THE MEANING AND INTEND OF “THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK”IN 1 COR 16:1-4 (5)

Lexical Study of the pertinent Words

In order to understand as precisely as possible the meaning of 1 Cor. 16:2, especially the intent of the expression “the first day of the week,” it is essential to study the following five pertinent words: κατὰ, μίαν, σαββάτου, ἕκαστος, ὑμῶν, παρ᾽, and ἑαυτω..

κατὰ

The word “κατα,” means, according to, down from, throughout.  “A primary particle; (preposition) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case [genitive, dative or accusative] with which it is joined).”[1] The kata is distributive: every first day; the cardinal numeral Mia, one, used instead of the ordinal first, is a Hebraism; comp. mark xvi. 2, 9.[2] However, one can understand that in the Bible the word “κατα,” occurs numerous times and with meanings so numerous.[3]

μίαν

The Greek word “μιαν” is a cardinal number, i.e. denoting number (as opposed to an ordinal number denoting order, first, second, third, etc..) “μιαν” is the accusative feminine form of “μια.”  “Greek expresses time by placing the noun of time in the appropriate case, the accusative for extent of time, the genitive for time within which (though the genitive has other temporal uses as well) and the dative for point of time.”[4] There are many varieties of using this word in the scripture.[5]

σαββατων

According to the strong’s reference (p. 32 and 33) “σαββατων” is the genitive plural form of the “second declension noun” “σαββατoν.”[6] The Hebrew word sabbaton is used of weekly Sabbaths (Lev. 23:3), for annual Sabbaths–Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and first and last day of the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:24, 32, 39)—and of land Sabbaths in Lev. 25:4-5).  It has the same pronunciation in Hebrew as the 3^rd declension of the word in Greek.  In other words, its plural usage in Greek sounds the same as its original in the Hebrew.  It essentially means to cease or pause in Hebrew.   The idea of ceasing in order to rest and be refreshed spiritually, mentally and emotionally is the essential purpose of all Sabbaths. The term sabbaton and sabbata gradually took the meaning of the week; comp. Luke xviii:12; for weeks are measured by Sabbath. [7] For more meaning and nuance of the word σαββατων see the foot note below.[8]

ἕκαστος

According to strong the word hékastos (from hekas, "separate") – each (individual) unit viewed distinctly, i.e. as opposed to "severally" (as a group).[9] The use of this word in the Bible has many nuances.[10]

Παρ

The word pará  is an emphatic "from," means "from close beside" ("alongside"). It stresses nearness (closeness) which is often not conveyed in translation. Pará is typically theologically significant, even when used as a prefix (i.e. in composition),  pará usually adds the overtone, "from close beside" (implying intimate participation) and can be followed by the genitive, dative, or accusative case[11] – each one conveying a distinct nuance.[12]

Εαυτω

The word heautoú (reflexive pronoun of the 3rd person) – /heautoú ("himself, herself, itself," etc.) is the 3rd person reflexive (singular, plural) form which also functions as the reflexive for 1st and 2nd person (A-S).[13] Each one conveying a distinct nuance and for more understanding of the meaning and use of this the word heautoú see footnote.[14]

τιθετω

                        According to strong the meaning of τιθετω a prolonged form of a primary theo { theh’-o}  (which is used only as alternate in certain tenses); TDNT - 8:152,1176; vAV - lay 28, put 18, lay down 12, make 10, appoint 6, kneel down + 1119 + 3588 5, misc 17; 96 GK - 5502 { tivqhmi }1)to set, put, place 1a)     to place or lay 1b) to put down, lay down 1b1)  to bend down 1b2) to lay off or aside, to wear or carry no longer 1b3) to lay by, lay aside money 1c) to set on (serve) something to eat or drink 1d)     to set forth, something to be explained by discourse 2) to make 2a) to make (or set) for one’s self or for one’s use 3) to set, fix establish 3a) to set forth 3b) to establish, ordain. For more distinct nuance of the meaning and use of this the word τιθετω see footnote.[15]

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[1]Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.)1995.

[2]Frederic Louis Goded, Commentary on first Corinthians, (Grand rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1977), p. 883

[3]According to Bible Work 8; κατὰ preposition accusative from κατά [GING]. κατά prep. w. gen. and acc.—I. with the genitive—1. of place down (from) Mk 5:13; throughout Lk 23:5; Ac 9:31, 42; 10:37.—2. fig. by Mt 26:63; Hb 6:13, 16. Against Mt 5:11; 10:35; Mk 14:55; Lk 11:23; J 19:11; Ac 25:3, 15, 27; Ro 8:31; 1 Cor 4:6; Gal 5:17; Rv 2:4, 14, 20.—II. with the accusative—1. of place—a. of extension in space along Ac 25:3; 27:5. Through Lk 8:39. Throughout Ac 11:1. Over 8:1. Among 21:21.—b. of direction toward Ac 8:26; Phil 3:14. Up to Lk 10:32; to Ac 16:7. κατὰ πρόσωπον to the face Gal 2:11.—c. serving to isolate or separate by Ac 28:16; Js 2:17; to Ro 14:22. κατὰ μόνας alone, by oneself Mk 4:10; Lk 9:18.—d. as a distributive κατὰ πόλιν in every city Ac 15:21; 20:23; Tit 1:5. Cf. Lk 8:1; Ac 15:36.—2. of time at Ro 9:9; in Hb 1:10; 3:8; during Mt 1:20; 2:12; about Ac 16:25. Distributively κ. ἔτος every year Lk 2:41; cf. Mt 26:55; Ac 2:46f; 17:17; 2 Cor 11:28; Rv 22:2.—3. distributively (apart from place and time as above) κ. δύο ἢ τρεῖς two or three at a time 1 Cor 14:27. κ. ἕνα one after the other 14:31. Cf. Mk 6:40; Ac 21:19. κ. ὄνομα by name J 10:3; 3 J 15.—4. of goal or purpose for (the purpose of) J 2:6; to 2 Cor 11:21.—5. of the norm, of similarity, homogeneity—a. to introduce the norm that governs something according to, in accordance with Mt 2:16; Lk 2:22; 22:22; J 19:7; Ro 8:28; 1 Cor 3:8; 15:3; Hb 7:5. As a result of, on the basis of Mt 19:3; Gal 2:2; Phil 4:11; Phlm 14.—b. of equality, similarity, example (just) as, similar(ly) to Mt 23:3; Gal 4:28. κατὰ τὰ αὐτά in (just) the same way Lk 6:23, 26; 17:30. κατὰ τὸ αὐτό together Ac 14:1. καθ᾽ ὃν τρόπον just as 15:11; 27:25. Frequently the κατά phrase is equivalent to an adverb: κ. συγκυρίαν by chance Lk 10:31. κ. κράτος powerfully Ac 19:20. κ. λόγον reasonably 18:14.—6. denoting relationship to something with respect to, in relation to Ac 17:22; Ro 1:3f; 9:3, 5; Col 3:20, 22; Hb 2:17.—7. sometimes the κατά phrase can function as an adj., a possessive pronoun, or the genitive of a noun. Adj.: κατὰ φύσιν natural Ro 11:21. κατὰ σάρκα earthly Eph 6:5. Poss. pron.: καθ᾽ ὑμᾶς your Ac 17:28. κατ᾽ ἐμέ my Ro 1:15. Gen. of a noun κ. Ἰουδαίους of the Jews Ac 26:3. κ. πίστιν of faith Hb 11:7. Cf. the title εὐαγγέλιον κατὰ Ματθαῖον, etc. [cat-, cata-, cath-, combining forms, as in category, catastrophe, cathode] [pg 100]

[4]Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.

[5]According to Bible Work 8; μίαν is adjective cardinal accusative feminine singular no degree from εἷς [GING] εἷς
εἷς, μία, ἕν gen. ἑνός, μιᾶς, ἑνός numeral one Mt 5:41; 19:5; Mk 8:14; Ac 21:7; Ro 5:12; 12:5. For emphasis one and the same Lk 12:52; Ro 3:30; 1 Cor 12:11; only one, (a) single Mt 23:15; Mk 12:6; 10:21; Ro 3:10; 1 Ti 3:2 of one who is married only once; alone Mk 2:7. Equivalent to the indefinite τις someone, anyone Mt 18:24; Lk 24:18; with τις a certain (one) Mk 14:47; J 11:49; equivalent to the indefinite article a, an Mt 8:19; Mk 12:42; Rv 8:13. Equivalent to πρῶτος first Mt 28:1; 1 Cor 16:2; Tit 3:10. (ὁ) εἷς…(ὁ) εἷς (the) one…the other Mt 20:21; J 20:12; Gal 4:22. εἷς τὸν ἕνα one another 1 Th 5:11. καθ᾽ ἕνα one by one 1 Cor 14:31. εἷς κατὰ εἷς (the second εἷς is an undeclined nominative) one after the other Mk 14:19; J 8:9. [heno-, combining form, as in henotheism] [pg 57]

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[6]Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.

[7]Frederic Louis Goded, Commentary on first Corinthians, (Grand rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1977), p. 883

[8]σαββάτων noun genitive neuter plural from σάββατον.[GING σάββατον, ου, τό—1. Sabbath, the seventh day of the week, held sacred by the Jews—a. sing. Mt 12:8; Mk 2:27f; Lk 6:7, 9; J 5:9f, 18; Ac 1:12; 13:27, 44.—b. pl., of more than one Sabbath Ac 17:2.—τὰ σάββατα for a single Sabbath day Mt 28:1a; Mk 1:21; 2:23f; Lk 4:16; 13:10; Ac 16:13.—2. week—a. sing. Mk 16:2 v.l., 9; Lk 18:12; 1 Cor 16:2.—b. pl., of a single week Mt 28:1b; Mk 16:2; Lk 24:1; J 20:1, 19; Ac 20:7; 1 Cor 16:2 v.l.* [pg 178]

[9]Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.

[10]ἕκαστος adjective nominative masculine singular no degree from ἕκαστος [GING] ἕκαστος, η, ον each, every J 19:23; Hb 3:13; Rv 22:2; perh. both kinds Lk 6:44. As noun each one, every one Mt 16:27; Lk 13:15; 1 Cor 15:38. εἷς ἕκαστος every single one Mt 26:22; Lk 4:40; 1 Cor 12:18. For ἀνὰ εἷς ἕκαστος Rv 21:21 see ἀνά 1. [pg 58]

[11]Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.

[12]παρ᾽ preposition dative from παρά [GING] παρά prep. with three cases—1. w. gen. from (the side of) Mt 18:19; Mk 12:2; 14:43; Lk 2:1; J 6:46; 8:26, 40; 16:27; Ac 9:2, 14; Gal 1:12; Eph 6:8; 2 Ti 3:14; Js 1:5; Rv 3:18. παρὰ κυρίου at the Lord's command Lk 1:45. παρὰ θεοῦ by God J 1:6. τὰ παρ᾽ αὐτῆς her property, what she had Mk 5:26; τὰ παρ᾽ αὐτῶν their gifts, what they give Lk 10:7. οἱ παρ᾽ αὐτοῦ his family, his relatives Mk 3:21.—2. w. dat. at or by the side of, beside, near, with Mt 6:1; 22:25; Lk 2:52; 9:47; 11:37; J 14:25; 19:25; Ac 9:43; 21:7, 16; Ro 2:11; 1 Cor 16:2; Eph 6:9; Col 4:16. For Mt 19:26. In the sight or judgment of Ro 2:13; 12:16; 1 Pt 2:4, 20.—3. w. acc.—a. of space to (the side of) Mt 15:29; Mk 2:13; Ac 16:13. By, along Mt 4:18; Mk 4:1; Ac 10:6, 32. Near, at Lk 7:38; 17:16; Ac 5:2; 22:3. On Mt 13:4, 19; Mk 4:15; Lk 18:35; Hb 11:12.—b. in a comparative sense: in comparison to, more than, beyond Lk 3:13; 13:2, 4; Ro 14:5; Hb 2:7, 9; 9:23; 12:24. Instead of, rather than, to the exclusion of Lk 18:14; Ro 1:25; Hb 1:9. Beyond 2 Cor 8:3.—c. other uses: because of 1 Cor 12:15f. Against, contrary to Ac 18:13; Ro 1:26; 4:18; 11:24; 16:17; Gal 1:8f. Less 2 Cor 11:24. [para-, combining form, as in parody; parenthesis] [pg 147].

[13]Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.

[14]ἑαυτῷ pronoun reflexive dative masculine singular from ἑαυτοῦ  [GING] ἑαυτοῦ, ῆς, οῦ pl. ἑαυτῶν—1. reflexive pronoun: of the third person himself, herself, itself, themselves Mt 18:4; 27:42; Mk 5:5; J 19:24. γίνεσθαι ἐν ἑ. or εἰς ἑ. ἔρχεσθαι come to one's senses Lk 15:17; Ac 12:11. ἀφ᾽ ἑαυτοῦ by itself J 15:4.—Of the first and second persons plural ourselves, yourselves Mt 23:31; 1 Cor 11:31; perh. also for second pers. sing. J 18:34 v.l.—2. reciprocal pronoun = ἀλλήλων each other, one another Mk 10:26; J 12:19; Eph 4:32; Col 3:13, 16; 1 Th 5:13.—3. possessive pronoun = αὐτοῦ, etc. his, her, their Mt 8:22; 21:8; Lk 9:60; 11:21; 12:36. [pg 53]

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[15]τιθέτω verb imperative present active 3rd person singular from τίθημι [GING] τίθημι
τίθημι and τιθέω—I. active and passive—1. put, place, lay—a. generally lay (away), set up, put (away) Mt 12:18; 27:60; Mk 16:6; Lk 11:33; 14:29; J 11:34; Ac 3:2; 13:29; Ro 9:33; 14:13; 2 Cor 3:13; 2 Pt 2:6.—b. special expressions—τιθέναι τὰ γόνατα bend the knee, kneel down Mk 15:19; Ac 7:60; 21:5.—Place before someone, serve J 2:10.—Put aside, store up, deposit Lk 19:21f; 1 Cor 16:2.—Take off, remove J 13:4. Give (up) 10:11, 15, 17f; 1 J 3:16.—θέτε ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις make up (your) minds Lk 21:14.—Present Mk 4:30.—2. make Lk 20:43; Ac 13:47; Ro 4:17; 1 Ti 2:7; Hb 1:2. Appoint J 15:16.—II. middle—1. put, place, lay—a. arrange, fix, establish, set Ac 1:7; 1 Cor 12:18; 2 Cor 5:19. Put Ac 5:18, 25.—b. ἔθεντο ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ they kept in mind Lk 1:66, but the same expression in the 2 sing. contrive in your mind Ac 5:4. Similarly resolve 19:21.—2. make Ac 20:28; 1 Cor 12:28. Reach Ac 27:12. Destine or appoint 1 Th 5:9; 1 Ti 1:12. [pg 199] .