Abstract
The phrase ten archen in Jn 8:25 is unique in the NT and has caused much debate in interpretation, because in Gr. lit. it usually occurs as (a) [from] the beginning and (b) idiomatically begin with, at all. The unique reading eipon umin Papyrus Bodmer II (P 66 ) gives the sense: told you the beginning. However, this reading is probably not original, so the pursuit must continue. An investigation into c. 5.000 occurrences in Greek lit. of all times indicates that here we have a temporal use of the idiomatic adverbial accusative ten archen = from the beginning. Taking into account the conjunction kai as well as the position of the expression, Jn 8:25 should be translated: - Who are you? - [I am] From the beginning! - precisely what I have been saying (speaking) to you.
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