On the epexegetical genitive in the New Testament

Abstract

This essay proposes an inverse reading of the epexegetical genitive, but not of all of its uses. This interpretation arises from the question that inverts the role of the terms. When Paul speaks of the “sign of circumcision” he intends to specify the sign (determined) as circumcision (determiner) or perhaps qualify the circumcision as sign? In other words, the apostle with circumcision intended to explain what a sign is, or perhaps he (also) wanted to say that circumcision is a sign? Various cases of the epexegetical genitive found in Wallace’s grammar book are discussed in this article. It begins with the double question: In the epexegetic genitive, it is the determiner that exclusively clarifies the determined or the contrary may occur, that is to say that it is precisely the determined that clarifies in what terms the author meant the determiner?