Matt 7:13 εισελθετε

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An Exegetical Examination of the Textual Variant ἐξέλθατε / ἐξέλθετε in 2 Corinthians 6:17

This exegetical study of An Exegetical Examination of the Textual Variant ἐξέλθατε / ἐξέλθετε in 2 Corinthians 6:17 is based on a b-greek discussion from March 15, 2023. The initial discussion focused on the textual variant at 2 Corinthians 6:17, specifically contrasting ἐξέλθατε with ἐξέλθετε. This discrepancy involves the orthography of the aorist imperative, second person plural form of the verb ἐξέρχομαι.

The primary exegetical issue is not one of semantic distinction, as both forms convey the same imperative meaning. Rather, it concerns a phonological or orthographical variation that became common in Koine Greek, often referred to as ‘Alexandrian’ or ‘itacistic’ tendencies. This variation involves the alternation between -α- and -ε- in certain aorist imperative forms. The challenge is to identify the most probable original reading based on external (manuscript quality and distribution) and internal (scribal habits, linguistic tendencies) criteria, while acknowledging that the theological or practical implications for the interpreter remain largely unchanged by this particular variant.

Greek text (Nestle 1904):

διὸ ἐξέλθατε ἐκ μέσου αὐτῶν καὶ ἀφορίσθητε, λέγει Κύριος, καὶ ἀκαθάρτου μὴ ἅπτεσθε· κἀγὼ εἰσδέξομαι ὑμᾶς,

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

• The SBLGNT (2010) also reads ἐξέλθατε, aligning with the Nestle 1904 and NA28 critical texts.
• While there is no difference in the chosen reading, SBLGNT’s critical apparatus (like NA28’s) meticulously notes the variant ἐξέλθετε, indicating its presence in various manuscripts and acknowledging its textual significance as an orthographical variant.
• The agreement among major critical editions on ἐξέλθατε underscores the strength of its manuscript support and critical assessment regarding scribal tendencies.

Textual criticism (NA28), lexical notes (KITTEL, BDAG):

The Nestle-Aland 28th edition (NA28) reads ἐξέλθατε, supported by a strong array of early and geographically diverse manuscripts, including P46, א, B, C, F, G, 33, and others. The alternative reading ἐξέλθετε is found in later Byzantine manuscripts and some Western witnesses (e.g., D¹). The preference for ἐξέλθατε aligns with the critical principle of preferring the more difficult reading (lectio difficilior) in cases where a common orthographical tendency might lead to alteration towards a more ‘regular’ or common pronunciation.

The verb ἐξέρχομαι (exerchomai) signifies ‘to come out,’ ‘to go out,’ ‘to depart.’ In the New Testament, it is frequently used to denote physical departure (e.g., Matt 8:28) but also carries theological weight, particularly in commands to separate from unrighteousness or idolatry, as seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17. Kittel’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT) discusses the semantic range of ἔρχομαι (erchomai) and its compounds, emphasizing its function in expressing divine commands and human responses. The imperative form here underscores the urgency and authoritative nature of the call to separation.

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) defines ἐξέρχομαι as ‘to go out, come out, go forth, come forth.’ In the context of 2 Corinthians 6:17, it refers to a command to physically or spiritually separate from those who are unbelievers or involved in idolatrous practices. The aorist imperative ἐξέλθατε emphasizes the decisive and immediate nature of this action. BDAG notes the orthographical variations of this verb form but does not assign different meanings to them.

Translation Variants

Both ἐξέλθατε and ἐξέλθετε are second person plural aorist imperatives of ἐξέρχομαι. Grammatically, they convey the same command: ‘come out’ or ‘go out.’ The distinction lies solely in their orthography, reflecting a phonological shift in Koine Greek where the alpha-aorist imperative (e.g., ἔλθατε) became interchangeable or confused with the epsilon-aorist imperative (e.g., ἔλθετε), often influenced by pronunciation trends sometimes termed ‘Alexandrian.’ Rhetorically, the imperative mood itself is emphatic, conveying a direct and authoritative command from the speaker (Paul, echoing divine pronouncements). The choice between -α- and -ε- does not alter the force or meaning of the command; thus, it presents no semantic translation variants. The analysis, therefore, focuses on selecting the most probable original form, which critical editions widely agree is ἐξέλθατε.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

Based on the overwhelming manuscript evidence and established principles of textual criticism, ἐξέλθατε is accepted as the original reading in 2 Corinthians 6:17. The variant ἐξέλθετε represents a common scribal alteration stemming from a phonological development in Koine Greek, having no impact on the semantic or grammatical meaning of the text. The command remains a forceful injunction for separation.

1. “Therefore, come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you.”
   This translation prioritizes the direct imperative force, maintaining a formal tone suitable for a divine command.

2. “So then, depart from their midst and keep yourselves separate, says the Lord; do not handle anything unclean, and I will receive you.”
   Here, ‘depart’ emphasizes the act of leaving, while ‘keep yourselves separate’ clarifies the implication of being ‘holy’ or ‘set apart.’

3. “For this reason, go forth from them and be consecrated, declares the Lord, and abstain from what is defiling; then I will embrace you.”
   This version uses ‘go forth’ for a slightly more archaic and emphatic feel, and ‘be consecrated’ as a stronger rendering of ‘be separate,’ aligning with the theological context of holiness.

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