Petra Petra

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cradle_Cap
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
C

Cradle_Cap

Guest
Hi,

I was reading an apologetics book concerning the issue of the primacy of Peter. In reference to Mt. 16:18, the author argued that at the time of Jesus petros and petra both meant the same thing (rock); rather than little rock and large rock. But that Matthew could not have written “You are Petra and on this Petra I will build my Church”, because Petra is feminine.

If Petra and Petros mean the same thing, than why didn’t Matthew write “You are Petros and on this Petros I will build my Church”?

Thanks!
 
Do a little digging… this has been covered many many times here! Hint: Jesus spoke Aramaic…
 
Cradle_Cap said:
Hi,

I was reading an apologetics book concerning the issue of the primacy of Peter. In reference to Mt. 16:18, the author argued that at the time of Jesus petros and petra both meant the same thing (rock);
Thanks!
Click to expand...
They both do mean rock. I have posted Greek reference examples even from older Homeric Poetry, and also from Koine Greek of the old testament (the LXX). For example, Petra, is used of the word for the HAND-HELD circumcision knife made from a flinty rock.

In all ages, (to my knowledge), Greek supports the fact that the feminine and masculine words may be interchanged.

mathhew 16:18 might well have been able to write petros and petros … there is no doubt this would have still made sense, But the passage may wish to emphasize the peculiarity of this particular rock in relation to other Greek scriptures – for he goes out of his way to use petra in a particular sentence structure.

For example, Isaiah spoke of the founding father, Abraham, as a “rock” too – and his wife as the place the children (rocks) are chipped from, that is – Abraham is the Rock, too.

If the Greek said “Petros” alone, the protestants could still argue that peter is one rock but that Jesus is the other rock.
(or Even Abraham for that matter).

And I can see why you might think Petros and Petros would support the Catholic argument even more. But what I have noticed is that the feminine “petra” (Jesus is not female, nor is peter) – is also how one speaks of “rock” in general as opposed to “the rock” or “a rock” specifically. The way it is used in Matthew is the same expression as in other Greek texts where a general (collective) noun referrs to a specific one already under discussion.

I have commented on this in the past to user called “PC master” and in other threads which give better details – so search my back posts, or if you have trouble, PM me tomorrow and I’ll look some of them up for you when I get some time. I haven’t argued every niggling point out – but in general, I don’t think the hypothetical Petros and Petros would be more clear. Petra, may in fact, indicate Peter even more strongly.

–Andrew.
 
Dear Huiou Theou,

You certainly addressed the essence of my question, although I may need a little time to understand your response!

Thank you so much for taking the time to give me a response!!!

Cradle

ps - Calling this thread “Petros Petros” would have made more sense!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top