Notes on the Cyrillian catena on I Corinthians 14:10

Quick thoughts on concepts, and critical words in the translation of the I Corinthians 14:10 catena attributed to Cyril of Alexandria.

This text outlines several interesting particulars: how ancient Greek words previously used in classical Greek rituals had become Christianized, and the office of the circuit preacher, which required the knowledge of many languages. These elements are examined in more detail below.

Several words in the translation of Cyril’s catena on I Corinthians have Greek antecedents to them that require careful examination, especially as it relates to the doctrine of tongues. The results demonstrate the Alexandrians had adapted these words from its original intent to their own meaning.

Table of Contents

  • Conclusion about the Greek Words

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    Cyril of Alexandria on Tongues: the Original Texts

    The writings related to the tongues of Pentecost and Corinth attributed to Cyril of Alexandria. This is a digitized copy of the Greek text and the parallel Latin translation, when available. The text is mostly derived from Migne Patrologia Graeca and a portion from Cyrilli: Archiepiscopi Alexandrini In D. Joannis Evangelium, edited by Philippus Edvardius Pusey (London: Oxford. 1872).

    The following commentaries attributed to Cyril of Alexandria are found to have references to either the tongues of Acts or Corinth: Zephaniah (Sophonias in Latin), Acts and I Corinthians.

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    The Purpose of Prayer

    ArtScrollSiddur

    A detailed look at the nature and purpose of prayer from a Jewish prayerbook. A definition that sheds any superficiality and uncovers a deep and introspective rite that transforms the soul.

    The ArtScroll Siddur contains one of the best definitions of prayer found anywhere. A siddur is a Jewish prayer book that outlines personal and communal prayers for almost any occasion; life, death, loss, birth, success, and everything in-between. It is written from an Orthodox Jewish perspective. The following is an excerpt.

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    A Sample Process of Translating Alexandrian Greek

    A sample of the trials, struggles, and success with translating Alexandrian Greek into English.

    Third to fifth century Alexandrian Greek is often difficult to translate. This difficulty is for three reasons. It is a melting pot of many different Greek dialects, their own linguistic oddities, and the lack of a specialized dictionary or grammar on Alexandrian Greek. This distinct nuance of the Alexandrian writers during the early centuries has not been clearly documented. Therefore when one approaches these writers, it is a big challenge. And if one likes challenges, this can be fun, but frustrating as well.

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