Μὴ νεόφυτον, ἵνα μὴ τυφωθεὶς εἰς κρίμα ἐμπέσῃ τοῦ διαβόλου. (1 Timothy 3:6)
Not a recent convert, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
Subjunctive Purpose Clause with Aorist Passive Participle
This verse, part of the qualifications for overseers, demonstrates how Greek syntax expresses caution and consequence. It features a negative command, a purpose clause, and a passive participle indicating a precondition.
Adjective Used Substantivally: νεόφυτον
νεόφυτον (“newly planted,” i.e., a recent convert) is an accusative singular adjective used substantivally. It is the object of an implied verb such as χειροτονείτω (“he must not appoint”) from the broader context.
Purpose Clause: ἵνα μὴ…ἐμπέσῃ
ἵνα introduces a purpose clause expressing why a νεόφυτος should not be appointed. The clause includes both a passive aorist participle and an aorist active subjunctive verb:
| Greek Word | Form | Function |
|---|---|---|
| τυφωθείς | Aorist passive participle, nominative masculine singular | “having become conceited” — describes a state prior to the main action |
| ἐμπέσῃ | Aorist active subjunctive, 3rd person singular | “he might fall into” — purpose clause verb |
Prepositional Phrase: εἰς κρίμα τοῦ διαβόλου
- εἰς κρίμα — “into judgment” (accusative of result)
- τοῦ διαβόλου — genitive modifier; it may mean “the judgment passed by the accuser” or “the judgment incurred by the accuser.” Scholars debate whether the phrase refers to the accuser’s condemnation or a judgment similar to his fate.
Negative Conjunctions: μὴ…μὴ
Two instances of μή frame the warning. The first prohibits appointment of a νεόφυτος. The second introduces the feared consequence: “lest having become conceited, he fall into judgment.” This double negative structure emphasizes caution and potential downfall.
Key Observations
- νεόφυτον is used metaphorically (a recent convert = “newly planted”), drawn from horticulture.
- τυφωθείς conveys the imagery of being “puffed up” — blinded by pride.
- The aorist participle shows the condition under which the action of falling would occur.
- The whole clause illustrates Paul’s concern for spiritual maturity and avoiding the pattern of the accuser’s fall (cf. Isa. 14:12–15).
Grammatical Warning Through Syntax
This verse is a model of how Greek grammar expresses moral and ecclesiastical caution. The combination of prohibitive expressions, conditional structure, and evocative participles conveys the serious spiritual risk of premature leadership — a warning written not just in theology, but embedded in syntax itself.
