Category Archives: Syntax

Greek syntax refers to the rules and patterns governing how words and phrases are arranged to convey meaning in Greek. It is characterized by a high degree of inflection, allowing for flexible word order while maintaining clarity through morphological markers such as case, tense, mood, and voice. Core syntactic structures include the use of nominative subjects, verb-final tendencies, and the strategic placement of particles to signal emphasis, contrast, or logical flow. Subordination is achieved through conjunctions and participial constructions, while clauses often exhibit nuanced relationships shaped by aspect and modality. The richness of Greek syntax lies in its ability to encode complex semantic and rhetorical nuances through compact and often poetically structured expressions.

The Grammar of Compassion: Voice, Place, and Affliction in Matthew 8:6

Posted on August 6, 2025 by Greek Insights
κύριε, ὁ παῖς μου βέβληται ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ παραλυτικός, δεινῶς βασανιζόμενος. (Matthew 8:6) A Cry for Help in the Syntax of Suffering

Matthew 8:6 captures the plea of the centurion on behalf of his suffering servant. The sentence is rich in emotional weight and grammatical nuance, portraying:

A perfect passive verb expressing a completed and lasting condition

Locative prepositional structure identifying the setting

A predicate adjective defining his medical condition

A present passive participle showing ongoing torment

 

Let’s explore this prayer of urgency through a detailed grammar table.

Grammatical Analysis Table Greek Phrase Form & Morphology Function Meaning κύριε Vocative singular masculine Direct address “Lord” — a respectful title showing faith and urgency ὁ παῖς μου Nominative singular + possessive pronoun Subject “my servant” — object of concern βέβληται Perfect passive indicative, 3rd person singular from βάλλω Main verb “has been thrown / lies” — permanent state of being cast down ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ Preposition + dative feminine singular Locative expression “in the house” — shows confinement παραλυτικός Predicate adjective, nominative masculine singular Describes subject “paralyzed” — condition resulting from the passive verb δεινῶς βασανιζόμενος Adverb + present passive participle from βασανίζω Descriptive modifier of subject “being terribly tormented” — ongoing suffering in vivid form Observations from the Syntax of Mercy

The verb βέβληται is in the perfect passive, indicating that the servant has been cast down and remains in that state.… Learn Koine Greek

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