Chapter 2:2 OUN - Therefore

2.2 Oun Conjunction

οὖν

Conjunction

As a conjunction, Oun connects the text of the previous verse, namely:

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Matt 28: 18

… with what is to follow.

For a fuller discussion on conjunctions, see 9.1.2.7 CONJUNCTIONS.

Question?

Q1. Does oun have any special meaning for this text?

A1. For a discussion on Oun, see 9.1.2.7.1 Ού̃ν - Oun:

Q2. Can we determine which case of oun is in view here?

A2. In the text at hand, we can readily eliminate the ‘responsive’ case (since we are not in John’s gospel). We can further eliminate the ‘adversative’ case, since there is no hint of negative contrast in view. Of the remaining three cases, the NASB and KJV translate oun as ‘therefore’ (inferential case). Heeding the warning of Dana and Mantey, Dana & Mantey, p. 253 §233 (1), we feel that although “therefore” is an acceptable translation, a transitional case or even better an emphatic case is well supported by the context and may be a more accurate translation of the text at hand.

Meaning:

Consequently we would accept the translation, “now” (as a continuation of one thought – all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me), or even possibly, “by all means”.

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 …’)

Comment:

The commands and instruction following this are based on the full and absolute authority of Jesus Christ. What is being unfolded is authoritative. It must not be just ‘considered.’ It must be ‘saluted to’ and acted upon. This is non-optional. These are not just suggestions. These are marching orders for the true follower of Christ.