Ἀναγκαῖον δὲ ἡγησάμην Ἐπαφρόδιτον τὸν ἀδελφὸν καὶ συνεργὸν καὶ συστρατιώτην μου, ὑμῶν δὲ ἀπόστολον καὶ λειτουργὸν τῆς χρείας μου, πέμψαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς, (Philippians 2:25)
But I considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus to you—my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need.
Double Accusative with Infinitive of Intent
This verse provides a rich example of Greek syntax involving a double accusative construction with a complementary infinitive, along with appositional phrases and possessive genitives. The grammar reflects Paul’s personal affection and theological appreciation for Epaphroditus.
Main Verb: ἡγησάμην
ἡγησάμην is aorist middle indicative, 1st person singular, from ἡγέομαι (“I consider, I regard”). It governs a double accusative construction, with both the person considered (Epaphroditus) and the action determined (πέμψαι).
Double Accusative Construction
In Greek, verbs of mental activity (like ἡγέομαι) can take two accusatives: the person or object considered, and the predicate or complementary idea. Here, Paul considers Ἐπαφρόδιτον (accusative) + πέμψαι (infinitive: “to send”) — “I have considered it necessary to send Epaphroditus.”
Apposition and Titles
The accusative noun Ἐπαφρόδιτον is expanded through apposition with six descriptors in three pairs:
| Greek Phrase | Role/Meaning | Genitive Modifier |
|---|---|---|
| τὸν ἀδελφόν | “brother” | implied: of Paul |
| συνεργὸν | “fellow worker” | μου (“my”) |
| συστρατιώτην | “fellow soldier” | μου (“my”) |
| ἀπόστολον | “messenger” | ὑμῶν (“your”) |
| λειτουργὸν | “servant” or “minister” | τῆς χρείας μου (“of my need”) |
Complementary Infinitive: πέμψαι
πέμψαι is the aorist active infinitive of πέμπω (“to send”), used here as a complementary infinitive with ἡγησάμην. It completes the meaning: “I considered it necessary to send…”
Prepositional Phrase: πρὸς ὑμᾶς
The phrase πρὸς ὑμᾶς (“to you”) shows the direction of the action and indicates the Philippian recipients of Epaphroditus’ return.
Key Observations
- Ἐπαφρόδιτον is identified with both personal affection and ministerial function.
- The use of six titles (three from Paul’s perspective, three from the Philippians’) reinforces Epaphroditus’ trusted role.
- The grammatical structure elegantly intertwines theology, friendship, and practical church mission.
Syntactical Unity of Ministry and Affection
The grammatical design of this sentence highlights how Paul viewed ministry: relational, sacrificial, and communal. The careful use of apposition, possessive genitives, and the complementary infinitive shows that Epaphroditus was not merely a courier but a brother, coworker, soldier, and priest-like servant. The syntax itself reinforces the nobility and necessity of gospel partnership.
