This compact verse from the Pastoral Epistles combines authority and purpose into a single cohesive statement: καὶ ταῦτα παράγγελλε, ἵνα ἀνεπίληπτοι ὦσιν from 1 Timothy 5:7. Though short, the sentence features an imperative followed by a purpose clause using the subjunctive mood — a hallmark construction in didactic material. Let’s examine how grammar delivers Paul’s vision of moral integrity through commands that aim beyond instruction and into character formation.
The Greek Text in Focus
καὶ ταῦτα παράγγελλε, ἵνα ἀνεπίληπτοι ὦσιν (1 Timothy 5:7)
“And command these things, so that they may be blameless.”
Grammatical Highlights
- καὶ — coordinating conjunction; “and.”
- ταῦτα — accusative neuter plural demonstrative pronoun; “these things.”
- παράγγελλε — present imperative active, second person singular; “command!”
- ἵνα — purpose clause marker; “so that.”
- ἀνεπίληπτοι — nominative plural adjective; “blameless,” subject of the subjunctive verb.
- ὦσιν — present subjunctive active, third person plural of εἰμί; “they may be.”
Present Imperative: Ongoing Instruction
The verb παράγγελλε is a present imperative, indicating a command to be carried out not just once, but continually or habitually. Paul is urging Timothy to keep on instructing — this is part of his regular pastoral duty. The demonstrative pronoun ταῦτα refers to the preceding set of instructions (possibly regarding widows), showing that grammar anchors the flow of instruction across verses.
ἵνα Clause: Purpose and the Subjunctive
The clause ἵνα ἀνεπίληπτοι ὦσιν expresses purpose. Greek uses ἵνα + subjunctive to signal intentionality or outcome. The verb ὦσιν is the third-person plural present subjunctive of εἰμί (“to be”), and ἀνεπίληπτοι is a predicate adjective meaning “blameless,” “above reproach,” or “irreproachable.” The result of Timothy’s consistent instruction is that others — likely members of the congregation — will become or remain blameless.
The Moral Weight of Adjectival Purpose
The adjective ἀνεπίληπτοι appears frequently in pastoral contexts and is used to describe elders, deacons, and now the general behavior of believers. Its use in a purpose clause emphasizes that the goal of command is not information, but transformation. Greek grammar allows Paul to connect the act of teaching with the formation of upright character.
| Word | Form | Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| ταῦτα | Accusative Neuter Plural Demonstrative | Object of the command | These things |
| παράγγελλε | Present Imperative Active, 2nd Singular | Main verb (command) | Keep commanding |
| ἵνα | Subordinating Conjunction | Introduces purpose clause | So that |
| ἀνεπίληπτοι | Nominative Plural Adjective | Subject of ὦσιν | Blameless / above reproach |
| ὦσιν | Present Subjunctive Active, 3rd Plural | Verb of purpose clause | They may be |
When Commands Shape Character
In 1 Timothy 5:7, Greek grammar reveals that instruction is not an end in itself — it is a means to moral transformation. The imperative calls for habitual, faithful teaching. The subjunctive mood expresses hoped-for consequences. The goal? That believers be found ἀνεπίληπτοι — beyond reproach. In this single line, Greek syntax models how spiritual leadership must aim not just to inform minds, but to shape lives.
