Granville Sharp rule

The definite article "tou" (the) before Son and Holy Ghost indicates that they are all different things or persons. The grammatical rule in Greek for determining whether a single thing or person is meant, or different things or persons is meant, when "and" appears, is called the Granville Sharp rule. The basic rule is as follows:

"If two nouns of the same case are connected by a "kai" (and) and the article (the) is used with both nouns, they refer to different persons or things. If only the first noun has the article, the second noun refers to the same person or thing referred to in the first." {Curtis Vaughn, and Virtus Gideon, A Greek Grammar of the New Testament" (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1979), p. 83.}

There is one exception to Granville Sharp's rule:

"Except distinct and different actions are intended to be attributed to one and the same person; in which case, if the sentence is not expressed agreeable to the three first rules, but appears as an exception to this sixth rule...the context must explain or point out plainly the person to whom the two nouns relate."

The exception is basically what the context actually names a single individual to whom the other nouns are attributed. The best example of this exception is Thomas' exclamation to Jesus, "My Lord and My God." (the Lord of me and the God of me). But, it is clearly stated in the context that Thomas is referring to Jesus. Matthew 28:19 does NOT qualify for the exception, since no one else is named in the context to whom the titles "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost" point directly too.

 

Granville Sharp's rule is stated as follows: "When two nouns are in the same case, connected by kai (and), and the first noun is preceded by the definite article (THE) while the second noun is not preceded by the article, the second noun refers to the same person or thing to which the first noun has reference and is a further description of it."

THE MYSTERY OF THE FATHER
Chapter 14
Whispers of the Mysteries
by Ray and Doris Prinzing

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