesis 7:9, 16, 19:8 for καθα; Judith 3:3 for καθο) are cited where the relative pronoun (ἃ or ὁ) could be understood as a direct object or subject of the subordinate verb, lending some support to the κατ’ ἃ interpretation. Yet, even in these cases, the verbs involved (like ἀρέσκῃ) may carry an impersonal sense, making the distinction ambiguous.
- The Hellenistic Greek tendency to form adverbs using κατά + accusative (e.g., κατά μέρος, καθ’ ὅλου) further complicates the adjudication, suggesting a general linguistic inclination towards adverbial usage for such constructions.
Translation Variants with Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The primary exegetical challenge in Luke 1:2 revolves around the precise nuance conveyed by the introductory conjunction. While critical editions overwhelmingly favor καθώς, the presence and implications of the καθα variant in Codex Bezae necessitate a careful grammatical and rhetorical analysis.
Grammatical Analysis:
- Interpreting καθώς (Standard Reading): As an adverbial conjunction, καθώς (‘just as,’ ‘according as’) introduces a clause that establishes a correspondence or manner. In Luke 1:2, it indicates that the evangelist’s narrative (implied in v. 1) is aligned with the manner in which the original eyewitnesses and servants of the word transmitted their accounts. The focus is on the fidelity and conformity of the written record to the oral tradition. Grammatically, καθώς directly modifies παρέδοσαν, describing the process of transmission.
- Interpreting καθα as an Adverbial Conjunction (Variant 1): If καθα is simply an orthographical variant or a rarer form of καθώς, its grammatical function remains identical. It would still signify ‘just as’ or ‘according as’, emphasizing the manner of transmission. Lexicographers often treat καθα in this way, seeing it as synonymous with καθώς. Rhetorically, this conveys the same sense of careful alignment with tradition.
- Interpreting καθα as κατ’ ἃ (Variant 2): This interpretation posits καθα as a contraction of the preposition κατά (‘according to’) and the accusative plural relative pronoun ἃ (‘the things which’). In this construction, ἃ would function as a direct object of παρέδοσαν (‘handed down’). The phrase would then mean ‘according to the things which they handed down to us.’ This places a greater emphasis on the specific content or substance of the tradition—the actual matters or events—rather than solely the manner of their transmission. Rhetorically, this might suggest a more tangible and propositional understanding of the ‘word’ (λόγος) that was passed on.
Rhetorical Analysis:
- The choice between these interpretations subtly impacts the rhetorical emphasis. καθώς tends to highlight the process and authority of the tradition-bearers, ensuring the reader that Luke’s account faithfully mirrors their method and perspective.
- The κατ’ ἃ interpretation, while still affirming fidelity, brings the object of transmission into sharper focus. It emphasizes that Luke’s narrative is based on the concrete ‘things’ or ‘events’ that were delivered by the eyewitnesses. This could be seen as reinforcing the historicity and factual basis of the gospel.
- Ultimately, while the semantic range of καθώς often encompasses both manner and content implicitly, the κατ’ ἃ reading explicitly grounds the narrative in the transmitted items, potentially offering a slightly more direct link to the subject matter of the ‘word’. However, given the strong tendency in Hellenistic Greek for κατά + accusative to form adverbs, and the general lexical equivalence, many scholars favor the adverbial interpretation for καθα, even where it appears. The decision often relies on broader contextual and theological considerations rather than a strict grammatical necessity within this atomic unit.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The analysis of Luke 1:2 reveals a nuanced textual and semantic discussion centered on the choice between καθώς and the variant καθα. While critical editions strongly favor καθώς, the potential for καθα to represent κατ’ ἃ introduces an interpretive possibility that, while subtle, could shift the emphasis of the verse from the manner of tradition to its specific content. However, given the overwhelming textual support for καθώς and the strong linguistic evidence for καθα acting as an adverbial conjunction equivalent to καθώς, the primary interpretation remains focused on the conformity of Luke’s narrative to the eyewitness accounts. The decision of whether to imply a specific direct object for ‘handed down’ or a general adverbial sense often rests on broader literary and theological considerations rather than isolated grammatical distinctions.
Translation Suggestions:
- “just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed them down to us.”
This translation adopts the widely accepted reading καθώς, emphasizing the conformity of the narrative to the manner and process of tradition transmission. - “according as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word transmitted to us.”
This option treats καθα as an adverbial conjunction, equivalent to καθώς, focusing on the manner of transmission but using slightly more archaic phrasing. - “according to the things which those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed down to us.”
This translation explores the interpretation of καθα as κατ’ ἃ, emphasizing the specific content or subject matter of the tradition passed down by the eyewitnesses, though this is a less common and more speculative interpretation of the variant.
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