Another lame attempt to prop up your Augustinian dogma. Let me show you the legit and accurate exegetical treatment of these crucial passages:
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The Greek term
λαβεῖν (labein) is a fundamental verb in the New Testament and classical Greek.
The Core Meaning:
The root verb is
λαμβάνω. In its most basic sense, it means
to take,
to receive, or
to lay hold of. Unlike some verbs that imply a passive receiving (like being handed a gift),
lambanō often carries a nuance of active grasping or "taking to oneself."
Grammatical Breakdown: V-2AAN
Yes, it is absolutely appropriate to say that
λαβεῖν (labein) is used in these verses. In fact, it appears
three times across these two verses.
In the Greek text of
John 10:17–18, the word functions as a "purpose" or "complementary" infinitive, completing the thought of the "power" (
exousia) or "intent" (
hina) Jesus is describing.
Where it appears in the Greek Text:
John 10:17
- Function: Here, it follows the Greek word hina ("in order that"). It explains the purpose of laying down His life—the specific, completed act of taking it back up.
John 10:18 (First instance)
- Function: It follows exousian echo ("I have power/authority"). It defines exactly what that authority is: the authority to take the life back.
John 10:18 (Second instance)
- Note: This is the same root (lambanō), but it is not the infinitive λαβεῖν. It is elabov, the indicative form ("I received").
Why the distinction matters here
In John 10:17-18, the use of the
Aorist Infinitive (
λαβεῖν) rather than a Present Infinitive is significant.
- The Action: The Aorist indicates a singular, whole event. * The Theology: By using λαβεῖν, the text emphasizes the Resurrection as a specific, decisive act of "taking up" life again. It isn't a long, drawn-out process; it is a definitive exercise of the authority He holds.
- V (Verb): An action or state of being.
- 2A (Second Aorist): This is the "past tense" aspect in Greek, but in the infinitive, it refers to a completed, punctiliar action. It treats the action as a single whole rather than an ongoing process.
- A (Active): The subject performs the action.
- N (Infinitive): This is the "to" form of the verb (e.g., "to take").
Why the English Equivalent is "To Take" or "To Receive"
The English equivalent is typically
"to take" or
"to get," but the specific translation depends on the context of the infinitive's purpose:
1. The Aspect of "Taking" vs. "Receiving"
Because it is in the Active Voice, it implies the subject is the one initiating the action.
- Active taking: "He wanted to take the book."
A: Active (The Voice)
This is a massive theological point in John 10.
- It is Active, meaning the subject (Jesus) is the one performing the action.
- He isn't just being raised (Passive); He is taking (λαβεῖν) His life back again. It highlights His personal agency and power.
