Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Daniel K. Eng on δικαιοσύνην θεοῦ in James 1:20

  

. . . the interpretation of δικαιοσύνην θεοῦ in James 1.20 is thorny. The noun δικαιοσύνη alone could refer to (1) a quality of fairness, (2) correctness based on redemptive action, or (3) a characteristic of uprightness. . . . a case can be made that δικαιοσύνην θεοῦ refers to justification be bestowed by God, the second usage of δικαιοσύνη. This would make θεοῦ a subjective genitive, consistent with δικαιοσύνην θεοῦ elsewhere in the NT (e.g., Rom. 1.17; 3.5, 21-22; 10.3; 2 Cor. 5.21). McKnight correctly points out an intimate association between standing before God and a behavioural moral attitude as a result of redemption. He cites God’s saving action as described by δικαιοσύνη in LXX Isa. 46.13 (McKnight, Letter of James, p. 139). It would also preserve the parallel between οργη ανδρος and δικαιοσύνην θεοῦ, with both as subjective genitives. Also, justification from God would harmonize best with the final result of the next saying in Jas. 1.21, which derives its logical form 1.20 through διο. Jas. 1.21 most likely has a favourable judgment in view . . . (Daniel K. Eng, Eschatological Approval: The Structure and Unifying Motif of James [New Testament Monographs 45; Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix, 2022], 128, italics in original)