Ὅσοι εἰσὶν ὑπὸ ζυγὸν δοῦλοι, τοὺς ἰδίους δεσπότας πάσης τιμῆς ἀξίους ἡγείσθωσαν, ἵνα μὴ τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ ἡ διδασκαλία βλασφημῆται.
(1 Timothy 6:1)
Modern Greek Pronunciation: Ósi ísin ypó zygó̱n doúli, tous idíous despótas pásis timí̱s axíous igí̱stho̱san, ína mi to ónoma tou Theoú kai i didaskalía vlassfi̱mí̱tai.
Literal English Translation: As many as are slaves under a yoke, let them regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be blasphemed.
Koine Greek Structure
- Ὅσοι – nominative plural relative pronoun, “as many as,” subject of main verb.
- εἰσὶν – present active indicative 3rd plural of εἰμί, “are.”
- ὑπὸ ζυγὸν – preposition + accusative, “under a yoke”; metaphorical for slavery.
- δοῦλοι – nominative plural noun, “slaves.”
- τοὺς ἰδίους δεσπότας – accusative plural phrase, “their own masters,” object of ἡγείσθωσαν.
- πάσης τιμῆς – genitive singular feminine noun phrase, “of all honor,” specifying how they are to be regarded.
- ἀξίους – accusative plural adjective, “worthy.”
- ἡγείσθωσαν – present middle/passive imperative 3rd plural of ἡγέομαι, “let them regard/consider.”
- ἵνα μὴ – conjunction introducing purpose clause, “so that not.”
- τὸ ὄνομα τοῦ Θεοῦ – “the name of God.”
- καὶ ἡ διδασκαλία – “and the teaching.”
- βλασφημῆται – present passive subjunctive 3rd singular from βλασφημέω, “may be blasphemed.”
Modern Greek Version
Όσοι είναι δούλοι κάτω από ζυγό, να θεωρούν τους δικούς τους κυρίους άξιους κάθε τιμής, ώστε να μη δυσφημείται το όνομα του Θεού και η διδασκαλία.
Key Grammatical Shifts
- Ὅσοι εἰσὶν → Όσοι είναι: Structure retained almost identically.
- ὑπὸ ζυγὸν → κάτω από ζυγό: “Under” expressed differently (preposition + accusative, more explicit).
- ἡγείσθωσαν → να θεωρούν: Middle imperative becomes subjunctive introduced by να (“let them consider”).
- ἵνα μὴ → ώστε να μη: Purpose clause simplified and slightly reworded.
- βλασφημῆται → δυσφημείται: Lexical update (modern preference for δυσφημώ over βλασφημέω for “slander” or “defame”).
Comparison Table
| Feature | Koine Greek | Modern Greek | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relative Pronoun Usage | Ὅσοι εἰσὶν | Όσοι είναι | Very stable structure preserved |
| Imperative to Subjunctive | ἡγείσθωσαν | να θεωρούν | Command structure modernized with να + subjunctive |
| Purpose Clause | ἵνα μὴ | ώστε να μη | Functional equivalent using ώστε |
| Verb for “Blaspheme” | βλασφημῆται | δυσφημείται | Modern vocabulary adaptation; softening of register |
From Reverence to Clarity
In this verse, we witness how Koine Greek elegantly weaves participles, imperatives, and purpose clauses to urge respectful behavior. Modern Greek untangles these sophisticated structures into clear imperative-subjunctive patterns that ordinary speakers immediately recognize. While style evolves, the call to honor — and the danger of bringing shame to divine teachings — still rings powerfully through the language.
