A linguistic analysis of the Sêmeron in Luke 23:43

Authors

  • Rodrigo Pereira da Silva

Keywords:

Gospel, eschatology, Luke.

Abstract

Luke 23:43 is a text of ambiguous reading, where the adverb can, to the first sight, qualify to the first verb (to say) as well to the second (to be). The eschatological understanding of the verse can be modified significantly, depending on how we read or punctuate the phrase "Amen I say unto you today you will be with me in Paradise". The majority of versions of the Bible connect the adverb to the second verb; but some connect it with the previous one; and a few ones prefer to keep the original dubiousness, leaving the text without punctuation or the adverb between commas. The purpose of this study was to analyze linguistically the syntax of the adverb Sêmeron in Luke 23:43, searching to verify which is the most viable reading of the verse, among those suggested until now. From an exhaustive analysis of the syntactic behavior of the Sêmeron within other amphibologies similar to the one of Luke 23:43, we can find a linguistic argument that supports one of the readings mentioned above. This documentary study is based primary on the Greek texts of the LXX and the NT. The texts of several Bible manuscripts (observing the textual collation) and to the writings of the Church Fathers who dealt direct and indirectly with this subject were also considered to a large extent. Both primary and secondary sources were used to provide the historical and linguistic context necessary for the intentions of the present study.

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Published

2006-11-14

How to Cite

SILVA, R. P. da. A linguistic analysis of the Sêmeron in Luke 23:43. Kerygma, Engenheiro Coelho, SP, v. 2, n. 2, p. 46, 2006. Disponível em: https://unasp.emnuvens.com.br/kerygma/article/view/287. Acesso em: 1 feb. 2026.

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2006)

Section

Resumos de Teses e Dissertações

License

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