Stephen H. Levinsohn is by no means the only SIL International member deserving recognition for significant contributions to the field of biblical studies; all too frequently such work goes unrecognized, even if it is appreciated in some quarters. The goal of this volume is to see that at least in Stephen's case, his work receives the commendation that it deserves. Each of the contributors to this volume has had their ideas challenged or influenced by Levinsohn's work, and each counts it an honor to contribute to a volume honoring him. The caliber of these scholars should dispel any doubts about why we're honoring Stephen's work in this Festschrift; the list of contributors speaks for itself.
“I think it is safe to say that δέ is an adversative particle. It signals change.9 Its various functions should correlate with this basic idea. Therefore a change of participants is acceptable, but introduction of new participants is not. It may indicate a change of scene, and that may mean that new participants come onto the scene, but strictly speaking δέ does not introduce these participants. A change from event-line to background or from background to event-line is also acceptable. That it may introduce a response in general as suggested by Levinsohn10 is questionable, but it may well introduce an adversative, uncooperative, or hostile response. A co-operative, expected response would be introduced by καί or asyndeton. However, it often introduces a change of speaker.” (Page 13)
“A third alternative is to regard the Greek perfect as imperfective in aspect, as put forth by Evans and myself.33 Imperfective aspect is used to depict actions internally, as though unfolding.” (Page 151)
“An aspect that is specific to Greek is that a major participant is often referred to by a pronoun alone.” (Page 25)
“Verbal aspect should be defined as a ‘viewpoint’ feature. This means that aspect is a matter of the speaker’s (or writer’s) portrayal or point of view. It is not directly related to the actual character of the situation described. It is governed by what the speaker chooses to focus on, not by features of the objective situation.” (Page 158)
“Koine Greek is best understood as a mixed tense-aspect verbal system, grammaticalizing both in the indicative.” (Page 191)
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