Journal: Tyndale Bulletin
Volume: TYNBUL 70:1 (NA 2019)
Article: Colossians 1:23 A Case For Translating ἐπιμένετε (Continue) As Imperative, Not Indicative
Author: Vicky Balabanski

TynBull 70:1 (2019) p. 85

Colossians 1:23
A Case For Translating ἐπιμένετε (Continue) As Imperative, Not Indicative1

Vicky Balabanski

([email protected])

Summary

This paper presents a morphological observation about a verbal form in Colossians 1:23 that potentially has several significant implications. The paper is, first, a foray into an important new methodological approach, namely the study of the divisions displayed in the earliest Greek manuscript witnesses. Second, it is an exploration of the meaning of εἴ γε (traditionally translated here as ‘provided that’ or ‘if indeed’), and whether in this context the particle γε modalises εἰ in such a way that the meaning of this composite form is ‘if so’, or ‘this being the case’, or ‘accordingly’, followed by the imperative. Third, the paper argues that interpreting ἐπιμένετε (continue) as imperative, not indicative, is a less problematic way of reading Colossians 1:23, both linguistically and theologically, than the traditional reading.

1. Introduction

Colossians 1:21–22 continues a long grammatical unit that begins in v. 9 and which incorporates the Christ Hymn in vv. 15–20. In v. 9, the verbal construction establishes all that is to follow by means of a finite verb and ἵνα clause: οὐ παυόμεθα ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν προσευχόμενοι καὶ αἰτούμενοι, ἵνα πληρωθῆτε τὴν ἐπίγνωσιν (we have not ceased to pray

TynBull 70:1 (2019) p. 86

for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge …). There follows a lengthy series of clauses that sets out the content of the writers’ prayer and places this prayer in the context of what God has done in and through Christ. In v. 22 we finally have another finite verb (ἀποκατήλλαξεν – reconciled), which rounds off this long rhetorical unit. Then in v. 23 we have a new finite verb (ἐπιμένετε – continue, remain, persevere), which is notable after the preceding long rhetorical unit.

The generall...