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Title: Grammar Serving Theology
Subtitle: 'Εἰς' and the Markan Baptism Narrative
Author(s): BARNEA, Gad
Journal: Revue Biblique
Volume: 124    Issue: 4   Date: 2017   
Pages: 507-528
DOI: 10.2143/RBI.124.4.3271890

Abstract :
Certain grammatical and syntactical elements of the Greek language employed by the Gospel writers have been characterized as 'improper' or 'demotic'. This is especially true of their treatment of prepositions. However, our analysis shows that the evangelists used extraordinary grammatical constructs quite purposefully in order to convey complex ideas. We examine the use of the preposition εἰς in the baptism of Jesus in the gospel of Mark (Mark 1:9-10) and the narrative and grammatical synkriseis surrounding it, and suggest that its choice was not as a mere synonym for ἐν, but was calculated: being driven by literary and theological concerns.



Certains éléments grammaticaux et syntaxiques du Grec des évangiles, et surtout les prépositions, ont pu être qualifiés de «tournure impropre» voire «familière». Nous voulons montrer qu’au contraire, ces termes ont été soigneusement choisis pour transmettre des concepts d’une grande complexité. Nous examinons l’emploi de la préposition εἰς dans le récit du baptême de Jésus chez Marc (Mc 1,9-10) et les conséquences littéraires et grammaticales de ce choix, en suggérant que ce terme n’est pas un simple synonyme de ἐν: il joue un rôle précis dans la narration, et la transmission de concepts théologiques.

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