Translating 1 Corinthians 12.31a as a Rhetorical Question

Abstract

Understanding ζηλοῦτε in the indicative mood, this paper proposes the following translation of 1 Cor 12.31a: “Yet, are you continuously striving for the ‘greater’ spiritual gifts?” Considering the flow of Paul’s arguments, the indicative reading of ζηλοῦτε should be preferred to the imperative reading that is predominantly found in Bible translations and scholarly discussions. Furthermore, translating this indicative ζηλοῦτε interrogatively (i.e., as Paul asking a rhetorical question)—rather than as a simple statement—can help Bible readers better recognize the rhetorical force of the passage. This paper defends this indicative-interrogative translation by challenging four common objections to the indicative reading of 1 Cor 12.31a.