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14. WICO: The Correct Translation of Authenteo in I Timothy 2

                     

STATEMENT 



In the book Women in the Church, Scott Baldwin makes the case that it is 

important in some cases to distinguish between the definitions of verbal 

forms of a word and the noun. (Women in the Church, Koestenberger, Schreiner, 

Baldwin, page 71.) 

Baldwin also lists all the known verbal forms of authenteo in an appendix of 

that book. Those usages are summarized in sections 3.1 through 3.4 of the 

posted paper as to their possible meanings. 

For the passage in question here, I Timothy 2, we have the following 

overview to consider. 

To rule, or to reign sovereignly (3.1; all such references are to the 

paper), to act independently (3.3, the main meaning) and to exercise one?s 

own jurisdiction (3.3.2) are, unlike the use of the term in I Timothy 

intransitive in nature. On this basis they can be ruled out. 

To flout authority (3.3.3) is negative in nature; and, as shown in section 

2.1 authenteo must be positive in meaning. Therefore, this definition is ruled 
out for this passage. The meaning of committing murder (3.5) was also ruled out 
for this reason. There are several possible definitions of the word that simply 
do not seem to have any prospect of fitting the context of I Timothy 2. The 
meaning to be in effect, to have legal standing of section 3.2.2 is one of 
these. The meaning to grant authorization of section 3.2.4 is another one of 
these cases. To be primarily responsible for, to instigate (section 3.4) also 
appears to fit into this category. How are women to be considered responsible 
for or to have instigated men? The unique usage: to domineer/play the tyrant of 
section 3.2.3 appears to be the product of a specialized usage of the meaning of 
being a sole ruler. The fact that this is the only recorded instance of this 
possible meaning lends credence to the possibility that it is a unique usage of 
a meaning of having authority. The remaining definitions are to control, to 
dominate (section 3.2), a sub case to compel, to influence someone/thing 
(section 3.2.1) and to assume authority over (section 3.3.1). Keeping in mind 
the fact that dominate is not synonymous with domineer, each of these three 
definitions is essentially a positive statement of the concept of having 
authority over someone or something. As such, the definition given as the 
heading of section 3, namely ?to exercise authority? is substantiated. RESPONSE 
(A response is needed for this section. Material submitted in response to this 
statement will be considered for inclusion in the next revision of the main 
paper.)  



Watch for the following email: 





For Authenteo as "to Murder" 



Authenteo: A Positive Infinitive 



Kretschmer on Distinguishing Noun and Verb 



The Correct Translation of Authenteo 



Next:Conclusion of Authenteo 


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