Mark 10:32

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An Exegetical Examination of Paragraph Divisions and Punctuation in Modern Greek New Testaments, with a Focus on Mark 10:32

Introduction

This exegetical study of paragraph divisions and punctuation in modern Greek New Testaments is based on a b-greek discussion from November 15th, 2017. The initial observation regarding a newly released Greek New Testament edition focused on its aesthetic appeal, specifically noting a “black faux leather” version as visually striking and commendable for its presentation, including its packaging.

The central exegetical issue explored herein concerns the impact of editorial decisions regarding paragraph divisions and punctuation in critical editions of the Greek New Testament on the reading experience and subsequent interpretation. While modern critical texts generally agree on the underlying Greek text, variations in how this text is presented—particularly in terms of paragraph breaks and punctuation density—can significantly influence a reader’s understanding of narrative flow, rhetorical emphasis, and thematic groupings. This analysis will focus on the distinctive approach of the Tyndale House Greek New Testament (THGNT), exemplified by its presentation of Mark 10:32, in comparison with other established editions like Nestle 1904, the SBL Greek New Testament (SBLGNT), and Nestle-Aland (NA28).

Ἦσαν δὲ ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ ἀναβαίνοντες εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα, καὶ ἦν προάγων αὐτοὺς ὁ Ἰησοῦς, καὶ ἐθαμβοῦντο· οἱ δὲ ἀκολουθοῦντες ἐφοβοῦντο. Καὶ παραλαβὼν πάλιν τοὺς δώδεκα ἤρξατο αὐτοῖς λέγειν τὰ μέλλοντα αὐτῷ συμβαίνειν, ὅτι Ἰδοὺ ἀναβαίνομεν εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα, καὶ ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου παραδοθήσεται τοῖς ἀρχιερεῦσιν καὶ τοῖς γραμματεῦσιν, καὶ κατακρινοῦσιν αὐτὸν θανάτῳ καὶ παραδώσουσιν αὐτὸν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, καὶ ἐμπαίξουσιν αὐτῷ καὶ ἐμπτύσουσιν αὐτῷ καὶ μαστιγώσουσιν αὐτὸν καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν αὐτόν, καὶ μετὰ τρεῖς ἡμέρας ἀναστήσεται.
(Mark 10:32-34, Nestle 1904)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• Punctuation Density: The SBLGNT (2010), while generally presenting a readable typeface and layout, tends to employ punctuation that is somewhat sparser than NA28 but often more consistent with traditional critical editions like Nestle 1904. The THGNT, by contrast, adopts a notably more sparse punctuation scheme, even more so than Nestle 1904, which is posited to enhance readability for continuous engagement with the text.
• Paragraph Divisions: In Mark 10:32, standard editions like Nestle 1904 and SBLGNT typically present the entire verse, or at least the initial clauses, as a continuous narrative unit. For example, SBLGNT typically groups verses into paragraphs, with Mark 10:32-34 often forming a distinct discourse block. The THGNT, however, introduces a paragraph break *within* Mark 10:32, specifically before Καὶ παραλαβὼν πάλιν τοὺς δώδεκα (And taking again the twelve). This internal paragraph division, which does not align with a verse boundary, is a critical distinction emphasized by THGNT‘s editors.
• Editorial Rationale for Paragraphing: The THGNT‘s editors explain their rationale for paragraph divisions by referencing ancient manuscript practices such as ekthesis (placing the first letter of a line into the margin) and paragraphos (a small horizontal line above the first word of a new section). This differs from modern editions that might primarily rely on thematic or discourse-analytical considerations for paragraphing, sometimes leading to divisions that reflect particular interpretative frameworks (e.g., in relation to the Synoptic Problem, as one participant noted regarding the UBSGNT).

Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)

While the primary focus here is on textual presentation rather than textual variants, the NA28 serves as a benchmark for contemporary critical editions. Its punctuation and paragraphing reflect modern scholarly consensus, often delineating discourse units that facilitate exegetical analysis. However, as noted, the NA28‘s punctuation is generally denser compared to the THGNT, which might lead to a different cognitive processing of the text. The THGNT‘s intentional departure from verse-based paragraphing, particularly in instances like Mark 10:32, represents a significant editorial choice that challenges the reader to reconsider traditional narrative segmentation.

The exegetical implications of such paragraphing choices are substantial. In Mark 10:32, the passage describes Jesus and his disciples on their way to Jerusalem. The first part of the verse notes the disciples’ fear and amazement as Jesus leads the way (προάγων, ἐθαμβοῦντο, ἐφοβοῦντο). The THGNT‘s paragraph break immediately before Καὶ παραλαβὼν πάλιν τοὺς δώδεκα (And taking again the twelve) rhetorically separates the disciples’ initial reaction to the journey from Jesus’ subsequent action of taking the twelve aside to instruct them about his impending passion. This division accentuates the shift in narrative focus from the general atmosphere of apprehension to a specific, intimate prophetic disclosure.

Lexically, the verbs in Mark 10:32 are crucial. προάγων (proágōn, “leading the way,” “going before”) highlights Jesus’ initiative and role. ἐθαμβοῦντο (ethamboûnto, “they were amazed,” “astonished,” “perplexed”) and ἐφοβοῦντο (ephoboûnto, “they were afraid,” “terrified”) describe the disciples’ emotional state. According to BDAG, θαμβέω often suggests an overwhelming awe or astonishment, sometimes tinged with fear, while φοβέομαι directly indicates fear. The Kittel Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (KITTEL) further elaborates on these terms, associating θάμβος with an experience of the divine, often resulting in fear or awe. By placing a paragraph break after the description of their fear, the THGNT subtly suggests that Jesus’ subsequent action of taking the twelve aside is a distinct, perhaps intended, response to their evident apprehension, shifting the narrative momentum.

Translation Variants

The grammatical and rhetorical analysis of Mark 10:32 reveals how differing paragraph divisions can influence translation. Editions that present Mark 10:32 as a single block emphasize the continuous nature of Jesus’ journey, the disciples’ reaction, and Jesus’ subsequent instruction. However, the THGNT‘s division highlights a distinct shift, almost as if Jesus pauses, observes their fear, and then takes specific action. This could be interpreted rhetorically as a moment of intentionality on Jesus’ part, or a heightened emphasis on the privacy and gravity of the passion prediction.

For instance, a translation following a continuous reading might integrate the fear and the subsequent instruction closely, linking them as sequential elements of the same event. A translation reflecting the THGNT‘s break, however, might use stronger conjunctions or new sentences to signal a more pronounced narrative turn, underscoring the contrast or development between the disciples’ general apprehension and Jesus’ specific teaching.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The editorial decisions concerning paragraph divisions and punctuation in Greek New Testament editions, particularly as exemplified by the THGNT‘s approach to Mark 10:32, significantly impact the reader’s engagement and interpretation. By reverting to principles informed by ancient manuscripts and embracing sparser punctuation, the THGNT aims to offer a reading experience that feels “closer to the original text,” potentially fostering fresh exegetical insights into the narrative flow and rhetorical structure of the Gospels.

1. “And they were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going on ahead of them, and they were amazed; and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him.”
   (This translation maintains the continuity of Mark 10:32, typical of standard modern English translations reflecting traditional Greek text layouts, where the verse forms a single narrative unit.)
2. “And they were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going on ahead of them, and they were amazed; and those who followed were afraid.
   And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him.”
   (This rendering reflects the THGNT‘s internal paragraph break within Mark 10:32, emphasizing a distinct narrative shift or new action following the disciples’ emotional reaction.)
3. “As they were on the road, ascending to Jerusalem, Jesus went ahead of them, prompting their astonishment, while those who followed were gripped by fear.
   Then, drawing the twelve aside once more, he began to unveil to them what was destined to befall him.”
   (This translation, while more dynamic, also implicitly acknowledges the narrative break observed in the THGNT by using stronger transitional phrasing, thereby highlighting the solemn shift from the general atmosphere to Jesus’ direct instruction.)

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