An Exegetical Analysis of the Genitive Absolute Construction in Matthew 8:5
This exegetical study of ‘AUTOU in Matt 8:5’ is based on a b-greek discussion from Sat Jul 10 13:00:02 EDT 1999. The initial query concerned the grammatical function of the word αὐτοῦ in Matthew 8:5, specifically whether it functioned as a genitive singular masculine noun or an adverbial particle. The correspondent expressed confusion, noting their understanding that the subject ‘He’ would typically be embedded in the participle. Furthermore, the presence of εἰς Καφαρναούμ seemed to render an adverbial interpretation of αὐτοῦ redundant, posing a grammatical dilemma.
The main exegetical issue revolves around the precise grammatical classification and function of αὐτοῦ within the introductory phrase εἰσελθόντος δὲ αὐτοῦ εἰς Καφαρναούμ. The question specifically queries if αὐτοῦ is a genitive pronoun or an adverb modifying the location. This hinges on understanding the genitive absolute construction, a common feature in Koine Greek that requires careful identification of both the participle and its subject, which are both in the genitive case. Proper interpretation is crucial for accurately translating the temporal or circumstantial relationship of this clause to the main verb.
Εἰσελθόντος δὲ αὐτοῦ εἰς Καφαρναούμ, προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ ἑκατόνταρχος παρακαλῶν αὐτόν (Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
* The text of Matthew 8:5 in Nestle 1904 is identical to the SBLGNT (2010) edition, indicating no significant textual variants for this verse in these critical editions.
Textual Criticism (NA28), Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG): The critical text of NA28 confirms the reading of Εἰσελθόντος δὲ αὐτοῦ εἰς Καφαρναούμ without variant. The word αὐτοῦ (from αὐτός) is a common anaphoric pronoun, meaning “he, him, it, they, them, himself, herself, itself, themselves” (BDAG, s.v. “αὐτός”). In this context, it functions as a personal pronoun in the genitive case, serving as the subject of the genitive participle εἰσελθόντος. Participles, unlike finite verbs, are not inflected for person, number, or gender in their verbal sense; thus, an explicit subject in the genitive case (here, αὐτοῦ) is necessary to specify ‘who’ performed the action of the genitive participle in a genitive absolute construction. KITTEL (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament) does not offer a specific entry for αὐτός as a pronoun that would alter this basic grammatical understanding, but it does contextualize its broad usage in the Koine period, including its function as an intensifier or for simple reference.
Translation Variants
The phrase Εἰσελθόντος δὲ αὐτοῦ εἰς Καφαρναούμ is a classic example of a genitive absolute construction. In this structure, both the participle (εἰσελθόντος, ‘having entered’ or ‘entering’) and its subject (αὐτοῦ, ‘of him’ or ‘his’) are in the genitive case. The entire phrase functions as an adverbial clause, providing background, temporal, or circumstantial information to the main clause (προσῆλθεν αὐτῷ ἑκατόνταρχος παρακαλῶν αὐτόν, ‘a centurion came to him, appealing to him’). Grammatically, αὐτοῦ is indeed a genitive singular masculine pronoun, specifically the subject of the participle εἰσελθόντος. It is not an adverb.
The original query’s confusion arose from the expectation that the subject might be “embedded in the participle.” While finite Greek verbs often embed their subject, participles generally do not explicitly convey the person or number of their subject without a separate noun or pronoun. Hence, αὐτοῦ is required here to clearly state that *he* (Jesus, as the antecedent) was the one entering Capernaum. The presence of εἰς Καφαρναούμ (‘into Capernaum’) is a prepositional phrase indicating direction or destination, which is entirely consistent with the verb of motion εἰσελθόντος and does not render αὐτοῦ redundant or suggest an adverbial role for it.
Rhetorically, the genitive absolute construction often places the introductory action in a slightly subordinate position, setting the stage for the main event. It provides an efficient way to convey background information without interrupting the flow of the primary narrative action. The translations provided in the original discussion, NRSV (“When he entered Capernaum…”) and NASB (“And when He had entered Capernaum…”), both correctly interpret the genitive absolute as a temporal clause, implying ‘when’ or ‘after’ he entered, rather than ascribing an adverbial function to αὐτοῦ.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The grammatical analysis confirms that αὐτοῦ in Matthew 8:5 is a genitive singular masculine pronoun, functioning as the subject of the genitive participle εἰσελθόντος within a genitive absolute construction. It clearly identifies the agent of the action “entering.” The most natural English translations render this construction as a temporal clause.
- “When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, pleading with him.”
This translation emphasizes the temporal aspect, smoothly integrating the introductory action into the narrative flow. - “And as he was entering Capernaum, a centurion approached him, appealing to him.”
This option slightly emphasizes the ongoing nature of the entry, while still maintaining the temporal connection and introducing the main action with a slightly more dynamic verb. - “Upon his entry into Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, imploring him.”
This translation provides a more concise, nominalized rendering of the genitive absolute, focusing on the event of entry as the point of commencement for the subsequent action.