Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 27:2 (Fall 2023)
Article: May It Never Be: Paul’s Noteworthy Structural Usage Of Μὴ Γένοιτο In Romans
Author: Jordan B. Polverini

JMAT 27:2 (Fall 2023) p. 93

May It Never Be: Paul’s Noteworthy Structural Usage Of Μὴ Γένοιτο In Romans

Jordan B. Polverini1

Abstract: Repetition is a common literary device used by the biblical authors to call attention to something important. An often-overlooked example is the virtually exclusive Pauline phrase, μὴ γένοιτο (“may it never be!”), which communicates a negation of abhorrence. This article argues that Paul reserved the most forceful negative expression afforded him by the Greek language in key moments of argumentation to establish structural elements intended to draw readers to repulsion over specific claims he thought to be heinous. This is demonstrated in several evaluative steps, including a literary analysis of μὴ γένοιτο and a contextual summary of findings that draw out implications. Moreover, the article highlights how Paul’s usage of this key phrase in Romans develops and fortifies his arguments. Identifying key structural elements like μὴ γένοιτο in Paul’s theological masterpiece proves valuable in understanding why the book of Romans has been called, “the cathedral of the Christian faith.”

Key Words: Negation, Optative, Romans, Structure, Diatribe

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Introduction

Μὴ γένοιτο is a powerful koine Greek phrase that communicates a negation of abhorrence. This phrase occurs fifteen times in the New Testament (NT), and, of the fifteen occurrences, ten of them are in the book of Romans. As repetition is a literary device used by the biblical authors to

JMAT 27:2 (Fall 2023) p. 94

call the reader’s attention to something important, the numerous occurrences of this phrase in Romans bears further examination.2 This article will argue that Paul reserved the most forceful negative expression afforded him by the Greek language in key moments of argumentation to establish structural elements intended to draw readers to repulsion over specific claims he thought to be heinous. Three steps will be taken to fulfill this argument. First, a brief analysis of μὴ γένοιτο will be provided from grammatical, linguistic, and literary standpoints. The analysis will be followed by a survey-style overview of each instance of μὴ γένοιτο in the book of Romans. Finally, the paper will conclude by highlighting the structural importance of Paul’s strategic usage of this key phrase in the book.

Analysis Of Μὴ Γένοιτο

The phrase μὴ