Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.95.2.13

Translation of the Particles in the New Testament – the α ̓ ́ρα οὖν Example in The Letter to the Ephesians 2:19

Tomislav Zečević ; Catholic Faculty of Theology University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The introductory part of the paper addresses the importance of accurate and correct translation of the New Testament particles into Croatian language, as they are able to influence the meaning of an individual biblical passage. This is demonstrated using the example of a combination of particles ἄρα οὖν in the Letter to the Ephesians 2:19. The first part studies their meaning, division and application, i.e., the role and function of the particles and conjunctions in the Croatian language. It also explains that while in Greek conjunctions generally fall under the category of particles, in Croatian, particles and conjunctions are classified into two separate groups of invariable words, and are therefore listed separately. The second part analyses Greek particles, including conjunctions, along with their division and application, firstly according to the classical Greek Grammar and then according to the New Testament Grammar, i.e., in line with the use of the particles in the New Testament Greek of a koine provenance. The third part studies the ἄρα οὖν combination of particles in the New Testament, which are firstly analysed separately and then collectively, with the emphasis on their use in the Letter to the Ephesians and in the Pauline writings in general. This part includes the interpretation of the role of these particles in Eph 2:19 and within the passage Eph 2:11-22 which results in a translation that is based on the above analysis. The conclusion reinforces the importance of a precise translation of the particles in the New Testament on the basis of the analysed example of ἄρα οὖν combined particles in Eph 2:19. This includes their exegetical value for an accurate interpretation of individual biblical passages, such as Eph 2:11-22 and for the overall interpretation of the entire biblical writings, such as the Letter to the Ephesians.

Keywords

translation; Greek language; New Testament; Letter to the Ephesians; parti cles; conjunctions; ἄρα οὖν; Croatian language; Croatian translation(s)

Hrčak ID:

335031

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/335031

Publication date:

5.9.2025.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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