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Greek Lessons
- The Question of Eternal Life: Syntax of Testing and Inquiry in Luke 10:25
- The Grammar of Astonishment and Difficulty
- The Urgency of Flight: Syntax, Eschatology, and the Grammar of Mission in Matthew 10:23
- Provoking the Lord: The Peril of Presumption
- The Great Priest Over God’s House: The Foundation of Confident Access
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Category
Category Archives: Exegesis
The Breath and the Blade: Scripture’s Equipping Power
Πᾶσα γραφὴ θεόπνευστος καὶ ὠφέλιμος πρὸς διδασκαλίαν, πρὸς ἔλεγχον, πρὸς ἐπανόρθωσιν, πρὸς παιδείαν τὴν ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ, ἵνα ἄρτιος ᾖ ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἄνθρωπος, πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν ἐξηρτισμένος. (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
All Scripture is God-breathed and beneficial for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, having been fully equipped for every good work.
Exegetical AnalysisThe clause begins with πᾶσα γραφὴ, “every Scripture” or “all Scripture,” with πᾶσα modifying γραφὴ in a way that invites syntactical ambiguity. The construction could refer to each passage of Scripture individually or to the whole canon collectively.… Learn Koine Greek
When the Veil Is Lifted: Turning the Heart to the Lord
Ἀλλ’ ἕως σήμερον ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκεται Μωϋσῆς, κάλυμμα ἐπὶ τὴν καρδίαν αὐτῶν κεῖται· ἡνίκα δ’ ἂν ἐπιστρέψῃ πρὸς Κύριον, περιαιρεῖται τὸ κάλυμμα. (2 Corinthians 3:15–16)
But until today, whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed.
Exegetical AnalysisThe adversative conjunction ἀλλ’ (“but”) marks a continued contrast with the preceding verses, shifting attention from general statements about glory to the ongoing spiritual blindness of some Israelites. The temporal phrase ἕως σήμερον (“until today”) situates Paul’s statement in the present, emphasizing the enduring nature of this condition. The dependent clause ἡνίκα ἂν ἀναγινώσκεται Μωϋσῆς introduces a recurring circumstance: whenever Moses is read, that is, whenever the Torah is publicly proclaimed.… Learn Koine Greek
“Pay Close Attention”: The Grammar of Perseverance in 1 Timothy 4:16
Ἔπεχε σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ, ἐπίμενε αὐτοῖς· τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν καὶ σεαυτὸν σώσεις καὶ τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου. (1 Timothy 4:16)
Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in them. For by doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Fidelity in Doctrine and DisciplineThis exhortation from Paul to Timothy delivers a profound charge through a string of imperatives and participles. The grammatical structure unites self-discipline and sound doctrine into one saving path—both for the teacher and the hearers. Let us trace the syntax of spiritual vigilance and pedagogical persistence.
Analyzing the Syntax and Commands Greek Phrase Grammatical Role Comment ἔπεχε σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ 2nd person singular present active imperative + datives “Pay attention to yourself and to the teaching”—parallel datives indicate dual focus ἐπίμενε αὐτοῖς 2nd person singular present active imperative + dative “Persevere in them”—referring back to the two datives: lifestyle and doctrine τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν Present active participle + neuter demonstrative “For doing this”—summarizing the entire instruction καὶ σεαυτὸν σώσεις Future active indicative + reflexive pronoun “You will save yourself”—emphasizing individual accountability καὶ τοὺς ἀκούοντάς σου Articular participle + possessive pronoun “And those listening to you”—impact extends beyond self to community Key Observations Dual Dative: The structure σεαυτῷ καὶ τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ links ethics and theology, behavior and belief—suggesting both are essential for true leadership.… Learn Koine GreekStirring the Crowd: Manipulated Justice in Mark 15:11
Οἱ δὲ ἀρχιερεῖς ἀνέσεισαν τὸν ὄχλον ἵνα μᾶλλον τὸν Βαραββᾶν ἀπολύσῃ αὐτοῖς. (Mark 15:11)
Mark 15:11 delivers a moment of tragic persuasion: the chief priests successfully sway the crowd to ask for the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus. The Greek here carries the weight of incitement, preference, and power dynamics. The vocabulary is strong, and the grammar is deliberate, laying bare the corruption of both leadership and public sentiment.
Grammatical FoundationsThe sentence begins with οἱ δὲ ἀρχιερεῖς—“but the chief priests.” The subject is plural, with δέ signaling contrast with the preceding verse, where Pilate offers to release Jesus. The main verb ἀνέσεισαν (from ἀνασείω) is aorist active indicative, 3rd person plural: “they stirred up.”… Learn Koine Greek
Hearts Far, Lips Near: The Syntax of Religious Hypocrisy in Matthew 15:8
Ἐγγίζει μοι λαὸς οὗτος τῷ στόματι αὐτῶν καὶ τοῖς χείλεσίν με τιμᾷ, ἡ δὲ καρδία αὐτῶν πόρρω ἀπέχει ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ· (Matthew 15:8, cf. Isaiah 29:13 LXX)
Literary Context
Jesus speaks these words in Matthew 15:8, quoting Isaiah 29:13. It forms part of His scathing rebuke to the Pharisees and scribes over their elevation of human tradition above divine command. This citation is not merely decorative—it is strategic, anchoring His critique in prophetic authority. This verse stands as a fulcrum between religious performance and divine expectation, collapsing any superficial piety that lacks heartfelt devotion.
Thematically, this verse surfaces during a dispute about ritual purity (Matt.… Learn Koine Greek
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Better We Seem Unworthy: Subjunctives, Purpose, and Paradox in 2 Corinthians 13:7
Εὔχομαι δὲ πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν μὴ ποιῆσαι ὑμᾶς κακὸν μηδέν, οὐχ ἵνα ἡμεῖς δόκιμοι φανῶμεν, ἀλλ’ ἵνα ὑμεῖς τὸ καλὸν ποιῆτε, ἡμεῖς δὲ ὡς ἀδόκιμοι ὦμεν. (2 Corinthians 13:7)
Apostolic Prayer or Apostolic Self-Denial?
This verse captures Paul’s ethical intensity and rhetorical genius. He does not simply express a desire for the Corinthians to avoid evil; he prays for it (εὔχομαι), not for his own vindication, but for their moral excellence—even if it means appearing unapproved himself.
Grammatically, the verse hinges on final clauses introduced by ἵνα, purposefully shaping the logic of Paul’s prayer. Each verb form and clause bears the weight of ethical and theological tension.… Learn Koine Greek
Cutting the Word Straight: The Exegete Before God
Σπούδασον σεαυτὸν δόκιμον παραστῆσαι τῷ Θεῷ, ἐργάτην ἀνεπαίσχυντον, ὀρθοτομοῦντα τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker without shame, rightly handling the word of truth.
Exegetical AnalysisThe verse begins with the imperative σπούδασον, a second person aorist active imperative of σπουδάζω, meaning “make every effort” or “be zealous.” This imperative evokes an urgency and intentionality in the command. It is not casual advice but a charged directive to exert one’s full diligence. The object σεαυτὸν (“yourself”) places responsibility squarely on the reader—here, Timothy—to take personal ownership of preparation. The following infinitival clause, δόκιμον παραστῆσαι τῷ Θεῷ, reveals the purpose: to “present yourself approved to God.”… Learn Koine Greek
Prayer for Leaders and Peaceable Living: Theological Civics in 1 Timothy 2:2
Ὑπὲρ βασιλέων καὶ πάντων τῶν ἐν ὑπεροχῇ ὄντων, ἵνα ἤρεμον καὶ ἡσύχιον βίον διάγωμεν ἐν πάσῃ εὐσεβείᾳ καὶ σεμνότητι (1 Timothy 2:2)
On behalf of kings and all who are in high position, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
1 Timothy 2:2 is part of Paul’s call to intercessory prayer for all people, with particular emphasis on those in positions of political power. The goal is not political dominance, but the cultivation of a quiet, godly life. The Greek structure flows from intercession to result, highlighting the Christian vision for civic peace rooted in piety and dignity.… Learn Koine Greek
Ready to Preach: Apostolic Eagerness in Romans 1:15
Romans 1:15 concludes Paul’s opening expression of longing to visit the believers in Rome (vv. 8–15). After describing his prayers, obligations to all people, and desire to impart a spiritual gift (vv. 11–14), Paul declares his readiness to preach the gospel even in Rome — the capital of the empire. This verse serves as a hinge, transitioning from the introduction into the main theological thesis (v. 16).
Structural Analysisοὕτω τὸ κατ’ ἐμὲ πρόθυμον καὶ ὑμῖν τοῖς ἐν Ῥώμῃ εὐαγγελίσασθαι.
The sentence consists of: (1) the adverbial particle οὕτω (“thus/so”), (2) a nominal clause τὸ κατ’ ἐμὲ πρόθυμον — “my readiness” or “what is eager in me,” and (3) an infinitive of purpose εὐαγγελίσασθαι (“to preach the gospel”), with its dative object ὑμῖν τοῖς ἐν Ῥώμῃ (“to you in Rome”).… Learn Koine Greek
Zeal and Edification: Spiritual Gifts in 1 Corinthians 14:12
1 Corinthians 14:12 is part of Paul’s sustained discussion of spiritual gifts (chapters 12–14), with a special focus in chapter 14 on regulating tongues and prophecy in the gathered assembly. The Corinthian believers were enthusiastic for spiritual manifestations, especially tongues. Paul redirects that zeal toward a greater goal — the building up (οἰκοδομή) of the church. This verse functions as a corrective exhortation, blending commendation with redirection.
Structural Analysisοὕτω καὶ ὑμεῖς, ἐπεὶ ζηλωταί ἐστε πνευμάτων, πρὸς τὴν οἰκοδομὴν τῆς ἐκκλησίας ζητεῖτε ἵνα περισσεύητε.
The sentence unfolds in three parts: (1) οὕτω καὶ ὑμεῖς — “So also you” — linking the Corinthians to the prior comparison (e.g.,… Learn Koine Greek
