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"In which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience."

Text: Ephesians 2:2

UNDERSTANDING TRANSLATIONAL PROBLEMS

The above text needs to be given some technical analysis. The effort put in to comprehend the text would be worth every effort put in.

“ACCORDING TO THE COURSE OF THIS WORLD”

This is the translation offered in the NKJV. In order to appreciate the significance of this phrase, we need to take time to analyse the construction of this sentence (in the original Greek text).

1. Translation of the phrase “according to”

The phrase “according to” translates the simple preposition “kata”. The preposition is capable of a number of applications. By itself it can mean “according to”. In this particular context, this is a good and acceptable application.

2. Translation of the phrase “the course of this world”

a) The word “course” (the word “aion” is used in the Greek text)

This may not be the most accurate translation of the word found in the Greek text. The Greek word used here is “aion” (The English word “eon” is derived from this Greek term. Eon means “a segment of time”).

b) The use of the word “aion” in other texts

It is good to note how Paul used this word “aion” in other texts.

i) In Romans 12:2 (aion is translated “world”)

The NKJV has this translation- “And do not be conformed to this world…” If we were to translate this text literally, it would read “And do not be conformed to this age”. The word “aion” is used in this text. The normal word for “world” is not in use here at all.

ii) In 2 Corinthians 4:4 (aion is translated “age”)

The NKJV has this translation- “whose minds the god of this age has blinded…” This is a correct rendition of the word “aion”. It is here rendered “age” rather than “world”. (Note how the same word is translated differently in the two texts).

If we wish to be consistent in our use of this word “aion” we would have to translate it as “age” (and not “world” as in Romans 12:2; and “course” in Ephesians 2:2. The translation found in 2 Corinthians 4:4 “age” should have been applied consistently).

PAULINE USAGE OF THE WORD “AION”

Paul used this word “aion” in at least three different ways:-

1. A reference to this present time or age Ephesians 1:21 (“in this age”)

2. A reference to another age (yet to be realized) Ephesians 1:21 (“in that which is to come”)

3. An eternal age Ephesians 3:21 (translated “forever and ever”)