In this lesson, we explore a rich and subtle moment of New Testament Greek grammar found in Εἶπε δὲ καὶ πρός τινας τοὺς πεποιθότας ἐφ’ ἑαυτοῖς ὅτι εἰσὶ δίκαιοι, καὶ ἐξουθενοῦντας τοὺς λοιποὺς, τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην· from Luke 18:9. Though the verse may seem like a simple introduction, it reveals intricate grammatical strategies that prepare the audience for a profound lesson through parable. Let us delve into how Greek syntax and tense choices create expectation and moral tension even before the parable itself is spoken.
The Greek Text in Focus
Εἶπε δὲ καὶ πρός τινας τοὺς πεποιθότας ἐφ’ ἑαυτοῖς ὅτι εἰσὶ δίκαιοι, καὶ ἐξουθενοῦντας τοὺς λοιποὺς, τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην· (Luke 18:9)
“And he also spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others.”
Grammatical Highlights
This introductory verse to the famous parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector uses some important grammatical techniques:
- Εἶπε — aorist indicative active (“he said”), signaling a completed narrative action.
- τοὺς πεποιθότας — perfect participle, accusative plural masculine (“those having trusted”).
- ἐξουθενοῦντας — present participle, accusative plural masculine (“those despising”).
- ὅτι εἰσὶ δίκαιοι — a causal clause introduced by ὅτι, with the present indicative (“that they are righteous”).
- τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην — accusative object of the verb “he said,” marking what is being said.
The Perfect and the Present: Layered Portraits
One striking feature is the shift between perfect and present participles:
- πεποιθότας — perfect participle: those who have come to a settled state of trust in themselves. The perfect tense stresses a completed action with continuing result: they are firmly self-assured.
- ἐξουθενοῦντας — present participle: those who are currently despising others. The present tense describes an ongoing, habitual action.
This grammatical contrast captures a psychological portrait: an entrenched inner attitude (trust in self) coupled with an active outward behavior (contempt for others).
The Subtlety of Causal Clauses
The phrase ὅτι εἰσὶ δίκαιοι (“that they are righteous”) explains the content of their self-trust. In Greek, ὅτι clauses often function to introduce explanations, causes, or direct discourse. Here it acts causally: they trust in themselves because they believe they are righteous.
The Syntax of Targeted Speech
Jesus’ speech is specifically aimed: πρός τινας (“toward some”). The preposition πρός with the accusative highlights directionality — not a general teaching to all, but a laser-focused message to a particular group. This precision prepares readers for a parable intended to confront and correct.
| Word | Form | Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Εἶπε | Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Singular | Main verb (narrative past) | He said |
| πεποιθότας | Perfect Participle, Accusative Plural Masculine | Describes the settled inner state | Having trusted |
| ἐξουθενοῦντας | Present Participle, Accusative Plural Masculine | Describes ongoing action | Despising |
| εἰσὶ | Present Indicative Active, 3rd Plural | States being | They are |
| παραβολὴν ταύτην | Accusative Feminine Singular | Object of speech | This parable |
The Flow of a Heart: Grammar and Storytelling
In Luke 18:9, even before the parable begins, the Greek grammar paints the audience. Perfect participles expose entrenched self-righteousness, present participles expose habitual disdain, and the causal clause explains the heart of their error. This grammatical architecture serves the narrative: before a word of the parable is spoken, the readers already feel the moral weight bearing down. Greek grammar here is not only structure; it is storytelling in motion, leading hearts toward humility even before they hear the Pharisee’s prayer.
