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Greek Vocabulary of Paul Compared with the Other New Testament Writers

TitleGreek Vocabulary of Paul Compared with the Other New Testament Writers
Publication TypeChart
Year of Publication2002
AuthorsWelch, John W., and John F. Hall
Number11-10
PublisherFoundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies
CityProvo, UT
KeywordsLanguage - Greek; Paul the Apostle; Pauline Epistles; Study Helps
Abstract
Chart 11-9 displays the vocabulary of Paul, measured according to the Greek. People are often interested in determining which letters may be safely attributed to the apostle Paul. Unusual vocabulary can sometimes offer a clue that a letter was not written by the same person who wrote other letters, but according to the data contained on this chart such words may not prove conclusive in this regard. Each letter of Paul contains unique vocabulary not found in any other of his letters.While the percentage of unique vocabulary ranges from a low of 7 percent to a high of 33 percent even undisputed letters of Paul such as Romans and 1 Corinthians score among the highest in terms of unique vocabulary. Ephesians and Colossians register only 13 percent of their words as unique. For the most part, all that can be concluded from this is that the longer a letter, the more unique its vocabulary tends to become.Moreover, the letter to the Hebrews, while containing a large percentage of Pauline words, has an above average number of unique words because it is the only letter in the New Testament addressed to that particular audience.
 
Paul had and used an enormous vocabulary. Counting all fourteen Pauline epistles, over a fourth of his words appear in one and only one of his letters. Chart 11-10 tabulates this versatility. Over half are used by him alone of all the New Testament writers. Only 45 percent of his words appear again anywhere else within the New Testament.

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