Homer wrote: ↑Wed Sep 06, 2023 2:14 pm
John 1:1-3 (Greek words in parenthesis) New American Standard Bible
1 In the beginning was (en) the Word, and the Word was (en) with God, and the Word was (en) God. 2 He was(en) in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being (egeneto) through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being.
The Greek word
en points to continuous existence, timelessness. If John did not believe in the eternality of Jesus he should have used a form of the Greek word
genomai #1096, which refers to "came into being" or "a change". This was pointed out long ago by Origen. John was certainly familiar with
egeneto, having used the word nearly fifty times in his gospel.
(edited, I had "change" linked to wrong Greek word.)
I have no idea what you're talking about - first, it's not really "en" - it's "ane" (ην) not to be confused with "en" (εν). But, even given that slight correction, this is one of the most common words in greek (or English). It's the ordinary word for "was" - I'm not aware of (and I don't think biblical usage supports) any argument that it implies any sort of timelessness. It's a bit ambiguous other than relating to something in the past. It is an "imperfect" form of ειμι (I am) and implies some continuous situation, not a discrete completed action, but not timeless origin.
And εγενετο actually is itself a form of γενομαι. (third-person singular aorist middle indicative of γενομαι).
Do you have a cite to Origen's discussion?
One thing I find interesting is that εγενετο is translated as "fulfilled" 9 times and is not necessarily "came into being." In light of the reference back to Genesis creation, though, it definitely has creation of some sort in view, but it may be somewhat a play on words?
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Unchecked Copy Box Mat 1:22
Now all this was done, G1096 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
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Unchecked Copy Box Mat 5:18
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. G1096
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Unchecked Copy Box Mat 21:4
All this was done, G1096 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying,
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Unchecked Copy Box Mat 24:34
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. G1096
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Unchecked Copy Box Mat 26:54
But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? G1096
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Unchecked Copy Box Mat 26:56
But all this was done, G1096 that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.
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Unchecked Copy Box Luk 1:20
And, behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, G1096 because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.
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Unchecked Copy Box Luk 21:32
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. G1096
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Unchecked Copy Box Jhn 19:36
For these things were done, G1096 that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.