Concerning “Everywhere” (1Cor 1,2): Resonances of Cultic Promises?

Abstract Within the NT, the expression ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ is found only in the Pauline corpus (1Cor 1,2; 2Cor 2,14; 1Thess 1,8; 1Tim 2,8). In 1Cor 1,2, traditionally the phrase has been considered as having an adverbial sense. However, the presence of the specific adverb πανταχοῦ for conveying the same meaning in 4,17 might point to some intentionality in the use of ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ in the initial greetings and not only to preferences of style. The almost total absence of the expression ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ in extrabiblical Greek against a well-attested presence in the OT Greek as a translation of בכל־מקום, suggests that in 1Cor 1,2 the phrase is a Semitism that echoes a cultic OT usage.