| 29. Linguistic Exegesis The subordinating conjunction epei {Ἐπεὶ | e-peí} introduces a logical inference linked to Paul’s preceding argument about resurrection. The article–participle construction hoi baptizomenoi {οἱ βαπτιζόμενοι | hoi bap-ti-zó-me-noi} functions substantively as “those who are being baptized,” with the prepositional phrase hyper tōn nekrōn {ὑπὲρ τῶν νεκρῶν | hy-pér tôn ne-krôn} expressing benefactive action for the dead. The conditional clause ei holōs nekroi ouk egeirontai {εἰ ὅλως νεκροὶ οὐκ ἐγείρονται | ei hó-lōs ne-kroí ouk e-geí-ron-tai} presents a hypothetical denial of resurrection, where holōs intensifies “not at all” and the passive egeirontai portrays resurrection as divinely effected. The second question, ti kai baptizontai hyper autōn {τί καὶ βαπτίζονται ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν | tí kaí ba-ptí-zon-tai hy-pér au-tôn}, mirrors the first structure with kai adding “also,” thereby underscoring the inconsistency of baptism on behalf of the dead if resurrection did not occur. The translation retains the Greek’s conditional and interrogative force while rendering participle and prepositional constructions in clear English. |