150 andrew w. pitts
letters. one specific construction harrison calls attention to is Paul’s use
of ὁ μὲν... ὁ δέ, but further analysis of this feature reveals similar patterns
of variation not at all outside of the range of style-shift observed in socio-
linguistics when multiple registers are involved. although the Pastorals do
not use the construction with the article, they do have several instances
without the article and still exhibit significant variation in density of the
construction within the ecclesial letters. But as turner notices, this diver-
gence must take into consideration wider similarities with Pauline con-
junction usage to produce an even assessment.94
When we assess several conjunctions we have a fair deal of linguistic
stability across register variation—the Pastorals have more in common
with the rest of Paul’s letters than does the “romans group” when it is
isolated and compared to the others.95 there is, as harrison notices, obvi-
ous variation within the density of μὲν... δέ constructions (this variation
comes in at 54.8%). μὲν... δέ was a common feature in classical greek
and a higher density could reflect attic influence.96 register designed
style-shift may utilize resources from the diachronic or temporal axis to
interpret this variation as a result of the gradual sophistication of Paul’s
language due to his travels in major greco-roman capitals and especially
time spent in rome. the use of οὖν also varies at a level of 57.3%. So at the
level of this feature, we have Paul right within the lower average range of
language variation in response to register variation.
Summary of Results
Studies in single author style-shift show an average variation rate of
50–75% in specific linguistic features in response to register variation,
according to Bell. When we assess Paul’s most significant contextual
variation—the shift from register profiles 2–4 to profile 5—we find levels
94 turner, Style, 103.
95 turner, Style, 103.
96 cf. nigel turner, A Grammar of New Testament Greek. Vol. 3: Syntax (edinburgh: t&t
clark, 1963), 331.
figure 7 conjunction usage in the Pastorals.
ἀλλά δέ γάρ οὖν μὲν... δέ
Pastoral letters 15 7 13 61 144
10 letter Pauline canon 13 7 9 35 79
