Matthew 19:18-21 Existence of essential attributes

The ancient Greek word

"ὑπάρχοντα" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" is an inflection of
"ὑπάρχων" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" which comes from
"ὑπάρχω" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" and comes from two Greek words.

"υπό" ≈ "under" as in English words beginning with "hypo-".
"ἄρχω" ≈ "begin, rule, lead".

As a noun (participle), Aristotle uses this word many times. The usual translations is that of an "essential attribute". This abstract idea might be expressed in English as "have the goods" on someone. In context, it can be a concrete entity.

The GNT (Greek New Testament) appears to translate this word as a concrete "goods" and not as a more abstract idea of "essential attributes", which can have a physical manifestation.

More: Existence is not is existence

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [kjv]

ωσπερ γαρ ανθρωπος αποδημων εκαλεσεν τους ιδιους δουλους και παρεδωκεν αυτοις τα υπαρχοντα αυτου [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ὑπάρχω" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first". How do the "servants" know what to do with what is provided?

Aristotle uses the word as "essential attributes". In a physical or literal sense, this might be "goods". In an abstract or figurative sense, it might be non-physical. In that sense, it appears that the servants were provided, not with physical "goods", but with abstract "goals" as in something to "begin" and "take the initiative" in accomplishing, according to their own "abilities" or "potentialities" (next verse).

More: Matthew 25:14-30 Parable of the talents in Matthew

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [kjv]

ωσπερ γαρ ανθρωπος αποδημων εκαλεσεν τους ιδιους δουλους και παρεδωκεν αυτοις τα υπαρχοντα αυτου [gnt]

NIV (New International Version): Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.

NLT (New Living Translation): For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.

Berean Literal Bible: For it is like a man going on a journey who called his own servants and delivered his possessing to them.

The "entrusted" is an assumption. The Greek is that of "handing over" as in "tradition" as in "traitor" as in "deliver".

More: Matthew 25:14-30 Parable of the talents in Matthew

In his Prior Analytics, Aristotle uses the word "ὑπάρχω" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" twice, as noun (participle) and verb, in the same sentence.

English: … We must look for the attributes and subjects of both our terms, … (Loeb#325, p 357)

Greek: δεῖ γὰρ τὰ ὑπάρχοντα καὶ οἷς ὑπάρχει περὶ ἑκάτερον ἀθρεῖν, … Aristotle: Prior Analytics [46a]

The ancient Greek word "ὑπάρχω" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first".

The "attributes" as in "essential attributes" and are abstract and potential.
The "subjects", using a variation of the same word, are realized actualities and concrete.

More: Aristotle

In the Epistle of Barnabas, the word "ὑπάρχω" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" is translated as "is" which may be thought of as "is (as the first initiative)" as in "essential attributes".

English: ... For if he had not come in the flesh, people could in no way have been saved by looking at him. For when they look at merely the sun they are not able to gaze at its rays, even though it is the work of his hands and will eventually cease to exist. ... (Holmes, p. 395)

Greek: … ει γαρ μη ἐν σαρκί, οὐδ’ ἂν πως οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἐσώθησαν βλέποντες αὐτόν, ὅτε τόν μέλλοντα μὴ εἶναι ἥλιον, ἔργον τῶν χειρῶν αὐτοῦ ὑπάρχοντα, ἐμβλέποντες οὐκ ἰσχύουσιν εἰς τὰς ἀκτῖνας αὐτοῦ ἀντοφθαλμῆσαι; … [5.10]

The Greek word translated as "able" is that of "strong (enough)".

More: Epistle of Barnabas

In the first paragraph of First Clement, the word "ὑπάρχω" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" appears to have been translated as "persons".

English: ... especially the detestable and unholy schism, so alien and strange to those chosen by God, which a few reckless and arrogant persons have kindled to such a pitch of insanity that your good name, once so renowned and loved by all, has been greatly reviled. (Holmes, 2007, p. 14)

Greek: … τῆς τε ἀλλοτρίας καὶ ξένης τοῖς ἐκλεκτοῖς τοῦ θεοῦ, μιαρᾶς καὶ ἀνοσίου στάσεως ἣν ὀλίγα πρόσωπα προπετῆ καὶ αὐθάδη ὑπάρχοντα εἰς τοσοῦτον ἀπονοίας ἐξέκαυσαν, ὥστε τὸ σεμνὸν καὶ περιβόητον καὶ πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις ἀξιαγάπητον ὄνομα ὑμῶν μεγάλως βλασφημηθῆναι. First Clement [1]

Clement appears to not know that the "elect" as used by Jesus refers to those who are not good.

More: Early Church Father: Clement

More: Matthew 22:14 Election callings of the chosen elect

More: Election callings as used by Jesus

*G5224 *13 ὑπάρχοντα (hoop-ar'-khon-tah) : neuter plural of present participle active of G5225 as noun; things extant or in hand, i.e. property or possessions:--goods, that which one has, things which (one) possesseth, substance, that hast.

Words: υπαρχοντα=6 υπαρχοντων=4 υπαρχουσιν=3

The ancient Greek word "ὑπάρχω" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" and comes from two Greek words.

The prefix "ἀπο" ≈ "away from" and which has an idea of a "separating distance".
"ἄρχω" ≈ "begin, rule, lead".

As a noun, Aristotle uses this word many times. The usual translations is that of an "essential attribute".

[made in the image of God]

*G5224 *13 ὑπάρχοντα (hoop-ar'-khon-tah) : neuter plural of present participle active of G5225 as noun; things extant or in hand, i.e. property or possessions:--goods, that which one has, things which (one) possesseth, substance, that hast.

Usage

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υπαρχοντα *6

Matthew 19:21 ... go and sell that thou hast, and give ...
Matthew 25:14 ... delivered unto them his goods.
Luke 11:21 ... his palace, his goods are in peace:
Luke 12:33 Sell that ye have, and give ...
Luke 16:1 ... that he had wasted his goods.
1 Corinthians 13:3 ... I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though ...

υπαρχοντων *4

Luke 8:3 ... unto him of their substance.
Luke 12:15 ... the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
Luke 19:8 ... Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and ...
Hebrews 10:34 ... joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in ...

υπαρχουσιν *3

Matthew 24:47 ... over all his goods.
Luke 12:44 ... over all that he hath.
Luke 14:33 ... forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

How do the following related words fit the idea of "essential attributes", "existence", "beginning to take the initiative", etc.?

*G5223 *2 ὕπαρξις (hoop'-arx-is) : from G5225; existency or proprietorship, i.e. (concretely) property, wealth:--goods, substance.

*G5225 *47 ὑπάρχω (hoop-ar'-kho) : from G5259 and G756; to begin under (quietly), i.e. come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, participle, adverb or preposition, or as an auxiliary to a principal (verb):--after, behave, live.

Words: υπαρχει=3 υπαρχειν=6 υπαρχοντα=2 υπαρχοντας υπαρχοντες=6 υπαρχοντος=3 υπαρχοντων υπαρχουσης υπαρχουσιν υπαρχων=15 υπαρχωσιν υπηρχεν=5 υπηρχον=2

The ancient Greek word "ὑπάρχω" ≈ "begin, take the initiative, act first" and comes from two Greek words.

The prefix "ἀπο" ≈ "away from" and which has an idea of a "separating distance".
"ἄρχω" ≈ "begin, rule, lead".

*G5225 *47 ὑπάρχω (hoop-ar'-kho) : from G5259 and G756; to begin under (quietly), i.e. come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, participle, adverb or preposition, or as an auxiliary to a principal (verb):--after, behave, live.

Usage

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υπαρχοντα *2 of 47

Acts 17:27 ... find him, though he be not far from ...
2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and ...

Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: [kjv]

ημων γαρ το πολιτευμα εν ουρανοις υπαρχει εξ ου και σωτηρα απεκδεχομεθα κυριον ιησουν χριστον [gnt]

The ancient Greek word "ὑπάρχω" ≈ "to begin, to exist" and comes from two Greek words.

The ancient Greek prefix "ῠ̔πο" ≈ "under".
The ancient Greek word "‎ᾰ̓́ρχω" ≈ "to begin" and is related to words such as "archaic", "arch", etc. For something to "exists" it must have a "beginning".

Paul used the word for "conversation" in Philippians 1:27 and makes a pun using the word for "begin", as part of the word "exists" in Philippians 1.6 with a reminder in 1:24 (just before the "conversation" verse 1:27).

More: Existence is not is existence

Matthew 25:14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. [kjv]

ωσπερ γαρ ανθρωπος αποδημων εκαλεσεν τους ιδιους δουλους και παρεδωκεν αυτοις τα υπαρχοντα αυτου [gnt]

Matthew 25:14
Strong	Used	Unique	Word	Part of speech
G589	6	1	αποδημων	verb present active participle nominative singular masculine
G2564	148	10	εκαλεσεν	verb aorist active indicative 3rd person singular
G2398	113	5	ιδιους	adjective accusative plural masculine
G5224	13	6	υπαρχοντα	verb present active participle accusative plural neuter

Might the "goods" be as "(abstract) goals" whereas the "talents" are more "(actual) goals", both given and completed?

Here is the setup.

Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, [kjv]

19:19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [kjv]

19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? [kjv]

What is the meaning of the following verse?

19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. [kjv]

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. [kjv]

εφη αυτω ο ιησους ει θελεις τελειος ειναι υπαγε πωλησον σου τα υπαρχοντα και δος τοις πτωχοις και εξεις θησαυρον εν ουρανοις και δευρο ακολουθει μοι [gnt]

The Greek word translated as "perfect" is that of "complete", which make require adding something or taking something away.

The Greek word translated as "poor" is used by Jesus to refer to those that are "fallen" (the literal meaning of the word) and need the "Good News". What exactly is to be "given" to the "fallen"?

The "treasure" in "heaven" appears to precede the "come" and "follow" part of the verse. Is it sufficient to just "give" all of your "money" to those that are "poor" or "destitute"?

What does it mean to "sell"?
What does it mean to "begin" or "take the initiative"?

What does the church historically prefer?

[literal vs. figurative]

The usages of this word in the LXX (Septuagint) in Genesis appear to be mostly of concrete physical belongings.

The usages of this word in the LXX in Job appear to be translated as "substance" which can be concrete or abstract. That "substance" can be thought of as "essential attributes".

Details are left as a future topic.

Job 2:3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause. [kjv]

ειπεν δε ο κυριος προς τον διαβολον προσεσχες ουν τω θεραποντι μου ιωβ οτι ουκ εστιν κατ αυτον των επι της γης ανθρωπος ακακος αληθινος αμεμπτος θεοσεβης απεχομενος απο παντος κακου ετι δε εχεται ακακιας συ δε ειπας τα υπαρχοντα αυτου δια κενης απολεσαι [lxx]

And the Lord said to the devil, Hast you then observed my servant Job, that there is none of men upon the earth like him, a harmless, true, blameless, godly man, abstaining from all evil? and he yet cleaves to innocence, whereas you have told me to destroy his substance without cause? [bs3]

Notice how Brenton is biased to use the word "substance" while the LXX would equate "him" with his "essential attributes".

Job 2:3

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KJV: And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

Hebrew: ויאמר יהוה אל השטן השמת לבך אל עבדי איוב כי אין כמהו בארץ איש תם וישר ירא אלהים וסר מרע ועדנו מחזיק בתמתו ותסיתני בו לבלעו חנם׃

Greek: ειπεν δε ο κυριος προς τον διαβολον προσεσχες ουν τω θεραποντι μου ιωβ οτι ουκ εστιν κατ αυτον των επι της γης ανθρωπος ακακος αληθινος αμεμπτος θεοσεβης απεχομενος απο παντος κακου ετι δε εχεται ακακιας συ δε ειπας τα υπαρχοντα αυτου δια κενης απολεσαι

Brenton: And the Lord said to the devil, Hast you then observed my servant Job, that there is none of men upon the earth like him, a harmless, true, blameless, godly man, abstaining from all evil? and he yet cleaves to innocence, whereas you have told me to destroy his substance without cause?

Job 15:29 He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth. [kjv]

ουτε μη πλουτισθη ουτε μη μεινη αυτου τα υπαρχοντα ου μη βαλη επι την γην σκιαν [lxx]

Consider this verse. Are being "rich" and having "essential attributes" or having "existence" the same or different. Explain.

Job 15:29

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KJV: He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, neither shall he prolong the perfection thereof upon the earth.

Hebrew: לא יעשר ולא יקום חילו ולא יטה לארץ מנלם׃

Greek: ουτε μη πλουτισθη ουτε μη μεινη αυτου τα υπαρχοντα ου μη βαλη επι την γην σκιαν

Brenton: Neither shall he at all grow rich, nor shall his substance remain: he shall not cast a shadow upon the earth.

Job 18:7 The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down. [kjv]

θηρευσαισαν ελαχιστοι τα υπαρχοντα αυτου σφαλαι δε αυτου η βουλη [lxx]

Let the meanest of men spoil his goods, and let his counsel deceive him. [bs3]

Job 18:7

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KJV: The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.

Hebrew: יצרו צעדי אונו ותשליכהו עצתו׃

Greek: θηρευσαισαν ελαχιστοι τα υπαρχοντα αυτου σφαλαι δε αυτου η βουλη

Brenton: Let the meanest of men spoil his goods, and let his counsel deceive him.

Job 21:19 God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it. [kjv]

εκλιποι υιους τα υπαρχοντα αυτου ανταποδωσει προς αυτον και γνωσεται [lxx]

Let his substance fail to supply his children: God shall recompense him, and he shall know it. [bs3]

Job 21:19

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KJV: God layeth up his iniquity for his children: he rewardeth him, and he shall know it.

Hebrew: אלוה יצפן לבניו אונו ישלם אליו וידע׃

Greek: εκλιποι υιους τα υπαρχοντα αυτου ανταποδωσει προς αυτον και γνωσεται

Brenton: Let his substance fail to supply his children: God shall recompense him, and he shall know it.

Proverbs 5:17 Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee. [kjv]

εστω σοι μονω υπαρχοντα και μηδεις αλλοτριος μετασχετω σοι [lxx]

Let them be only your own, and let no stranger partake with you. [bs3]

Proverbs 5:17

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KJV: Let them be only thine own, and not strangers' with thee.

Hebrew: יהיו לך לבדך ואין לזרים אתך׃

Greek: εστω σοι μονω υπαρχοντα και μηδεις αλλοτριος μετασχετω σοι

Brenton: Let them be only your own, and let no stranger partake with you.

... more to be added ...