Category Archives: Septuagint Greek

Septuagint Greek refers to the form of Koine Greek used in the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, traditionally dated to the 3rd–2nd centuries BC. It often preserves Semitic idioms and syntax, reflecting its Hebrew source material, and sometimes deviates from classical Greek norms. The style can range from highly literal to more interpretive, depending on the book or translator. It serves as a vital linguistic bridge between Hebrew thought and the Greco-Roman world, influencing early Jewish diaspora communities and becoming the primary Old Testament for early Christians.

Seventy-Five Souls: Syntax and History in Acts 7:14

Posted on July 1, 2014 by New Testament Greek
The Verse in Focus (Acts 7:14)

ἀποστείλας δὲ Ἰωσὴφ μετεκαλέσατο τὸν πατέρα αὐτοῦ Ἰακὼβ καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν συγγένειαν αὐτοῦ ἐν ψυχαῖς ἑβδομήκοντα πέντε

The Aorist Participle: ἀποστείλας

The participle ἀποστείλας comes from the verb ἀποστέλλω, meaning “to send.” It is an aorist active participle, nominative masculine singular, agreeing with Ἰωσὴφ — “Joseph.” In Greek, the aorist participle often conveys an action prior to the main verb. Thus, “having sent” introduces the cause or means for what follows.

Joseph, having sent a message or delegation, performs the next action: he summons.

Main Verb: μετεκαλέσατο

μετεκαλέσατο is the aorist middle indicative of μετακαλέομαι, meaning “to summon” or “to call for.”… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Grammar, Septuagint Greek, Textual Criticism | Tagged | Leave a comment


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