How do we retranslate Greek conditional “if” particle?
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In several instances we have a few sentences translated as “if” when clearly what is being said is not conditional and the word if is a clear mistranslation.
I’ll give you a few examples and would like experts in Greek to give us the corrected accurate translation.
Let’s start with Jesus Christ prayers in the garden of Gethsemane:
In both Mark 14:36 Jesus outright says that all things are possible with His Father:
> “Abba, Father,” He said, ***“all things are possible for You.***
There’s no if, ands or buts, Jesus is clear, all things are possible.
However Matthew 26:39 it’s translated -
> “My Father, ***if*** it is possible”
It’s impossible for the text to say “if it is possible, as that contradicts the account in Mark as well as Jesus numerous teachings that with God all things are possible, a teaching Jesus stressed multiple times throughout the entire Old and New Testament.
Another example would be Paul’s letter in 1 Corinthians 4.
In 1 Corinthians 4:18-21 ***Paul says with 100% certainty that he is coming to the Corinthians.***
> Some of you have become arrogant, ***as if I were not coming to you.
> But I will come to you shortly,*** if the Lord is willing, and then I
> will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what
> power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of
> power. Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love
> and with a gentle spirit?
It would make absolutely zero sense for Paul to say he is 100% coming, even saying condemning anyone who says he isn’t coming as arrogant in verse 18, to then say “if God wills”, the word cannot be if, because he’s saying clearly that he is coming, even in the same verse/sentence that proceeds the if he reiterates that he is coming.
Further it would make no sense for Paul to even say “if God wills” because that would assume he doesn’t know God’s will, which is impossible, the Apostles knew God’s will. So even the notion of them even saying “if” is impossible.
I think the word should be translated as Since.
When you replace the word “if” with since, the text makes sense, it aligns with doctrine.
Father since it is possible.
I will come to you shortly, since God wills/desires, and then I will find out..
Asked by Rafael Moreno
(1 rep)
Jul 31, 2025, 01:16 PM