'Therefore' or 'Wherefore': What's the Difference?

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Issue Date: 
2014
Is Part Of Series: 
Perspectives on Linguistics and Ancient Languages 4
Extent: 
pages 325-343
Abstract: 
The inferential connectives of New Testament Greek are best differentiated not "according to emphasis," but in terms of the unique constraint on interpretation that each conveys. Oὖν constrains what follows to be interpreted as inferential material that advances a theme line, whether the current one or an earlier one that is being resumed following intervening material (+Development). This constraint applies even to passages in which some have assigned an adversative 'sense' to οὖν. Ἄρα is marked as +Consequence, so ἄρα οὖν is +Consequence +Development. In contrast, διό constrains what follows to be interpreted as inferential material that does not advance the theme line (unmarked for development). When ὥστε introduces an independent clause or sentence, it constrains it to be interpreted as the result of what has previously been stated (+Result). When διὰ τοῦτο is used anaphorically, it constrains what follows to be related inferentially to a specific referent (+Specific). The paper concludes with suggestions as to the constraints associated with three other inferential connectives (τοιγαροῦν, τοίνυν, διόπερ).
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Published
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Is Part Of: 
Richard A. Taylor and Craig E. Morrison, eds., Reflections on Lexicography: Explorations in Ancient Syriac, Hebrew and Greek Sources. Perspectives on Linguistics and Ancient Languages 4; 1. Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA: Gorgias Press. 9781463202293
Entry Number: 
60682