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1 Timothy 4:10—"Especially"
or "That is"?
Editor's Note: This
response answers a reader's question concerning the ISV's rendering of the
Greek superlative adverb
μάλιστα,
not merely how this adverb is rendered in 1 Timothy 4:10 .
A
question about 1 Tim. 4:10 — Why did you choose to render
μάλιστα
as "that is," rather than "especially"? You seem to have rendered it
"especially" in several other contexts,
Actually, we rendered
μάλιστα
(the superlative neuter plural of the adverb
μάλα, which
means "very much") as "especially" in EVERY occurrence in the ISV NT, except
for 1 Timothy 4:10. See the list below. The word connotes the highest point
in the extent of something, distinguishing its object apart from other
things being discussed in the context, and is often rendered "most of all",
"above all", or "chiefly", not just "especially". The adverb
μάλιστα
stands in comparison to
μᾶλλον,
the comparative of the adverb
μάλα.
and so
far I've found no other translation nor any lexical source that lists "that
is" or "specifically" or anything of that sort as an alternate rendering.
On a layman's level,
you'll see this nuance in the Enhanced Strong's Lexicon. See also page 252
of the Analytical Lexicon of the Greek NT under its listing for
μάλιστα:
"μάλιστα
adverb (superlative of the adverb
μάλα [very
much, exceedingly]); as the highest point in the extent of something most of
all, especially, above all (AC 20.38)" [Friberg, T., Friberg, B., & Miller,
N. F. (2000). Vol. 4: Analytical lexicon of the Greek New Testament. Baker's
Greek New Testament library (252). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books.] See
also Louw/Nida's Lexicon under entry 78.7: "μάλιστα:
a very high point on a scale of extent—‘very much, especially, particularly,
exceptionally.’ ‘they were especially sad at the words he had spoken’ Ac
20.38." [Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996, c1989). Greek-English lexicon of
the New Testament: Based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd
edition.) (1:684). New York: United Bible Societies.]
I
realize the "usual" translation invites a "universalist" interpretation,
Does it? We don't think
so. The word
μάλιστα is
singling out "those who believe" (Greek "πιστῶν")
as the specific portion of "all men". He is the savior of all humanity, the
Apostle is saying, but then he modifies the term "all humanity" by adding a
modifier, which is that Jesus is the savior to the benefit of a "very high
point on a scale of extent" — in other words, to the benefit of a SUBSET of
"all men". That subset is the group that believes. Given the narrowness of
the scale of intent demonstrated by this superlative adverb, we didn't feel
that using the adverb "especially" suited the context of
μάλιστα
especially well (uh, pardon the pun...). So we used "that is" instead.
but
doesn't the choice you've made amount to "taking sides" theologically?
Quite the opposite.
Since we don't think
μάλιστα implies
any universalism, but rather is specifically REFUTING universalism (since
Jesus is called the savior of those who believe[!] and not just of all
humanity), we're attempting to remove the taking sides that takes place if
one renders
μάλιστα as
"especially" in 1 Timothy 4:10. Also, Paul's use of
μάλιστα
is taking sides! He's saying that Jesus is the savior of a specific subset
of "all humanity" (πάντων
ἀνθρώπων), that is, he's the
savior of "believers" (πιστῶν).
I think
at the very least it merits some sort of footnote.
Our position is that
this fine distinction should come out in a commentary series. It's too
nuanced to explain in a footnote. Maybe we should think of a study Bible? At
any rate, here is a list of all instances in the ISV NT in which
μάλιστα
(of which a generic rendering would be "especially") occurs in translation.
Do note that only 1 Timothy 4:10 DOES NOT RENDER the word
μάλιστα
as "especially" in these verses, but that's because in 1 Timothy 4:10 the
context employs
μάλιστα as a
narrowing of focus to a specific subset:
Acts
20:38 — 38They were especially sorrowful because of what he had said—that
they would never see his face again.
Acts 25:26 — 26I have nothing reliable to write our Sovereign about him, so
I have brought him to all of you, and especially to you, King Agrippa, so
that I will have something to write after he is cross-examined.
Acts 26:3 — 3since you are especially familiar with all the Jewish customs
and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen patiently to me.
Galatians 6:10 — 10So then, whenever we have the opportunity, let’s practice
doing good to everyone, especially to the family of faith.
Philippians 4:22 — 22All the saints, especially those of the emperor's
household, greet you.
1 Timothy 4:10 — 10To this end we work hard and struggle, because we have
set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, that is, of
those who believe.
1 Timothy 5:17 — 17Elders who handle their duties well should be considered
worthy of double compensation, especially those who work hard at preaching
and teaching.
2 Timothy 4:13 — 13When you come, bring the coat I left with Carpus in
Troas, as well as the scrolls and especially the parchments.
Titus 1:10 — 10For there are many people who are rebellious, especially
those who are converts from Judaism.
Philemon 16 — ...no longer as a slave but better than a slave—as a dear
brother, especially to me, but even more so to you, both as a person and as
a believer.
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