An Evaluation of the Supposed Hebraism in Mark 8.12

Abstract

This article focuses on the final six words in the Greek text of Mark 8.12: εἰ δοθήσεται τῇ γενεᾷ ταύτῃ σημεῖον. This partial conditional statement is typically translated as an emphatic negative oath based on the belief that a Hebraism is in use. For example, NRSV translates this part of the verse as, “no sign will be given to this generation,” instead of formally as a straightforward conditional. The thesis of this article is that Mark 8.12 should not be translated as an emphatic negative oath because no Hebraism is in use; instead, Jesus’ words should be translated according to the figure of speech known as aposiopesis: “if a sign will be given to this generation . . .”