From Dr Christopher Shell
Sir, - When the Revd Professor Chris Cook (Comment, 19
September) writes that the term arsenokoitēs (1
Corinthians 6.9, 1 Timothy 1.10) is imprecise, he does not write as
a New Testament specialist.
First, the word is a compound of two very common, general, and
unambiguous terms ("lie with" and "male"). Second, these two terms
precisely echo the Septuagint of Leviticus 18.22, 20.13. Third,
there is not space in a short vice-list to mention obscure or
recondite vices, only general ones. Fourth, the evidence elsewhere
from Paul (Romans 1) shows that he would be likely to make such an
inclusion in one of his vice-lists. Fifth, given all of the above,
no alternative view to the obvious one has been able to command
significant assent.
As for the fact that the term is not evidenced before, Paul (not
for the only time) makes a one-word coinage because he is giving a
list of one-word terms.
CHRISTOPHER SHELL
186 Ellerdine Road
Hounslow TW3 2PX
