Scott Lawson wrote:David,
I just want to take the time to say that I learn a lot from your observations and questions.
Thanks!
Scott Lawson wrote: Here are some comments from Robertson that I hope are helpful in advancing this thread. Likely you have already come to a conclusion similar to that of Robertson’s below and are seeking out how common the construction is:
[...]
Yes. Since the only instances I can find are in Eph 5:33 and in Basil, I am wondering whether the TLG has plenty more. I do agree with Robertson's statement, but unfortunately it does not seem to explain the idiom itself. For in Basil we have "και ως μερη δε εν ολω οι καθ ενα εσμεν εν τω πνευματι οτι οι παντες εν ενι σωματι εις εν πνευμα εβαπτισθημεν" = "moreover also, as parts in [a] whole, individually we are in the spirit because we all in one body were immersed into one spirit." Here "εσμεν" is plural. So it seems that "οι καθ ενα" functions as a normal adverb, which is optional, and the singular verb in Eph 5:33 is not really due to it. Rather, it is natural to move from a group to each individual by using "εκαστος", like in Matt 18:35, Luke 2:3, John 7:53, 16:32, Acts 2:6,8, Eph 4:25, Phlp 2:4, Heb 8:11, Rev 5:8, Rev 20:13.