The Apodosis at 1 Timothy 1:3 and 2 Peter 1:4

Abstract

This essay examines the grammatical and syntactical challenges in identifying the apodosis (main clause) in I Timothy 1:3 and II Peter 1:4. Blume surveys historical and modern translations and commentaries, highlighting the lack of consensus and the various interpretive strategies—ranging from supplying missing verbs to reclassifying subordinate clauses. Drawing on linguistic insights from classical and Koine Greek, Blume argues that the apodosis in both passages is found in the ἵνα clause, which should be understood as introducing an imperative rather than a purpose clause. He supports this with examples from New Testament usage and Modern Greek, as well as scholarly authorities like Moulton and Lenski. Blume concludes that this reading resolves longstanding grammatical ambiguities and aligns with the rhetorical urgency of the apostolic message. The essay blends textual criticism, translation theory, and theological reflection to offer a compelling solution to a persistent exegetical problem. Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)