Spiritual or logical?

[johnnybanano]

Why do most modern translations render [GREEK]logikhn[/GREEK] as "spiritual" rather than "logical" or "reasonable" as in older translations. What connotation does the root [GREEK]log-[/GREEK] have that would support it being rendered as relating to the spirit.

I take it this has something to do with the relationship between the mind, and the spirit, but I'm not really sure that this is clearly a good interpretation.

HELP!

[John Reece]

Why do most modern translations render [GREEK]logikhn[/GREEK] as "spiritual" rather than "logical" or "reasonable" as in older translations. What connotation does the root [GREEK]log-[/GREEK] have that would support it being rendered as relating to the spirit.

I take it this has something to do with the relationship between the mind, and the spirit, but I'm not really sure that this is clearly a good interpretation.

HELP!

The occurrence of [greek]logikhn[/greek] (feminine of [greek]logikoV[/greek]) in 1 Peter 2:2: is explained in this comment:

The proper understanding in this context of the adjective [greek]logikoV[/greek], a word derived from [greek]logoV[/greek] and hence normally pertaining either to reason or speech (“word”), is difficult to determine. It occurs only one other time in the NT (Romans 12:1), where the same ambiguity adheres.
If the root [greek]logoV[/greek] is to be understood in the sense of “reason,” then the meaning would be something that corresponds “reasonably,” that is, appropriately to the present situation: a “milk” whose content is appropriate to the Christian’s situation. Since it is a “milk” that leads to growth to salvation, it points to the spiritual rather than the material dimension of reality, and hence could also be translated “spiritual.” Some have argued for this meaning not in terms of conforming to reason but in opposition to corporeal milk, or as describing the purpose of God and his word which is true nourishment for Christians, but such arguments depart from any relation to the root meanings of [greek]logikoV[/greek].
If the root [greek]logoV[/greek] is to be understood in the sense of “word,” then [greek]logikoV[/greek] would express the relationship of [greek]gala[/greek] (“milk”) to the word of God as the proper nourishment for Christians. This understanding is supported by the use of [greek]logoV qeou[/greek] in 1:23 and is reinforced by the use of [greek]rhma[/greek] (= “word”) in 1:25a for the word of the Lord and 1:25b for the gospel. Since therefore, in this context, the word of God ([greek]logoV qeou[/greek]) was the agency by which the readers were rebegotten as Christians (1:23), and since the word of the Lord ([greek]rhma kuriou[/greek]) was the good news that has been communicated to them (1:25b), some relationship between the divine word and the adjective [greek]logikoV[/greek] seems most likely. It would, furthermore, be appropriate for Christians who were rebegotten by the word of God to yearn for that word so they may experience further growth leading to salvation. — Paul J. Achtemeier, 1 Peter (Hermeneia), pages 146-47; Fortress Press, 1996.

[lee_merrill]

Hi everyone,

Did you mean Rom. 12:1, though, Johnny? That was the verse that came to mind in regard to your question, though it's good to see how the similar use in 1 Peter is explained, as John posted....

Blessings,
Lee

[Jaltus]

Spiritual seems to make more sense in both instances.

[lee_merrill]

Spiritual seems to make more sense in both instances.

Why would that be, in Rom. 12:1, though? I can see why it might be possible in 1 Peter (though it seems a bit of a stretch even there), but how is it the sense in Romans?

Just wondering...

Blessings,
Lee