 HISTORICAL THEOLOGY COLLOQUIA The doctoral program at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary is pleased to offer public seminars led by its Scholars in Residence. This seminar will be led by Dr. David Noe, a recognized expert in translating works of theology and philosophy from the 16th and 17th centuries. Dr. Noe’s previous work includes translations from Franciscus Junius, Theodore Beza, William Perkins, and John Calvin, and his translations of John Arrowsmith and Samuel Rutherford will see print in 2024, D.v. Wednesday, November 15, 2023 2:15- 3:45p.m. EST — Seminary Chapel “Attain unto the Resurrection”? Theodore Beza’s Precise Translation and Interpretation of Philippians 3:11 DR. DAVID NOE Theodore Beza Scholar in Residence for Greek & Latin FROM THE SCHOLAR In Philippians 3, Paul warns against trusting in works of the flesh by contrasting his former life in Judaism to his present assurance in Christ. The first portion of that chapter ends in v. 11 with the memorable phrase “attain unto the resurrection of the dead”. This verse, however, presents multiple interpretive difficulties. Should the introductory εἴ πως be taken conditionally, as purpose, as result, or in some other fashion? What of the hapax legomenon ἐξανάστασις? Finally, have English translators, descending from Tyndale’s “attayne”, accurately captured Paul’s meaning? This paper examines Beza’s contributions via his 1589 Annotationes, with comparison to the Vulgate, Erasmus, Calvin, and others. It also contains a survey of translations in English, and concludes with modest suggested improvements both to the construal and understanding of the verse. Off-campus? Register here to attend our livestream. |