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The Reading Culture of Early Christianity

In the study of Biblical Greek, the aspect of a verb often holds more significance than its tense, revealing nuanced layers of meaning intended by the original authors. This is particularly evident in the analysis of Matthew 13:8, where the use of the imperfect verb εδιδου (was giving) provides a rich exegetical insight into the parable of the sower. This discussion aims to elucidate the syntax of this Greek verb and assess the fidelity of its translation in the Updated American Standard Version (UASV), reinforcing the depth of spiritual instruction encapsulated in this passage.

Exegetical Syntax of the Greek Grammar

Matthew 13:8 in the Greek manuscript reads: “ἄλλα δὲ ἔπεσεν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν τὴν καλὴν καὶ ἐδίδου καρπόν, ὃ μὲν ἑκατόν, ὃ δὲ ἑξήκοντα, ὃ δὲ τριάκοντα.” The verb ἐδίδου, stemming from δίδωμι (to give), is in the imperfect tense, which in Greek emphasizes a continuous or repeated action in the past. The choice of the imperfect here paints a vivid picture of ongoing productivity and suggests a sustained process rather than a completed action. This continuous aspect underlines the persistent yielding of fruit, invoking an image of enduring fruitfulness on the part of the good soil.

The imperfect tense serves to draw the reader into the experience of the sower’s narrative, highlighting the dynamic and ongoing process of growth and yield. This is not merely a past event with no relevance to the present but is indicative of a continual principle in the spiritual life of believers: ongoing growth and fruitfulness as a response to the word of God.

The soundness of the Translation

The Updated American Standard Version translates Matthew 13:8 as: “Still others fell upon the good soil, and they began to yield fruit, this one a hundredfold, that one sixty, the other thirty.” The phrase “began to yield” in English captures the inception of an ongoing action, aligning well with the continuous aspect conveyed by the imperfect tense ἐδίδου. This translation adeptly reflects the Greek text’s emphasis on the commencement and continuity of the fruit-bearing process, which is pivotal for understanding the theological implications of the parable.

While the UASV does a commendable job in conveying the aspectual nuance of the Greek imperfect, it subtly shifts the focus by using “began to yield,” which might imply a single point of initiation rather than an ongoing process. The Greek text, with its use of the imperfect, more strongly accentuates the sustained action of yielding fruit over time, a nuance that is essential for fully grasping the depth of Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom of God and the response of its recipients.

Exegetical Implications and Theological Significance

The use of the imperfect εδιδου in Matthew 13:8 is not just a grammatical choice but a deliberate theological expression that emphasizes the enduring nature of spiritual fruitfulness. By portraying the yielding of fruit as an ongoing action, the text invites believers to perceive their spiritual growth as a continuous process enabled by their receptivity to God’s word. This aspectual choice enhances the parable’s call to self-examination and perseverance in faith, urging readers to assess the quality of soil that their hearts represent.

Moreover, this continuous action symbolizes the perpetual influence of divine truths in the lives of true believers, suggesting that the impact of receiving the word of God is not transient but enduring and dynamically productive. The sustained yielding of fruit in varying degrees (a hundredfold, sixty, and thirty) further points to the diversity of spiritual maturity and fruitfulness among individuals, emphasizing that while the growth rate may vary, the presence of growth itself is a testament to the life-altering power of the Gospel.

In conclusion, the Greek syntax and the aspect of εδιδου in Matthew 13:8 significantly enrich the theological and spiritual interpretation of the parable of the sower. The continuous aspect of the verb deepens the narrative, emphasizing the ongoing and active engagement of believers with the word of God, which continually bears fruit in their lives. The translation by the UASV effectively communicates this ongoing action, though a closer reflection on the continuous aspect could further enhance the English reader’s understanding of the text’s deep spiritual insights. This examination not only underscores the accuracy and relevance of the biblical translation but also illuminates the profound spiritual truths embedded in the simple yet powerful imagery of Jesus’ teaching.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).