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Greek Lessons
- The Grammar of Perception and Presence
- Opened Eyes and Stern Silence: Syntax and Tension in Matthew 9:30
- Shining Like Lightning: Syntax, Transformation, and Prayer in Luke 9:29
- The Syntax of Survival: Postdiluvian Duration in a Simple Sentence
- Confession in the Aorist: Pharaoh’s Syntax of Contrition
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Category
Author Archives: Exegesis & Hermeneutics
From Moses Forward: The Christ at the Center of the Scroll
Καὶ ἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ Μωϋσέως καὶ ἀπὸ πάντων τῶν προφητῶν διερμήνευσεν αὐτοῖς ἐν πάσαις ταῖς γραφαῖς τὰ περὶ ἑαυτοῦ. (Luke 24:27)
And beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
Exegetical AnalysisThis verse unfolds during the Emmaus road encounter, where Jesus, unrecognized by two disciples, joins them in discussion. The narrative pivots when it says: ἀρξάμενος ἀπὸ Μωϋσέως — “beginning from Moses.” The verb ἀρξάμενος is an aorist middle participle from ἄρχομαι, signaling the start of a process initiated by Jesus himself. This is not a passing reference but a deliberate act of redemptive interpretation.… Learn Koine Greek
When Minds Are Opened: The Divine Key to the Scriptures
Τότε διήνοιξεν αὐτῶν τὸν νοῦν τοῦ συνιέναι τὰς γραφάς, (Luke 24:45)
Then he opened their mind to understand the Scriptures,
Exegetical AnalysisThe sentence begins with the adverb τότε (“then”), marking a critical turning point in the narrative after the risen Jesus has appeared to the disciples. The aorist verb διήνοιξεν (from διανοίγω) means “He opened thoroughly” or “He unlocked.” It governs the direct object τὸν νοῦν (“the mind”) — specifically their mind (αὐτῶν), pointing to a shared internal transformation. The phrase τοῦ συνιέναι is an articular infinitive of purpose in the genitive, showing the aim of the opening: in order to understand.… Learn Koine Greek
Not All That Speaks Is Spirit-Breathed: Discernment in a World of Voices
Ἀγαπητοί, μὴ παντὶ πνεύματι πιστεύετε, ἀλλὰ δοκιμάζετε τὰ πνεύματα εἰ ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐστιν, ὅτι πολλοὶ ψευδοπροφῆται ἐξεληλύθασιν εἰς τὸν κόσμον. (1 John 4:1)
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
The Weight of the First ImperativeThe verse opens with the tender address Ἀγαπητοί, grounding the exhortation in affection rather than reprimand. This word, often translated as “beloved,” carries a rich connotation of covenantal love and pastoral care. It sets the tone for the warning that follows, not as a stern rebuke but as a loving safeguard.… Learn Koine Greek
Life Beyond Letters: A Spirit-Driven Ministry in 2 Corinthians 3:6
Ὃς καὶ ἱκάνωσεν ἡμᾶς διακόνους καινῆς διαθήκης, οὐ γράμματος, ἀλλὰ πνεύματος· τὸ γὰρ γράμμα ἀποκτέννει, τὸ δὲ πνεῦμα ζῳοποιεῖ. (2 Corinthians 3:6)
Who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant, not of letter but of Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Grammatical Layers of EmpowermentPaul’s sentence begins with the relative pronoun ὃς (“who”), linking directly to the preceding verse’s reference to God. The verb ἱκάνωσεν (“made us sufficient”) is an aorist active indicative, signaling a completed act of divine qualification. This verb is central to Paul’s theology of ministry: sufficiency does not come from human credentials or Torah observance but from divine empowerment.… Learn Koine Greek
Not Empty Rules but Love: The Heartbeat of Apostolic Instruction
Τὸ δὲ τέλος τῆς παραγγελίας ἐστὶν ἀγάπη ἐκ καθαρᾶς καρδίας καὶ συνειδήσεως ἀγαθῆς καὶ πίστεως ἀνυποκρίτου, (1 Timothy 1:5)
But the goal of the command is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith,
Exegetical AnalysisThe subject τὸ δὲ τέλος (“but the goal”) places emphatic focus on τέλος, a theologically rich term denoting outcome, purpose, or intended result. It stands in contrast to speculative teachings previously mentioned in the context. The genitive phrase τῆς παραγγελίας (“of the command”) modifies τέλος and refers to the apostolic instruction Timothy is entrusted with. The present tense verb ἐστὶν (“is”) serves as the linking verb, indicating a continual, enduring purpose.… Learn Koine Greek
Sharper Than Steel: The Living Word and Its Double Edge
Ζῶν γὰρ ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἐνεργὴς καὶ τομώτερος ὑπὲρ πᾶσαν μάχαιραν δίστομον καὶ διικνούμενος ἄχρι μερισμοῦ ψυχῆς τε καὶ πνεύματος, ἁρμῶν τε καὶ μυελῶν, καὶ κριτικὸς ἐνθυμήσεων καὶ ἐννοιῶν καρδίας. (Hebrews 4:12)
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than every double-edged sword, penetrating to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Exegetical AnalysisThe sentence opens with arresting asyndeton: Ζῶν γὰρ ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ — “For the word of God is living.” The adjective ζῶν (present participle of ζάω) functions here adjectivally, not verbally, emphasizing the ongoing vitality of God’s Word.… Learn Koine Greek
The Captivity of Ideas: A Warning Against False Frameworks
Βλέπετε μή τις ὑμᾶς ἔσται ὁ συλαγωγῶν διὰ τῆς φιλοσοφίας καὶ κενῆς ἀπάτης, κατὰ τὴν παράδοσιν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, κατὰ τὰ στοιχεῖα τοῦ κόσμου καὶ οὐ κατὰ Χριστόν· (Colossians 2:8)
See to it that no one will be the one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the elemental principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Guarding the Mind Against Subtle CaptorsIn Colossians 2:8, Paul issues a vigilant warning with the present imperative Βλέπετε – “Watch out,” or “Be on guard.” The command is directed to the entire community (ὑμᾶς, plural “you”) and demands continual attentiveness.… Learn Koine Greek
Written for Our Warning: Typology and the Ends of the Ages
Ταῦτα δὲ πάντα τύποι συνέβαινον ἐκείνοις, ἐγράφη δὲ πρὸς νουθεσίαν ἡμῶν, εἰς οὓς τὰ τέλη τῶν αἰώνων κατήντησεν. (1 Corinthians 10:11)
Now these things all happened to them as types, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
Exegetical AnalysisPaul, after recounting a series of Israel’s failures in the wilderness (vv.1–10), offers a theological summary in this verse. He begins with ταῦτα δὲ πάντα — “now these things all,” referencing the historical incidents just described (idolatry, immorality, grumbling). The verb συνέβαινον (imperfect indicative middle/passive of συμβαίνω) means “were happening” or “came to pass,” with a durative aspect suggesting ongoing historical unfolding.… Learn Koine Greek
The Error of the Unknowing: Scripture, Power, and the Correction of Christ
Ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· πλανᾶσθε μὴ εἰδότες τὰς γραφὰς μηδὲ τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ Θεοῦ· (Matthew 22:29)
But answering, Jesus said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
Exegetical AnalysisThe participle ἀποκριθεὶς (“answering”) introduces Jesus’ reply, functioning as a standard narrative marker in Koine Greek for verbal interaction. It links directly with εἶπεν (“he said”), providing a formal structure to the confrontation. The main assertion is contained in the second-person plural verb πλανᾶσθε (“You are mistaken”), present passive indicative, showing that the error is both active and ongoing. The verb comes from πλανάω, a term frequently used for theological and moral deception, especially self-deception.… Learn Koine Greek
Scripture as a Wellspring of Hope: Endurance, Comfort, and Canonical Purpose
Ὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη, εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν προεγράφη, ἵνα διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ τῆς παρακλήσεως τῶν γραφῶν τὴν ἐλπίδα ἔχωμεν. (Romans 15:4)
For whatever was written beforehand was written for our instruction, in order that through the endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Exegetical AnalysisPaul begins with a generalizing relative clause: ὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη — “For whatever was written beforehand.” The verb προεγράφη (aorist passive of προγράφω) occurs twice in the verse, stressing prior inscription — a deliberate record in sacred history. The repetition underscores Scripture’s enduring intentionality. These writings, though ancient, were not sealed off from the present.… Learn Koine Greek
