2 Corinthians 1:20

An Exegetical Examination of the Repetitive Use of διά in 2 Corinthians 1:20

This exegetical study of An Exegetical Examination of the Repetitive Use of διά in 2 Corinthians 1:20 is based on a b-greek discussion from Wed Jul 14 09:15:03 EDT 1999. The initial inquiry arose from an observation concerning the repeated use of the preposition διά (dia) in 2 Corinthians 1:20, specifically in the phrases pertaining to the “Amen” and the subsequent glorification of God. The original query highlighted the potential rhetorical or grammatical implications of this repetition, contrasting it with the textual variant where some Majority Text traditions utilize ἐν (en) instead of the first διά, and questioning the appropriate translation of the second διά (δι’ ἡμῶν) as “through us” versus “by us.”

The main exegetical issue centers on understanding the precise semantic force and theological implications of the preposition διά with the genitive case, particularly when employed repetitively within a single clause. In 2 Corinthians 1:20, Paul attributes God’s faithfulness (expressed as “Yes”) and its affirmation (“Amen”) to Christ (ἐν αὐτῷ and δι’ αὐτοῦ), and then connects the resulting glory to God as mediated “through us” (δι’ ἡμῶν). The repetition of διά invites an analysis of its nuanced function: does it consistently denote instrumental agency, or does its second occurrence imply a subtly different relationship, such as a channel for divine action versus human participation? The choice between “through us” and “by us” significantly impacts the understanding of human agency in the divine economy of salvation and glorification, prompting a closer look at the grammatical and rhetorical effects intended by the apostle Paul.

ὅσαι γὰρ ἐπαγγελίαι θεοῦ, ἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ναὶ, καὶ δι’ αὐτοῦ τὸ ἀμήν, τῷ θεῷ πρὸς δόξαν δι’ ἡμῶν. (Nestle 1904)

Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

  • For 2 Corinthians 1:20, the Nestle 1904 text is identical to the SBLGNT (2010) text.

Textual Criticism and Lexical Notes

Textual Criticism (NA28): The crucial textual variant in 2 Corinthians 1:20 concerns the preposition introducing τὸ ἀμήν. Critical editions, represented by the Nestle 1904, Nestle-Aland 28th Edition (NA28), and UBS4 texts, consistently read καὶ δι’ αὐτοῦ τὸ ἀμήν. This reading is supported by a strong array of early and diverse manuscripts, including א B C D* F G Ψ 0243 Ma lat syp,h co arm eth geo. In contrast, some manuscripts belonging to the Byzantine/Majority Text tradition, such as Dc K L P 0177 0278, read καὶ ἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ἀμήν (e.g., Stephanus 1550, Scrivener’s Textus Receptus 1894). The external evidence overwhelmingly favors δι’ αὐτοῦ. Internally, δι’ αὐτοῦ is also preferred as it represents a more Pauline expression for instrumental agency and avoids the potential redundancy of two consecutive ἐν αὐτῷ phrases, while maintaining a slight rhetorical variation from the preceding ἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ναὶ.

Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG):

  • διά (dia): This preposition, when construed with the genitive case, primarily denotes instrumental agency, means, or channel. According to BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, Gingrich, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature), διά + genitive indicates “through, by means of, with the help of, by.” It stresses the mediator or agent through whom an action is performed or a state achieved. In the theological context, it often highlights Christ’s role as the divine agent or intermediary. KITTEL (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, edited by G. Kittel and G. Friedrich) emphasizes its function in expressing the “channel” or “medium” through which an action passes, distinguishing it from ἐν, which can denote sphere or instrument but often with a stronger sense of identification or location.
  • τὸ ἀμήν (to amēn): This is a transliteration of the Hebrew word meaning “firm, reliable.” In Greek, it functions as an indeclinable noun, signifying assent, confirmation, or truth. Here, it personifies the “Amen” as a divine affirmation or confirmation of God’s promises, specifically through Christ.
  • πρὸς δόξαν (pros doxan): This phrase, meaning “to glory” or “for glory,” expresses purpose or outcome. It indicates that the ultimate aim of God’s promises, their affirmation in Christ, and the believers’ participation, is the glorification of God.

Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The grammatical structure of 2 Corinthians 1:20 presents two distinct prepositional phrases using διά with the genitive: δι’ αὐτοῦ τὸ ἀμήν (through him the Amen) and πρὸς δόξαν δι’ ἡμῶν (for glory through us). Both instances employ διά + genitive to convey instrumental agency, but their specific applications merit closer examination.

The first instance, δι’ αὐτοῦ τὸ ἀμήν, emphasizes Christ as the indispensable agent through whom God’s promises receive their ultimate confirmation and truth. It builds upon the preceding ἐν αὐτῷ τὸ ναὶ (in him the Yes), creating a powerful parallel where Christ is both the sphere and the means of divine faithfulness. The repetition of the concept (Yes and Amen) and the slight shift in preposition (ἐν for “Yes,” διά for “Amen”) might rhetorically underscore the comprehensive nature of Christ’s role—he is not merely the passive recipient or location of God’s promises but also the active mediator through whom they are fully realized and declared.

The second instance, δι’ ἡμῶν, extends this concept of mediation to the believers themselves. Here, the “glory to God” is channeled “through us.” Grammatically, διά + genitive consistently maintains its force of instrumental agency. The question of translating it as “through us” versus “by us” hinges on the nuance of human participation. “Through us” typically suggests being a passive instrument or a channel for something greater, often divine, to pass. “By us,” while also indicating instrumentality, might imply a slightly more active or initiating role. Given Paul’s consistent emphasis on God’s sovereignty and initiative, especially in the context of salvation and divine action (cf. 2 Cor 3:5), “through us” seems to align better with his theological framework. Believers are not the source of glory but are the chosen conduit through whom God’s glory is manifested and acknowledged in the world. The repetition of διά thus creates a powerful rhetorical effect, linking divine action directly through Christ to its manifestation through believers, thereby emphasizing a continuous chain of mediation that ultimately redounds to God’s glory. The parallel structure highlights that just as Christ is the medium for God’s promises, so believers are the medium for God’s glory.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The repeated use of διά in 2 Corinthians 1:20 is a deliberate rhetorical and theological choice by Paul. It consistently signifies instrumental agency, emphasizing the channel through which divine action and its consequences flow. First, Christ is the mediator through whom God’s promises are affirmed. Second, believers become the instruments through whom God’s glory is proclaimed and manifested in the world. The shift from “in him” (ἐν αὐτῷ) to “through him” (δι’ αὐτοῦ) for the affirmation of God’s promises underscores Christ’s active role as mediator, while “through us” (δι’ ἡμῶν) defines the believers’ role as conduits rather than originators of God’s glory.

Here are three suggested translations reflecting these insights:

  1. For as many as are the promises of God, in him is the Yes, and through him the Amen, to God for glory through us.
    This translation maintains a literal rendering of διά as “through,” emphasizing a consistent sense of instrumental channeling, first by Christ, then by believers.
  2. For all the promises of God, in him is the Yes, and through him the Amen, to the glory of God manifested by us.
    This translation interprets the second διά as indicating manifestation or active proclamation by believers, while still retaining the sense of divine initiative. “Manifested by us” highlights the active role of believers in bringing God’s glory to light.
  3. Indeed, every promise of God finds its ‘Yes’ in Christ, and through him also the ‘Amen’ is spoken, leading to God’s glory mediated through us.
    This translation provides a slightly more dynamic and interpretive rendering, making the ‘Amen’ an active utterance and explicitly stating the concept of mediation, which is central to Paul’s use of διά.

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7 thoughts on “2 Corinthians 1:20

  1. Joe Absher says:

    “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”
    – 2 Corinthians 1:20
    Interesting thank you. I always thought it was God that said the amen because of his respect for Jesus accomplishment on the cross. But I understand our amen and agreement would also honor Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for sin, and his promise to redeem and reconcile those that trust in him.

    1. 2 Corinthians 1:20 Jesus Christ is God’s eternal Yes to the believer. For all the promises of God concerning the Messiah given to the OT patriarchs and prophets are fulfilled (Yes and Amen) in Him. Their execution and fulfillment prove God to be reliable. God fulfills all these promises for His own glory.

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