Re: Markan conversation and spelling

From: Rod Decker (rdecker@inf.net)
Date: Wed Dec 06 1995 - 08:37:27 EST


Bart Ehrman wrote:

> The postings on Markan style have been quite stimulating. I have
>two, genuine, questions.
>
>(1) Rodney Decker wrote:
>
> > The Greek of the NT has been described as conversational Greek
> >(in contrast to literary and vernacular Greek).
>
> THis is a judgment with which others have concurred. My question:
>How do we know, really, what conversational Greek was like?

I have _opinions_ on how that might be judged, but I will be the first to
acknowledge that this question is out of my range as to making any sort of
definitive statement. As noted, others (whom I respect as far better
qualified) have argued this, and I am accepting their judgment at this
point. My opinion (and only that) is that part of the question will be on
the basis of analogy. We can read the variety of first century documents
and compare their style, etc. Since we have a similar range in modern
spoken languages, it might be appropriate to suggest that the koine data of
the NT is analogous to what we might call conversational English (or
whatever other language you prefer) today. If this is compared with what
more objective data we have as to "proper" style from ancient times (e.g.,
Edgar Krentz has referred to Phrynichos' comments re. word choice), it may
verify that we are on the right track to some extent. (Phrynichos is 2d C.
AD, but still, I think, close enough to 1st C. to be relevant at this
point.) Beyond that, I'll listen for the responses of those whom I know
have worked with the range of available data.

Rod

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rodney J. Decker Calvary Theological Seminary
Asst. Prof./NT 15800 Calvary Rd.
rdecker@inf.net Kansas City, Missouri 64147
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