Bert
Thank You for your reply!
I have studied several different arguments on this text. It is at best an interesting study.
The function of a conjunction as I understand it, is to connect two ideas in one form or another. If a conjunction is subordinating, I believe that a contrast could be in sight.Also the conjunction " gar" functions to bring previous ideas into the reason for the action.
For example:
Jill came tumbling after Jack had fallen.
In this case we see a contrast.
While the conjunction "for" (gar) points to a reason, could it not also point to a reason that would be for the purpose of contrast in a subordinating setting?
In this text, we see the previous idea of hell.
44 where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.
When the writer wrote verse 49, did he have this idea in mind?
verse 49
For everyone will be salted with fire. If everyone is salted with fire, I believe that the fire of hell could be included in this idea. I believe that this idea could be reaching back to the idea of hell fire and at the same time reaching forward to salt being good.
In The Old Testament, salt was used to purge the enemy in battle as the Israelites would pour out salt upon the land. This would cause the crops to die and the livestock to perish. I believe that is a typology of sin. This in our eyes isn't a nice thing to do but It parallels the idea of eradicating sin from the cosmos. But from a Biblical perspective the eradication of sin is good.
Salt also carried many good qualities and in Roman times was considered very valuable and was apart of their wages.
I believe that the idea of salt in this verse could carry both meanings.
Thanks again for your post.
GTM