Jeff is right, of course, that this sentence, a first class conditional,
should be translated as an indicative of fact = "since". This is not a
theological interpretation but a purely grammatical one.
>
>Goodwin says that nothing is implied as to the fulfillment of the
>condition and that "the protasis *simply states* a present or past
>particular supposition" - Goodwin's Greek Grammar SS-1390
>
he is wrong here.
>Smyth is probably the most specific when he says, "Simple present or
>past conditions simply *state* a supposition with no implication as to
>its reality or probability. SS-2298
that may be true in proper Attic; but it is untrue of Koine.
>It seems to me that an appropriate translation of EI in the passage
>quoted by Mr. Gibson would be -*suppose* you are the Son of God...-
>rather than -*since* you are...-
>
that is incorrect. Jeff is right.
>I'm not set in stone on this and would be glad for one of you to
>instruct me further.
>
>Respectfully,
>Kevin Mullins
>Flroence, AL
>kevinm@getaway,net
>
Best,
Jim
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jim West, ThD
Quartz Hill School of Theology
jwest@highland.net