Category Archives: Grammar

Ὅτι αἱ μὲν ἐπιστολαὶ, φησί, βαρεῖαι καὶ ἰσχυραί, ἡ δὲ παρουσία τοῦ σώματος ἀσθενὴς καὶ ὁ λόγος ἐξουθενημένος. (2 Corinthians 10:10)

For “his letters,” they say, “are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is of no account.”

ὅτι…φησί: Introducing Reported Accusation

The verse begins with the subordinating conjunction ὅτι, introducing reported speech or a causal clause. The verb φησί (“he says” or “they say”) is present active indicative, third person singular, used impersonally or parenthetically in Koine Greek to introduce commonly held opinion or quotation. The usage here introduces a critical report or claim about Paul’s character — likely quoting his opponents.… Learn Koine Greek

Δέομαι δὲ τὸ μὴ παρὼν θαρρῆσαι τῇ πεποιθήσει ᾗ λογίζομαι τολμῆσαι ἐπί τινας τοὺς λογιζομένους ἡμᾶς ὡς κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦντας. (2 Corinthians 10:2)

And I beg that, when not present, I may not have to be bold with the confidence with which I consider daring toward some who think of us as walking according to the flesh.

Δέομαι δὲ…: From Appeal to Anticipation

The verb δέομαι (“I beg, entreat”) is present middle/passive indicative, first person singular. It carries a tone of supplication rather than instruction. This is not Paul commanding the Corinthians, but pleading with them — an appeal that reveals his emotional investment.… Learn Koine Greek

Αὐτὸς δὲ ἐγὼ Παῦλος παρακαλῶ ὑμᾶς διὰ τῆς πραότητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὃς κατὰ πρόσωπον μὲν ταπεινὸς ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀπὼν δὲ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς· (2 Corinthians 10:1)

Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the gentleness and clemency of Christ — who in person is humble among you, but being absent am bold toward you,

Αὐτὸς δὲ ἐγὼ Παῦλος: A Stacked Emphasis

The phrase Αὐτὸς δὲ ἐγὼ Παῦλος layers three elements of personal identity: αὐτὸς (“I myself”), ἐγὼ (explicit personal pronoun), and Παῦλος (proper name). All are in the nominative singular, and together they create a tone of personal gravity and pastoral urgency.… Learn Koine Greek