(December 8, 2015 at 3:02 am)Aractus Wrote:(December 8, 2015 at 1:34 am)RoadRunner79 Wrote: You may be making assumptions based on the translation, that aren't inherent to the original language.
If you're not a Greek scholar then you need to back up that claim please with evidence.
(December 8, 2015 at 1:34 am)RoadRunner79 Wrote: The Greek word "χώρα" can mean land, region, country, and even field. It's basically describing an area.
Yes I acknowledged that, and it only solves the problem of "Matthew" not "Mark" and "Luke".
I don't understand here. In one instance you acknowledge my definition, and then the other you ask me to back it up. "Region" to me is a fairly broad and generalized term. I am unsure if it is a cultural difference or what, as to why you are being fairly restrictive in it's application.
Anyways, here is a link to a Babylon translation (keep in mind this is modern use) http://translation.babylon.com/greek/to-...%81%CE%B1/ and here is the strongs definition along with varied uses in the bible http://biblehub.com/greek/5561.htm
Quote:(December 8, 2015 at 1:34 am)RoadRunner79 Wrote: I don't think it's an issue; they are just using different references for the region. Wikipedia cites Gadara as the local center of power, whereas Matthew referred to Gerasa, the regional city of power. Especially depending on who I was talking to, when talking about my past, I may mention Erie, Pittsburgh, or Meadville as a reference (Pennsylvania). It just depends on how specific I was being, who my audience was, or what the focus was in my telling.
Well I think it is an issue. They were two different "powerful" cities (relativly). The point is that no one would say "region of Gerasa" if they meant "region of Gadara". That'd be like getting Melbourne confused with Sydney; or Los Angeles confused with New York.
The Wikipedia article which I looked at seemed to indicate that Gerasa was a larger and more powerful than Gadara. Which would make sense, since it is farther away. The text mentions, that they found the man, when they stepped ashore; so I would think that this precludes either city directly as they are not coastal cities on the Sea of Galilee.
Since you mentioned Sydney and Melbourne, can I assume that you are from Australia? My understanding of that region is that it is either very densely populated or fairly sparsely populated with a large gap in between (especially as you head inland). Perhaps this may be slanting your understanding. I live in the country, so for me it is not uncommon to reference a larger city, even though it may be an hour or more away driving. And in such a reference, you may get different responses from different people, one person may reference State College, PA, while another may reference Pittsburgh (or they may cite smaller and closer cities as well).
Do you have other information, that leads you to the conclusion that "no one would say "region of Gerasa" if they meant "region of Gadara"
