“Αἵτινες μωραὶ…”: Indefinite Relative Classification in Matthew 25:3

Posted on March 25, 2025 by New Testament Greek
Introduction: Those Who Were Foolish

In Matthew 25:3, part of Jesus’ parable of the Ten Virgins, the foolish group is introduced with the phrase: Αἵτινες μωραὶ, λαβοῦσαι τὰς λαμπάδας αὐτῶν, οὐκ ἔλαβον μεθ’ ἑαυτῶν ἔλαιον. “Those who were foolish, having taken their lamps, did not take oil with them.”

The use of αἵτινες instead of the regular relative αἵ gives the clause a classifying tone, functioning like “such as were foolish.” Grammatically, it creates a restrictive and descriptive clause that labels this subgroup of virgins and signals their defining characteristic: lack of preparation.

Αἵτινες μωραὶ, λαβοῦσαι τὰς λαμπάδας αὐτῶν, οὐκ ἔλαβον μεθ’ ἑαυτῶν ἔλαιον.… Learn Koine Greek
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“ἐγένετο” as Divine Narrative Marker: The Aorist Middle in John 2:1

Posted on March 24, 2025 by New Testament Greek
Introduction: The Beginning of Signs

John 2:1 begins with an event introduction: “Καὶ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ γάμος ἐγένετο”—“And on the third day there was a wedding.” The seemingly ordinary statement hinges on the verb ἐγένετο {egeneto}, an aorist middle indicative of γίγνομαι {ginomai}.

In Johannine usage, ἐγένετο regularly functions as a literary hinge, marking transitions in narrative, or the appearance of divinely arranged moments. Its middle voice and aorist tense encapsulate both temporal definiteness and narrative elevation. This article explores how this single verb subtly carries temporal, theological, and narrative weight at the outset of Jesus’ public ministry.

Καὶ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ γάμος ἐγένετο ἐν Κανὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ ἦν ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐκεῖ.… Learn Koine Greek
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Greek Grammar Lesson from John 3:16

Posted on March 16, 2025 by New Testament Greek
Οὕτω γὰρ ἠγάπησεν ὁ Θεὸς τὸν κόσμον, ὥστε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ ἔδωκεν, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν μὴ ἀπόληται ἀλλ’ ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον. (John 3:16) Focus Topic: The ἵνα-Clause and the Subjunctive Mood

This verse presents a powerful example of the use of ἵνα introducing a purpose/result clause followed by two verbs in the subjunctive mood. This structure is both grammatically elegant and theologically rich.

Explanation of the Subjunctive Mood

In Koine Greek, the subjunctive mood expresses possibility, intention, or result. It frequently follows conjunctions like ἵνα (“in order that”, “so that”). In John 3:16, the conjunction ἵνα governs two subjunctives: ἀπόληται and ἔχῃ.… Learn Koine Greek

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No One Annuls or Adds: Greek Grammar and the Inviolability of a Covenant

Posted on March 15, 2025 by New Testament Greek

In this introductory statement to a deeper argument on the Abrahamic promise, Paul appeals to a human analogy. The Greek in Galatians 3:15 — Ἀδελφοί, κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω· ὅμως ἀνθρώπου κεκυρωμένην διαθήκην οὐδεὶς ἀθετεῖ ἢ ἐπιδιατάσσεται — uses legal vocabulary, perfect participles, and third-person indicatives to argue that even human covenants, once ratified, are considered binding. Paul’s logic is grammatical as well as theological: if human agreements are permanent, how much more God’s covenant with Abraham?

The Greek Text in Focus

Ἀδελφοί, κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω· ὅμως ἀνθρώπου κεκυρωμένην διαθήκην οὐδεὶς ἀθετεῖ ἢ ἐπιδιατάσσεται (Galatians 3:15)

“Brothers, I speak according to human terms: even a human covenant, once ratified, no one nullifies or adds to.”… Learn Koine Greek

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Synonyms: Hard and Harsh: σκληρός and αὐστηρός in the Greek New Testament

Posted on March 14, 2025 by New Testament Greek

The adjectives σκληρός and αὐστηρός both describe severity or inflexibility in the Greek New Testament, but they differ in tone, nuance, and context. One expresses inner harshness or moral hardness, while the other describes outward sternness and rigidity. This article explores the lexical roots, occurrences, and theological implications of both words as used in Scripture.

Lexical Definitions and Origins σκληρός – From the root meaning “dry,” “hard,” or “tough.” It refers to physical hardness or, metaphorically, inflexible or unyielding character. It can imply harshness, cruelty, or resistance to truth. αὐστηρός – Derived from a root meaning “rough” or “harsh to the taste” (like unripe fruit or strong wine).… Learn Koine Greek
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Divine Intention and Participial Purpose in Matthew 3:13: A Greek Grammatical and Theological Analysis

Posted on March 13, 2025 by New Testament Greek
Τότε παραγίνεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰορδάνην πρὸς τὸν Ἰωάννην τοῦ βαπτισθῆναι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ. Introduction

Matthew 3:13 introduces the solemn moment when ὁ Ἰησοῦς voluntarily approaches ὁ Ἰωάννης to be baptized. The verse’s Greek structure reveals deliberate verbal sequencing and spatial-temporal framing that underscore intentionality and submission. This analysis will explore the grammatical details of the present middle deponent verb παραγίνεται, the genitive articular infinitive τοῦ βαπτισθῆναι, and the directional prepositional phrases that structure the sentence semantically and theologically.

Temporal Coordination: Τότε

– Τότε is an adverb meaning “then” or “at that time.” – It functions as a discourse marker, introducing a new narrative action temporally linked to preceding events.… Learn Koine Greek

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Synonyms: Sea and Deep: θάλασσα and πέλαγος in the Greek New Testament

Posted on March 12, 2025 by New Testament Greek

Both θάλασσα and πέλαγος are used in the Greek New Testament to describe large bodies of water. While they are often translated simply as “sea,” each word carries a distinct nuance and usage pattern. This article explores their lexical origins, New Testament usage, and theological symbolism in light of Jewish and Greco-Roman maritime thought.

Lexical Definitions and Etymology θάλασσα – The most common word for “sea” in the New Testament. It refers to large bodies of water such as oceans, lakes (e.g., the Sea of Galilee), or metaphorical seas. Rooted in everyday Koine Greek, it corresponds to both geographical and symbolic “seas.”… Learn Koine Greek
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Synonyms: Two Dimensions of Love: ἀγαπάω and φιλέω in the Greek New Testament

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Biblical Greek

Few word pairs in the Greek New Testament have received as much theological and devotional attention as ἀγαπάω and φιλέω. Both are typically translated “to love,” yet their nuances differ significantly. While these differences can sometimes overlap, especially in Koine Greek, their contextual usage in Scripture—particularly in the writings of John—suggests meaningful distinctions. This article explores the etymology, usage, and theological significance of these two key verbs.

Lexical Definitions and Etymology ἀγαπάω – Derived from ἀγάπη, this verb refers to love in a volitional, unconditional, or principled sense. It emphasizes action, commitment, and sacrificial goodwill. It is often described as the highest form of love, rooted in choice rather than emotion.… Learn Koine Greek
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Synonyms: Malice in the Heart: κακία and κακοήθεια in the Greek New Testament

Posted on March 8, 2025 by Biblical Greek

Two Greek words—κακία and κακοήθεια—provide insight into the inner world of moral corruption in the New Testament. While both relate to evil or badness, their applications are distinct. κακία denotes general moral depravity or wickedness in character. κακοήθεια, however, highlights malicious intent—particularly a disposition of evil-thinking or malevolence toward others. This article traces their usage, meaning, and theological significance within the biblical framework of sin and transformation.

Lexical Definitions and Word Origins κακία – Derived from the adjective κακός (“bad,” “evil”), this noun denotes badness, wickedness, or moral evil. It is a broad term encompassing moral corruption, harmful behavior, and general opposition to the good.… Learn Koine Greek
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Synonyms: From Cowardice to Reverence: δειλία, φόβος, and εὐλάβεια in the Greek New Testament

Posted on March 6, 2025 by New Testament Greek

Fear in the New Testament is expressed through multiple Greek terms, each with unique connotations. The words δειλία, φόβος, and εὐλάβεια represent three distinct responses to danger, authority, or the divine: cowardice, terror or dread, and reverence. Their careful usage by biblical authors reflects a deep theological understanding of the human condition before God, men, and adversity. This article explores their lexical range, usage in key New Testament texts, and how they frame a biblical theology of fear.

Lexical Definitions and Etymology δειλία – A noun from δειλός meaning “cowardly” or “timid.” It refers to fearfulness in the sense of lack of courage, a failure to act due to dread.… Learn Koine Greek
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