Chapter 2:5 TA ETHNA - The Nations

2.5 Ta ethna Nom & Accus Pl Neuter.

τὰDANPὁ ἔθνηN-AN-Pἔθνος,

Noun:

This is a contracted noun.[1]

Case:

Because panta ta ethna is clearly not the subject of the sentence, and in fact is taking the place of the direct object of mathateusate, we would conclude that the proper case is Accusative.

Accusative Case:

Accusative case: See Accusative Case—Dana & Mantey for a fuller explanation of accusative case.

Gender:

Gender: neuter

Number:

Number: plural.

These nations are looked at as more than one group. They are looked at as ‘many groups’ of nations, versus many nations as ‘one’ group.

Means literally:

Means a multitude, company, a nation, people as distinguished from, or contrasted with the Jews; the heathen, gentiles; not Israelitish.

Question:

Q1. This seems to imply the nations are contrasted with the Jews. Does this imply we are not to disciple the Jews?

A1. On the surface, this may seem to be what this word actually means. However, as we shall see later under the discussion for syntax of panta to ethna (Nature of Predicate Position of an Adjective), Jesus seems to emphasize ALL nations, which would include the Jews. But, apparently because of their rejection of Him, he is now including them under the general title of the nations with no special significance at this time. This does not mean to imply that He is finished dealing with them as a special people. That is still going to happen, but for the present (as Rom 9-11 explains), there is a blindness in Israel because of their rejection, and God’s current plan to temporarily set them aside while he is doing what He really intended for the Jews to do originally, namely reaching out to the Gentiles.

Translation:

Jesus speaking: Given that all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth, therefore (now, by all means - emphatically) ‘as you are going…’ (or ‘while on your way through life…’ or ‘as you are proceeding in your chosen manner through life …’), I (as superior to a subordinate laying aside my authority to command you) appeal to you (and particularly your will), its imperative that you actively disciple < ● > (train, acquire habits, disciple oneself) (How far or how many?) all the nations

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[1] See AGLR §V, Table E (b), and pg 115.