Request an Exam Copy

What’s Missing in John 15:25?

I would guess that in all languages, words are left out that the reader must assume. We do it in

English, and the biblical writers do it as well. When you have two statements that are in some

way parallel (or at least connected), words from the first part don't need to be repeated in the

second part.

Somewhat word for word, John 15:25 reads, “but in order that be fulfilled the word which had

been written in their law” (ἀλλ’ ἵνα πληρωθῇ ὁ λόγος ὁ ἐν τῷ νόμῳ αὐτῶν γεγραμμένος). The

previous verse reads, “They have … hated both me and my Father.”

Interestingly, the Greek, editors and most modern English translations end verse 24 with a

period, even though verse 25 is a dependent clause introduced by ἵνα. So what is missing?

You can see the English translations adding in words to make a coherent sentence. “But this has

happened so that” (NASB, note the italics). “It was to fulfill the word that” (NRSV). “But this

happened so that” (CSB). “But this is to fulfill” (NIV). “Now this happened” (NET, with the

footnote “The words “this happened” are not in the Greek text but are supplied to complete an

ellipsis”). “This fulfills” (NLT).

Also interesting is the use of ἀλλα. Since v 25 gives the reason behind the actions in v 24, there

really is no adversative sense, and the use of “but” seems inappropriate.

What is assumed as the main clause in v 25 prior to ἵνα is the previous statement, “they … have

hated both me and my Father,” from which naturally flows the reason: this was to fulfill

prophecy. Since v 24 starts a new sentence, there is no good reason (in my opinion) to separate

the two verses.

As far as ἀλλα is concerned, the second meaning in BDAG is “when whole clauses are

compared, ἀλλά can indicate a transition to someth. different or contrasted.” They give the

glosses as “but, yet.” However, the “something different” in v 25 is that Jesus has moved from

effect to cause, and so using but” introduces a foreign idea.

I would keep the two verses as one sentence and introduce v 25 with “because the word that is

written in their law had to be fulfilled.”

***

Professors: Request an exam copy of Mounce's Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar, Fourth Edition, here.

Photo on Unsplash.

Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar William D. Mounce
Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar is the standard textbook for beginning Greek language students in colleges and seminaries. It offers a clear, understandable, i...
Hardcover, Printed Caseside
Not Available Request an Exam Copy
Basics of Biblical Greek 1 Instructor: Dr. William D. Mounce
Part of a two-course series, Basics of Biblical Greek 1 will introduce you to the vocabulary and grammar of New Testament Greek, so you can begin studying the New Testament in its original language.
Course Details
  • 16 Units

  • 8 hours of video

  • Self-paced

  • Beginner

View Course
An Interview with Grace Hamman, author of Seeing Jesus through Medieval Eyes
An Interview with Grace Hamman, author of Seeing Jesus through Medieval Eyes GRACE HAMMAN (PhD, Duke) is a writer and independent scholar of Middle English contemplative writing and poetry. Her wri...
Your form could not be submitted. Please check errors and resubmit.

Thank you!
Sign up complete.

Subscribe to the Blog Get expert commentary on biblical languages, fresh explorations in theology, hand-picked book excerpts, author videos, and info on limited-time sales.
By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from HarperCollins Christian Publishing (501 Nelson Place, Nashville, TN 37214 USA) providing information about products and services of HCCP and its affiliates. You may unsubscribe from these email communications at any time. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at yourprivacy@harpercollins.com. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA.