An Evaluation of the Puzzled Syntax of 2 John 1: 5

Abstract

The syntax of 2 John 1: 5 is problematic. Six manuscripts, Ψ 5. 81. 642*. 1852 l, try to solve this difficulty by emending the participle ‘γράφων’ to the indicative verb ‘γράφω’. Culy and Leedy on Greek NT diagrams, on the other hand, understand the participle ‘γράφων’ to modify ‘ἐρωτάω’. In the latter approach, the participle ‘γράφων’ serves to modify ‘εἴχομεν’. This last approach, however, is divided into two possibilities: either it functions as a participle of condition or of attendant circumstance. Three English Bibles use a participle of condition (Holman Christian Standard Bible, NET Bible, and Christian Standard Bible). The other English translations, however, employ the function of attendant circumstance participle. Despite these syntactical discrepancies, this research offers a fresh reading of the puzzled syntax of 2 John 1: 5.

Keywords

• 2 john
• greek
• syntactical analysis
• textual criticism
• translations