Luke's Working Notes

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Bible Arc Logical Relationships

Coordinate Relationships

Series

Definition: Each proposition makes its own independent contribution to a whole.

Conjunctions: and, moreover, likewise, neither, nor, καί, δέ.

Example: warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom (Colossians 1:28)

Progression

Definition: Like series, but each proposition is a further step toward a climax.

Conjunctions: then, and, moreover, furthermore, καί, δέ.

Example: The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear (Mark 4:28)

Alternative

Definition: Each proposition expresses a different possibility arising from a situation.

Conjunctions: or, but, while, on the other hand, δέ, ἤ, μέν.

Example: Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another? (Matthew 11:3)

Subordinate Relationships

Support by Restatement

Action-Manner

Definition: An action and a statement indicating the way or manner that action is carried out. This relationship can also be used to indicate means.

Conjunctions: in that, by, participles.

Example: he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons (Acts 14:17)

Cf Comparison

Definition: An action and a statement that clarifies that action by showing what it is like.

Conjunctions: even as, as...so, like, just as, ὡς, καθώς.

Example: Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)

Negative-Positive

Definition: Two statements, one of which is denied so that the other is enforced. This is also the relationship implicit in contrasting statements.

Conjunctions: not…but, ἀλλά.

Example: do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:17)

Idea-Explanation

Definition: The relationship between an original statement and one clarifying its meaning. The clarifying proposition may expound on only one word of the associated arc or its entirety.

Conjunctions: that is, in other words, ὅτι, γάρ, ἵνα.

Example: Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin (Romans 4:7-8)

Question-Answer

Definition: : The statement of a question and the answer to that question.

Conjunctions: question mark.

Example: what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness (Romans 4:3)

Support by Distinct Statement

Ground

Definition: A statement and the argument or reason for that statement (supporting proposition follows)

Conjunctions: for, because, since, γάρ, ὅτι, ἐπεί, διότι.

Example: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3)

Inference

Definition: A statement and the argument or reason for that statement (supporting proposition precedes)

Conjunctions: therefore, accordingly, οὖν, διό, ὅπως.

Example: The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded (1 Peter 4:7)

Bilateral

Definition: A proposition that supports two other propositions, one preceding and one following.

Conjunctions: for, because, therefore, so, γάρ, ὅτι, οὖν, διό.

Example: For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:7-8)

Action-Result-Means

Definition: An action and a consequence or result which accompanies that action.

Conjunctions: so that, that, with the result that, ὥστε.

Example: there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves (Matthew 8:24)

Action-Purpose

Definition: An action and its intended result.

Conjunctions: in order that, so that, that, lest, ἵνα, εἰς τὸ.

Example: I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments (Colossians 2:4)

Conditional

Definition: Like Action-Result except that the existence of the action is only potential and the result is contingent upon that action.

Conjunctions: if…then, provided that, except, unless, εἰ, ἐάν, εἴτε, ἆρα.

Example: if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life (Exodus 21:23)

Temporal

Definition: A statement and the occasion when it is true or can occur.

Conjunctions: when, whenever, after, before, ὅταν, ὅτε, πρίν.

Example: And when you fast, do not look gloomy (Matthew 6:16)

Locative

Definition: A statement and the place where it is true or can occur.

Conjunctions: where, wherever, ὅπου.

Example: For where you go I will go (Ruth 1:16)

Support by Contrary Statement

Concessive

Definition: A main clause that stands despite a contrary statement.

Conjunctions: although, though, yet, nevertheless, but, however, δέ, πλήν.

Example: I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them (2 Peter 1:12)

Situation-Response

Definition: A situation and its surprising or counter-intuitive response.

Conjunctions: and.

Example: How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! (Matthew 23:37)