In this striking verse, Paul describes both opportunity and opposition in one breath: θύρα γάρ μοι ἀνέῳγε μεγάλη καὶ ἐνεργής, καὶ ἀντικείμενοι πολλοί from 1 Corinthians 16:9. Greek grammar reinforces the tension: a perfect verb reveals divine initiative, while asyndeton and adjective-noun constructions convey magnitude and power. Paul sees not a contradiction but a conjunction — one only possible in the grammatical logic of faith.
The Greek Text in Focus
θύρα γάρ μοι ἀνέῳγε μεγάλη καὶ ἐνεργής, καὶ ἀντικείμενοι πολλοί (1 Corinthians 16:9)
“For a great and effective door has been opened to me, and there are many who oppose.”
Grammatical Highlights
- θύρα — nominative feminine singular; subject of the main verb, metaphorical for opportunity.
- γάρ — postpositive conjunction; introduces explanation or reason.
- μοι — dative singular pronoun; indirect object, “for me.”
- ἀνέῳγε — perfect indicative passive, third singular; “has been opened.”
- μεγάλη καὶ ἐνεργής — two predicate adjectives describing θύρα: “great and effective.”
- ἀντικείμενοι — present middle/passive participle, nominative masculine plural; “those who oppose.”
- πολλοί — nominative masculine plural adjective; modifies ἀντικείμενοι.
Perfect Passive: Divine Opening with Enduring Effect
The verb ἀνέῳγε (from ἀνοίγω) is perfect passive: “has been opened.” The perfect tense implies completed action with continuing result — the door was opened in the past (by God), and it remains open. The passive voice further emphasizes that Paul did not open this door himself. In Greek theology, passive verbs often imply divine agency.
Attributive Adjectives: Shaping the Door
The adjectives μεγάλη (“great”) and ἐνεργής (“effective,” “powerful in operation”) are both in the nominative feminine singular and modify θύρα. These two terms work together to describe not just an opportunity but a spiritually potent one. The grammar emphasizes the significance of the opening — its scale (μεγάλη) and its fruitfulness (ἐνεργής).
Asyndeton and Tension: καὶ ἀντικείμενοι πολλοί
The phrase καὶ ἀντικείμενοι πολλοί stands without a verb, an example of asyndeton (lack of a connecting conjunction or finite verb), creating tension and urgency. The participle ἀντικείμενοι (“opposing”) is active in sense though middle/passive in form, and is modified by πολλοί (“many”). The grammar presents opposition as a fact — not to overshadow the opportunity, but to accompany it.
| Word / Phrase | Form | Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| θύρα | Nominative Feminine Singular | Subject of the verb | Door / opportunity |
| ἀνέῳγε | Perfect Indicative Passive, 3rd Singular | Main verb | Has been opened |
| μεγάλη καὶ ἐνεργής | Predicate Adjectives | Describe the door | Great and effective |
| μοι | Dative Pronoun, 1st Singular | Indirect object | To me |
| ἀντικείμενοι πολλοί | Participle + Adjective, Nom. Pl. | Stative description | Many opponents |
Grammar at the Crossroads
In 1 Corinthians 16:9, Paul’s Greek communicates paradox with precision: divine opportunity is not hindered by opposition — it often attracts it. The perfect passive signals a door opened by God that remains open. The adjectives define its scope and power. The participle reminds us that resistance does not cancel calling. Greek grammar here holds a theological tension: open doors do not come without adversaries, but that very friction may affirm their spiritual authenticity.
