바울서신에 사용된 (τὸ) λοιπόν의 의미와 번역

Interpretation and Translation of the Particle (τὸ) λοιπόν in Pauline Letters

Adjective λοιπός which basically conveys the meaning 'left,' 'other,' or 'rest of' is sometimes used adverbially in the New Testament. BDAG divide its adverbial usage into two sub-categories; one is of time with the genitive (τοῡ) λοιποῡ or accusative case (τὸ) λοιπόν and the other of order of time or logic with the accusative case (τὸ) λοιπόν. In the former, it denotes simply 'from now on' or 'in the future' whereas it conveys 'as far as the rest is concerned' or 'finally' in the latter. BDAG suggest concerning the latter usage that the word may be construed inferentially in some places of Pauline letters like 1 Cor 7:29 and 2 Ti 4:8. BDAG exclude from consideration more probable instances in Phil 3:1 and 1 Thessalonians 4:1, because they regard the adjective over there as a device for a transition to something new, especially when it comes near the end of a literary work, denoting 'finally.' If the adjective renders inferential force ('therefore') in these instances, however, the interpretation of the text could be altered substantially. The issue centers on whether the inferential usage of the word is supported by lexical and exegetical study. This study investigates the possibility to interpret and translate the adjective inferentially in Pauline letters and demonstrates that the adjective is to be understood and translated inferentially in the above mentioned verses.