Ken Olson wrote: ↑Sat May 30, 2020 2:29 pmThat's interesting. Could you cite primary sources for that (i.e., the use of ἐπόπται)?robert j wrote: ↑Thu May 28, 2020 9:53 amThe Greek term epoptai (ἐπόπται) is typically translated in bibles as "eyewitnesses". But in an historical context, the word was used primarily as a technical term in the non-Christian Eleusinian Mysteries, widespread in the eastern Mediterranean at the time. The term was used to designate advanced initiates who had attained esoteric knowledge.
Strong's Concordance 2030 https://biblehub.com/greek/2030.htm
epoptés: a looker-on, i.e. a spectator
Original Word: ἐπόπτης, ου, ὁ
Definition: a looker-on, a spectator
Usage: an eyewitness, spectator, looker-on.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
ἐπόπτης, ἐπόπτου, ὁ (from unused ἐπόπτω);
1. an overseer, inspector, see ἐπίσκοπος; (Aeschylus, Pindar, others; of God, in 2 Macc. 3:39, 7:35; 3 Macc. 2:21; Additions to Esther 5:1; ἀνθρωπίνων ἔργων, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 59, 3 [ET]).
2. a spectator, eye-witness of anything: so in 2 Peter 1:16; inasmuch as those were called ἐπόπται by the Greeks who had attained to the third (i. e. the highest) grade of the Eleusinian mysteries (Plutarch, Alcib. 22, and elsewhere), the word seems to be used here to designate those privileged to be present at the heavenly spectacle of the transfiguration of Christ.
epoptés: a looker-on, i.e. a spectator
Original Word: ἐπόπτης, ου, ὁ
Definition: a looker-on, a spectator
Usage: an eyewitness, spectator, looker-on.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
ἐπόπτης, ἐπόπτου, ὁ (from unused ἐπόπτω);
1. an overseer, inspector, see ἐπίσκοπος; (Aeschylus, Pindar, others; of God, in 2 Macc. 3:39, 7:35; 3 Macc. 2:21; Additions to Esther 5:1; ἀνθρωπίνων ἔργων, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 59, 3 [ET]).
2. a spectator, eye-witness of anything: so in 2 Peter 1:16; inasmuch as those were called ἐπόπται by the Greeks who had attained to the third (i. e. the highest) grade of the Eleusinian mysteries (Plutarch, Alcib. 22, and elsewhere), the word seems to be used here to designate those privileged to be present at the heavenly spectacle of the transfiguration of Christ.
Gene Green, in Jude and 2 Peter (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), refers to
"contexts [which] refer to an "overseer", such as a divinity who oversees all things" (Job 34:23; Esth. 5:1a [add Esth 15:2 Eng J; 2 Macc. 3:39; 7:35; 12:22; 15:2; Mac 2:21; 1 Clem 59:3; Let Aris. 16), or to the emperor ....
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=5Q ... B9&f=false
Terrance Callan noted, in Acknowledging the Divine Benefactor: The Second Letter of Peter,
This word, was used for higher-level initiates into mystery cults, meaning they had seen sacred things.10
https://books.google.com.au/books?id=jd ... B9&f=false
robert j wrote: ↑Thu May 28, 2020 9:53 am
In 2 Peter, the author casts the transfiguration in terms of a Mystery religion ritual. And Clement casts the Christian faith in terms of the Mysteries. These authors, at least in these passages, are conceptual compadres ---
2 Peter 1:16-19 Clement of Alexandria, Exhortation to the Hellenes,12 … having been eyewitnesses (ἐπόπται)*** of His majesty. For having received honor and glory from God the Father, a voice such as follows was brought to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." And we heard this voice having been brought from heaven, being with Him in the holy mountain.
And we have the more certain prophetic word, to which you do well taking heed, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until this day shall have dawned and the morning star (phósphoros, φωσφόρος, light- bringing) shall have arisen in your hearts,
O truly sacred mysteries! O pure light! In the blaze of the torches I have a vision from heaven and of God. I become holy by initiation. The Lord reveals the mysteries ; He marks the worshipper with his seal, gives light to guide his way, and commends him, when he has believed, to the Father's care, where he is guarded for ages to come. These are the revels of the mysteries! ...