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Chapter 202 of 475

Greek Article Changing Meaning From “Every” to “All”

1 min read · Chapter 202 of 475

Question: How is it that πᾶς without the article in many cases like ἐξουσία, δικαιοσύνη, κ.τ.λ means “all” and not “every”? QUERY.
Answer: Because they express moral thoughts, grouping every case under the word; so that it is a question of our language not here admitting “every” but requiring “all” in idiomatic English. With article before or after, πᾶς in English must be translated not “every” but “all.” So without it words expressive of moral ideas, as righteousness, joy, fear power, wisdom; but it really means every such case. So of the common “all flesh,” all the individuals without distinction. But ordinary appellatives come under the regular rule which is true of all languages.

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