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Each morning I spend 30 minutes, more or less, researching and writing on a passage of scripture. This is principally a form of spiritual self-discipline. But comments and questions are welcome.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

‘Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin’— for they had said, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’ (Mark 3: 28-30)

Matthew and Luke include a very similar saying, without Mark's speculation as to intent.

In each case the Greek phrase is a bit different. Working only with Mark here is an attempt at a very literal meaning:

Who speaks hurtfully for the Holy Spirit cannot hold to the letting go of sin being bound in perpetual error.

I treat the Greek preposition eis very differently from the translation at the top. Depending on the object, this preposition means into, unto, to, towards, for or among. At the top it is translated as "against."

I also treat the verb echo more explicitly. At the top this is translated as "has," I have chosen hold to. Echo usually means to have, to hold, to posssess, to hold one's self, to adhere, or to cling.

Based on this reformulation of literal meaning, I offer a less awkward rendering as in:

Whoever speaks hurtfuly as if speaking for the Holy Spirit cannot receive forgiveness while being bound to such perpetual error.

For me a twist (straightening?) of a three letter preposition produces a very different outcome. Dear God, may the meditations of my heart be acceptable.

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