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An Exegetical Analysis of the Middle Voice of βουλεύσεται in Luke 14:31
This exegetical study of βουλεύσεται in Lk 14:31 is based on a b-greek discussion from Fri Feb 28 08:54:31 EST 2003. The initial inquiry focused on the translation of βουλεύσεται, specifically “will first take counsel (with himself) if he is able,” interpreting the middle voice as “to take counsel with oneself.” The original translator questioned the classification of this middle voice, pondering whether it functioned as a “Reciprocal Middle,” implying an internal dialogue as if the subject were plural, or an “Indirect Middle,” emphasizing the action being performed “by himself.”
The main exegetical issue revolves around precisely classifying the semantic force of the middle voice of βουλεύσεται (from βουλεύομαι) in Luke 14:31. Understanding this nuance is crucial for accurately conveying the subject’s deliberative process as depicted in the Lukan parable. The classification affects how we perceive the king’s internal reflection on his capabilities before engaging in warfare, highlighting the introspective and self-directed nature of his strategic assessment.
Greek text (Nestle 1904):
ἢ τίς βασιλεὺς πορευόμενος συμβαλεῖν ἑτέρῳ βασιλεῖ εἰς πόλεμον οὐχὶ καθίσας πρῶτον βουλεύσεται εἰ δυνατός ἐστιν ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν ἀπαντῆσαι τῷ μετὰ εἴκοσι χιλιάδων ἐρχομένῳ ἐπ’ αὐτόν;
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- There are no substantive textual variants for the phrase πρῶτον βουλεύσεται in Luke 14:31 between the Nestle 1904 text and the SBLGNT 2010. Both editions present an identical reading for this critical phrase.
Textual criticism (NA28), lexical notes (KITTEL, BDAG):
The Nestle-Aland 28th edition (NA28) apparatus for Luke 14:31 shows no significant textual variants concerning the verb βουλεύσεται, reinforcing the stability of this reading across major manuscript traditions.
Lexically, the verb βουλεύομαι, from which βουλεύσεται is derived, is consistently found in the middle voice in the New Testament. BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) defines βουλεύομαι in its middle voice as “to take counsel with oneself, deliberate, consider, plan.” It explicitly lists Luke 14:31 as an instance where the sense is “to come to a decision, decide, resolve, determine, plan.” This emphasizes the internal, self-directed nature of the action. The entry further notes that even in classical Attic prose, the middle voice for this verb was common, signifying an action carried out *for oneself* or *by oneself*.
KITTEL (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament) discusses the broader semantic field of βουλή and βούλομαι, highlighting intention, will, and counsel. While Kittel’s entry focuses more on `βουλή` as divine counsel or human purpose, the middle voice of `βουλεύομαι` naturally aligns with the idea of inner deliberation. It underscores an intentional act of planning or decision-making that originates from and primarily affects the subject. The king’s deliberation is not merely an external consultation but an internal assessment of his own capacity and resources, directly impacting his own course of action.
Translation Variants
The phrase πρῶτον βουλεύσεται presents a grammatical construction that highlights the nuance of the middle voice. The verb βουλεύσεται is a future indicative middle from βουλεύομαι. The middle voice here is best understood as a “dynamic middle” or “indirect middle,” where the subject performs the action for itself or by itself, emphasizing the subject’s involvement in the process and the self-directed nature of the deliberation. It is not merely that he “will take counsel,” but that he “will take counsel *for himself*.” This aligns with Carl Conrad’s observation that the sense of deliberation naturally falls into the middle voice, with its focus on “self-interested action.” The king is not consulting advisors, but rather engaging in an internal assessment of his own strength.
Rhetorically, this internal, self-directed deliberation underscores the parable’s call for careful, personal reckoning. The king’s decision to assess his capability before engaging in battle serves as an analogy for the disciple’s need to count the cost before committing to following Jesus. The private, introspective nature of the `βουλεύσεται` mirrors the personal commitment required of a true disciple. It implies a rational, calculated, and deeply personal evaluation of one’s resources against the demands of the task at hand.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The middle voice of βουλεύσεται in Luke 14:31 strongly emphasizes the self-directed and introspective nature of the king’s deliberation. It signifies an internal process of calculation and decision-making undertaken by the subject for their own benefit and strategic planning. The nuances discussed suggest that the king is not seeking external advice, but rather engaging in a personal assessment of his own abilities and resources.
- “Will he not first sit down and deliberate whether he is able…”
This translation offers a more neutral, but still accurate, rendering, focusing on the act of deliberation itself without explicitly stating the internal aspect. - “Will he not first sit down and take counsel with himself whether he is able…”
This translation more explicitly captures the self-directed nature of the middle voice, emphasizing the internal reflection and personal assessment. - “Will he not first sit down and calculate if he is capable…”
This translation highlights the strategic and evaluative aspect of the deliberation, suggesting a careful mental accounting of resources and capabilities.
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