ἐν ἁγνότητι, ἐν γνώσει, ἐν μακροθυμίᾳ, ἐν χρηστότητι, ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ, ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀνυποκρίτῳ,
In the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, we encounter a letter brimming with pastoral urgency, theological depth, and rhetorical flair. In 2 Corinthians 6:6, Paul catalogs a series of virtues that define the character of genuine ministry. This list—six prepositional phrases beginning with ἐν—forms a rhythmic and spiritual crescendo that culminates in the final phrase: ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀνυποκρίτῳ, “in unfeigned love.”
While each term individually resonates with ethical and theological richness, it is the repetition of the preposition ἐν (“in”) that shapes the grammatical and conceptual architecture of this verse. Our focus will be on how this recurring preposition functions not merely as a marker of location or means, but as a conduit for divine virtue—a linguistic vessel carrying the weight of sanctified living.
Morphological Breakdown of Key Terms
| Word | Root | Form | Literal Translation | Grammatical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ἐν | ἐν | Preposition | “In” | Used six times consecutively with dative nouns |
| ἁγνότητι | ἁγνότης | Noun, feminine singular, dative | “Purity” | From ἅγνος (“pure”) |
| γνώσει | γνῶσις | Noun, feminine singular, dative | “Knowledge” | Emphasizes experiential knowledge |
| μακροθυμίᾳ | μακροθυμία | Noun, feminine singular, dative | “Patience”, “Long-suffering” | Compound from μακρός + θυμός |
| χρηστότητι | χρηστότης | Noun, feminine singular, dative | “Kindness”, “Gentleness” | From χρηστός (“kind”) |
| πνεύματι | πνεῦμα | Noun, neuter singular, dative | “Spirit” | Contextually refers to the Holy Spirit |
| ἀγάπῃ | ἀγάπη | Noun, feminine singular, dative | “Love” | Spiritual, self-giving love |
| ἀνυποκρίτῳ | ἀνυπόκριτος | Adjective, feminine singular, dative | “Unfeigned”, “Sincere” | Negative compound from ὑπό + κρίνω |
The Preposition That Shapes Virtue: ἐν Repeated
The repetition of ἐν throughout this verse is not accidental—it is structural, rhythmic, and deeply intentional. Each use of ἐν introduces a domain, a sphere, or a medium through which authentic Christian character is expressed and empowered.
- ἐν ἁγνότητι – Purity is not just moral cleanliness but a sacred space where God dwells.
- ἐν γνώσει – Knowledge here is not abstract intellect but intimate, relational knowing.
- ἐν μακροθυμίᾳ – Patience is not passive endurance but active waiting in trust.
- ἐν χρηστότητι – Kindness flows from Christlike gentleness toward others.
- ἐν πνεύματι ἁγίῳ – The Holy Spirit is both the agent and the environment of transformation.
- ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀνυποκρίτῳ – Sincere love is the culmination, the crown of all these virtues.
Each ἐν clause functions like a musical note in a chord—when played together, they produce harmony greater than the sum of their parts. The effect is cumulative and immersive: the reader is enveloped in a world where character is not merely practiced but inhabited.
The Dative Case: A Grammar of Participation
All the nouns following ἐν are in the dative case, which in Koine Greek often indicates the sphere, instrument, or means by which something is done. Here, the dative emphasizes participation—living within the realities of purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, and sincere love.
This participatory grammar reflects a profound theological truth: Christian virtue is not self-generated but Spirit-enabled. These are not mere behaviors to perform; they are realms to dwell in, gifts to receive, and powers to embody. The dative invites believers not only to do righteousness but to live within it—to be shaped by it, moved through it, and ultimately transformed by it.
Final Section: The Sphere of Unfeigned Love
The list reaches its climax with ἐν ἀγάπῃ ἀνυποκρίτῳ—“in unfeigned love.” Here, the rhythm of the sentence slows slightly. The final phrase lingers, echoing with theological resonance. While all the previous terms describe virtues, this one transcends them—it becomes the atmosphere in which all others exist.
Ἀγάπη is not romantic or conditional love—it is self-giving, sacrificial, and rooted in the very nature of God. And when Paul adds ἀνυποκρίτῳ (“unfeigned”), he removes any pretense or performance. This love is real, raw, and unmasked.
So we see that the repeated ἐν is more than a grammatical device—it is a theological map. It charts the spiritual topography of a life lived in Christ: purity as sanctuary, knowledge as intimacy, patience as faith, kindness as grace, the Spirit as presence, and love as the air we breathe.
In the end, the most powerful word in this verse may not be any of the virtues—but the little preposition that binds them all: ἐν. For in that single syllable, we find our dwelling place, our identity, and our calling—in Christ, and in His unfeigned love.
