Scholarly Articles
A word Study in “being” in John 1:3
The Greek word here is γίνομαι (ginomai). The LSJ gives a detailed definition, summarized by Claude 3 as follows:
The LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) dictionary entry is for the Ancient Greek verb γίγνομαι (gignomai). This is a complex and important verb in Ancient Greek. Here's a simplified explanation:
1. Basic meaning: The core meaning of γίγνομαι is “to come into being” or “to become.”
2. Forms: The entry lists various forms of the verb in different dialects (Ionic, Attic, Thessalian, Boeotian) and tenses (future, aorist, perfect, etc.). This shows how the verb changes in different contexts and time periods.
3. Main uses:
a. To be born (for people) b. To be produced or created (for things) c. To happen or occur (for events) d. To become something or enter a new state
4. Specific contexts:
- It can mean “to be possible” in certain phrases.
- In mathematics, it can mean “to result in” or “to be multiplied.”
- It can refer to the passing of time.
- It can mean “to belong to” or “to fall to” someone.
- With prepositions, it can have various meanings like “to arrive at,” “to be engaged in,” or “to be subject to.”
5. Constructions: The entry describes how the verb is used with different cases (genitive, dative) and prepositions, each giving slightly different meanings.
6. Etymology: At the end, it mentions related words in Sanskrit, Latin, and other Indo-European languages, showing its linguistic roots.
This verb is fundamental in Ancient Greek, covering a wide range of meanings related to existence, becoming, and occurrence. Its versatility makes it a key word for understanding Greek texts.
To explain the usage of γίγνομαι (gignomai) in John 1:3, I'll first provide the Greek text and a literal translation:
πάντα δι' αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο, καὶ χωρὶς αὐτοῦ ἐγένετο οὐδὲ ἕν ὃ γέγονεν.
Literal translation: “All things through him came into being, and without him came into being not even one thing that has come into being.”
In this verse, γίγνομαι is used three times:
1. ἐγένετο (egeneto): This is the aorist (past tense) form, used twice. 2. γέγονεν (gegonen): This is the perfect tense form.
The usage here aligns with the primary meaning of γίγνομαι as “to come into being” or “to be created.” In the context of John 1, this verb is crucial because:
1. It emphasizes the act of creation. The verse is stating that everything that exists came into being through the Word (identified as Jesus in Christian theology).
2. The aorist tense (ἐγένετο) points to a specific point of creation, while the perfect tense (γέγονεν) implies a continuing state of existence.
3. The repetition and different forms of the verb stress the completeness of this creation - everything that exists, without exception, came into being through the Word.
4. It connects to the broader theme of John 1, which echoes the creation narrative in Genesis, but reframes it in light of Christ as the creative Word of God.
This usage of γίγνομαι is theologically significant in Christian thought, as it attributes the act of creation to Christ and emphasizes His eternal nature and role in bringing all things into existence.
William Slater's definition provides a more detailed linguistic analysis of the verb γίγνομαι (gignomai) in Ancient Greek, particularly focusing on its usage in Pindar's works. Here are some key insights from this definition:
1. Forms: Slater lists various forms of the verb, including aorist, perfect, and subjunctive forms. This shows the verb's flexibility across different tenses and moods.
2. Meanings: The primary meanings given are “be” and “come to be,” which aligns with the LSJ definition but is more concise.
3. Usage patterns: Slater categorizes the usage into several patterns:
a. Absolute use (without a predicate) b. With predicate adjectives c. With predicate substantives (nouns) d. With participles e. Meaning "to be born" f. In fragments g. In tmesis (where a compound verb is separated by other words)
4. Examples: Slater provides numerous examples from Pindar's works (Olympian, Pythian, Nemean, and Isthmian odes), showing how the verb is used in actual Greek literature.
5. Contextual meanings: The examples demonstrate how the verb can mean “happen,” “become,” “be born,” or “exist” depending on the context.
6. Constructions: It shows how the verb is used with different types of predicates and in various syntactical structures.
7. Textual variants: In some cases, Slater notes textual variants or emendations, indicating scholarly debates about the exact form of the text.
This definition offers a more nuanced understanding of how γίγνομαι is used in high-level Greek poetry, particularly in Pindar. It demonstrates the verb's versatility and importance in expressing concepts of being, becoming, and occurring in Ancient Greek literature.