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An Exegetical Analysis of Romans 11:26: The Syntax and Textual Transmission of ἀσεβείας
This exegetical study of Romans 11:26 is based on a b-greek discussion from May 22, 2004. The initial inquiry centered on the grammatical analysis of the Greek phrase ἀποστρέψει ἀσεβείας ἀπὸ Ἰακώβ, specifically questioning the case and function of ἀσεβείας. The primary query was whether ἀσεβείας should be understood as an accusative plural direct object of ἀποστρέψει, signifying “acts of ungodliness,” or as a genitive singular noun dependent on the preposition ἀπό, meaning “ungodliness” from which Jacob is turned.
The main exegetical issue concerns the precise syntactic relationship between the verb ἀποστρέφω, the noun ἀσεβεία, and the preposition ἀπό within this quotation from Isaiah 59:20 (LXX). This issue is compounded by considerations of Greek prepositional usage, particularly the typical word order of prepositions and their objects, and the relationship between Paul’s quotation, the Septuagint (LXX), and the Masoretic Text (MT).
Ἥξει ἐκ Σιὼν ὁ ῥυόμενος, ἀποστρέψει ἀσεβείας ἀπὸ Ἰακώβ. (Nestle 1904)
Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):
- For the phrase ἀποστρέψει ἀσεβείας ἀπὸ Ἰακώβ, the SBLGNT (2010) presents the identical Greek text as Nestle (1904). No significant textual variants affecting the interpretation of ἀσεβείας are present in this specific phrase.
Textual criticism (NA28): The critical apparatus of NA28 (28th edition) for Romans 11:26 indicates no significant variants for ἀσεβείας or ἀπὸ Ἰακώβ that would alter the case, number, or meaning of the noun or the prepositional phrase. The text is remarkably stable in this regard, affirming the consensus reading.
Lexical notes (BDAG):
- ἀποστρέφω (apostrephō): According to BDAG, this verb primarily means “to turn (something) away or back, send back” (transitive) or “to turn oneself away, keep away” (intransitive). In Romans 11:26, its transitive usage, “to turn away (something),” is in view. It regularly takes an accusative direct object for the thing being turned away.
- ἀσεβεία (asebeia): BDAG defines this as “lack of reverence toward God, impiety, ungodliness, wickedness.” It can occur in singular or plural forms, with the plural ἀσεβείας denoting “acts of ungodliness” or “ungodly deeds.”
- ἀπό (apo): This preposition consistently takes the genitive case, signifying “from, away from.”
While Kittel’s Theological Dictionary of the New Testament offers comprehensive discussions, BDAG sufficiently addresses the nuances relevant to this exegetical issue.
Translation Variants
Grammatical and rhetorical analysis of Romans 11:26 revolves around the case and function of ἀσεβείας. The initial query proposed two primary interpretations:
1. Ἀσεβείας as Accusative Plural: This interpretation understands ἀσεβείας as the direct object of the verb ἀποστρέψει. The verb ἀποστρέφω is transitive and frequently takes an accusative direct object, referring to the thing that is turned away or averted. The preposition ἀπό then governs Ἰακώβ in the genitive, indicating “from Jacob.” This construction yields a meaning where the subject (the Redeemer) turns away acts of ungodliness, thereby removing them from Jacob. This is syntactically the most straightforward reading, aligning with common Koine Greek usage where the direct object precedes the prepositional phrase of separation.
2. Ἀσεβείας as Genitive Singular: This alternative interpretation posits ἀσεβείας as a genitive singular object of ἀπό, with the preposition appearing *after* its object (a postposition). In this scenario, the verse would mean “he will turn Jacob from ungodliness,” implying that Jacob himself is the direct object (or recipient of the turning action), and the turning is *from* the state of ungodliness. However, the discussion noted that instances of prepositions following their objects are exceedingly rare in the New Testament, with ἕνεκα being a notable exception (e.g., Acts 19:32 τίνος ἕνεκα). Lexical resources like BDAG do not identify instances where ἀπό is preceded by its object in the NT. Therefore, this syntactic possibility is generally rejected by linguistic analysis.
The Old Testament background is crucial here. Paul’s quotation in Romans 11:26 is derived from Isaiah 59:20. The Masoretic Text (MT) of Isaiah 59:20 uses the singular noun פֶּשַׁע (peshaʿ), meaning “transgression” or “rebellion,” as the direct object of the verb. The Septuagint (LXX), which Paul largely follows, translates this as the plural ἀσεβείας. This shift from singular (MT) to plural (LXX and Paul) suggests that the LXX translator, and subsequently Paul, may have understood פֶּשַׁע in a collective sense, referring to multiple “acts of ungodliness” rather than a single transgression. Furthermore, Paul’s quotation notably changes the LXX’s ἕνεκεν (“for the sake of”) to ἀπό (“from”), possibly influenced by other Old Testament texts (e.g., Psalm 13:7 LXX). This change reinforces the sense of turning *away* something *from* someone, supporting ἀσεβείας as the accusative direct object that is removed.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
Based on a thorough analysis of the grammar, lexical evidence, and Old Testament context, the interpretation of ἀσεβείας as an accusative plural direct object of ἀποστρέψει is overwhelmingly supported. The proposed alternative, treating ἀσεβείας as a genitive singular object of a post-positioned ἀπό, lacks significant linguistic support within the Koine Greek of the New Testament. The plural form of ἀσεβείας, consistent with the LXX’s rendering of the singular Hebrew פֶשַׁע, suggests a collective understanding of ungodly acts that are removed from Jacob.
Therefore, the following translations are suggested:
- “The Deliverer will come out of Zion; he will turn away acts of ungodliness from Jacob.” This translation clearly identifies “acts of ungodliness” as the direct object being removed.
- “He will avert impiety from Jacob.” This offers a more concise rendering, using “impiety” to capture the collective sense of ἀσεβείας.
- “He will banish ungodly deeds from Jacob.” This emphasizes the active removal of the deeds themselves, maintaining the accusative plural sense.
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