New Testament Greek

2 Corinthians 4:1 and the Greek of Mercy and Ministry

Posted on April 1, 2025 by Classical Greek

Διὰ τοῦτο, ἔχοντες τὴν διακονίαν ταύτην καθὼς ἠλεήθημεν, οὐκ ἐκκακοῦμεν, (2 Corinthians 4:1)

Therefore, having this ministry, just as we received mercy, we do not lose heart.

Causal Link and Logical Flow Διὰ τοῦτο – “Therefore.” A common logical connector in both Classical and Koine Greek, introducing a conclusion based on prior theological exposition. Paul refers to the glorious new covenant ministry described in 2 Corinthians 3. The phrase functions rhetorically like a thesis summary in philosophical discourse. Possessing Ministry as Mercy

ἔχοντες τὴν διακονίαν ταύτην – Present active participle of ἔχω (“having”) plus the direct object τὴν διακονίαν ταύτην (“this ministry”).… Learn Koine Greek

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You Call Me Teacher and Lord: Identity Affirmed in John 13:13

Posted on March 31, 2025 by New Testament Greek

The Verse in Focus (John 13:13)

ὑμεῖς φωνεῖτέ με, ὁ διδάσκαλος καὶ ὁ κύριος, καὶ καλῶς λέγετε· εἰμὶ γάρ

ὑμεῖς φωνεῖτέ με: Personal Address and Present Action

The subject ὑμεῖς (“you”) is emphatic, addressing the disciples directly. The verb φωνεῖτέ is the present active indicative, second person plural of φωνέω, meaning “you call,” “you address,” or even “you hail.”

– με is the accusative singular pronoun (“me”), the object of their address.

The present tense indicates that this is their ongoing or customary way of speaking to Jesus — a reflection of their habitual respect.

ὁ διδάσκαλος καὶ ὁ κύριος: Titles of Respect

These two titles — ὁ διδάσκαλος (“the Teacher”) and ὁ κύριος (“the Lord”) — are both articular nominatives functioning as predicate nominatives of the quoted speech.… Learn Koine Greek

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A Life According to the Strictest Sect: Identity in Acts 26:5

Posted on March 31, 2025 by New Testament Greek

Acts 26:5

προγινώσκοντές με ἄνωθεν, ἐὰν θέλωσι μαρτυρεῖν, ὅτι κατὰ τὴν ἀκριβεστάτην αἵρεσιν τῆς ἡμετέρας θρησκείας ἔζησα Φαρισαῖος

προγινώσκοντές με ἄνωθεν: A Known Life

The participle προγινώσκοντές is the present active participle of προγινώσκω, meaning “to know beforehand” or “to know previously.” It is nominative masculine plural, agreeing with the implied subject “they.” The present tense emphasizes ongoing familiarity from the past to the present.

– με — accusative singular pronoun, “me,” the object of the participle. – ἄνωθεν — an adverb meaning “from the beginning” or “from long ago.”

Together, this phrase communicates: “having known me from the beginning.” Paul appeals to the long-standing knowledge others have of his religious life and identity.… Learn Koine Greek

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First of All: The Grammar of Intercession in 1 Timothy 2:1

Posted on March 31, 2025 by New Testament Greek

1 Timothy 2:1 Παρακαλῶ οὖν πρῶτον πάντων ποιεῖσθαι δεήσεις, προσευχάς, ἐντεύξεις, εὐχαριστίας, ὑπὲρ πάντων ἀνθρώπων Παρακαλῶ οὖν: A Pastoral Urging

The verb Παρακαλῶ is the present active indicative of παρακαλέω, meaning “I exhort,” “I urge,” or “I appeal.” The present tense emphasizes ongoing exhortation — Paul is not giving a one-time command but calling for a continuing practice.

The conjunction οὖν (“therefore” or “then”) links this exhortation to the preceding passage, likely referring to Paul’s charge concerning sound doctrine and gospel-centered ministry in chapter 1. The grammar signals that what follows is foundational.

πρῶτον πάντων: Before All Else

The phrase πρῶτον πάντων literally means “first of all.”… Learn Koine Greek

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2 Thessalonians 1:11 and the Greek of Intercession and Fulfillment

Posted on March 30, 2025 by Classical Greek

Εἰς ὃ καὶ προσευχόμεθα πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν, ἵνα ὑμᾶς ἀξιώσῃ τῆς κλήσεως ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν καὶ πληρώσῃ πᾶσαν εὐδοκίαν ἀγαθωσύνης καὶ ἔργον πίστεως ἐν δυνάμει, (2 Thessalonians 1:11)

To this end we also pray always concerning you, that our God may count you worthy of the calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith in power,

Purpose and Perpetual Prayer εἰς ὃ… προσευχόμεθα πάντοτε The phrase εἰς ὃ (“unto which”) refers to the hope and glory mentioned in the previous verse. The present middle verb προσευχόμεθα (“we pray”) with πάντοτε (“always”) expresses continuous, habitual intercession. In Classical and Koine usage alike, προσεύχομαι marks formal prayer language, often with a deep tone of reverence and urgency.… Learn Koine Greek

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The Grammar of Humility: Jesus’ Arrival in Matthew 3:13

Posted on March 30, 2025 by New Testament Greek

Τότε παραγίνεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἀπὸ τῆς Γαλιλαίας ἐπὶ τὸν Ἰορδάνην πρὸς τὸν Ἰωάννην τοῦ βαπτισθῆναι ὑπ’ αὐτοῦ

Matthew’s language is quiet but deliberate. Jesus doesn’t declare, explain, or teach here—he simply comes. The grammar, though, speaks volumes. Every verb, preposition, and infinitive pulls the reader toward something deeply intentional: submission, purpose, and movement into God’s unfolding plan.

Grammatical Foundations

The verb παραγίνεται is in the present tense, though the context is clearly past. This is the historical present—a storytelling technique that draws the reader in. Jesus comes from Galilee, not “came,” making the action vivid, almost cinematic. It makes the reader pause and watch him arrive.… Learn Koine Greek

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Comparing Classical Greek and Koine Greek

Posted on March 29, 2025 by Classical Greek

Classical Greek and Koine Greek represent two major historical stages of the Greek language. Classical Greek, particularly the Attic dialect, was the literary and intellectual language of 5th–4th centuries BC Athens. Koine Greek, which emerged after the conquests of Alexander the Great, became the common spoken and written language across the Hellenistic world. This article explores the linguistic shifts between these stages in grammar, vocabulary, syntax, pronunciation, and usage.

1. Historical and Social Context

Classical Greek refers to the dialects used in the Classical period (roughly 500–300 BC), with Attic Greek being the most prestigious. It was the language of Plato, Sophocles, Thucydides, and other major figures in philosophy, literature, and politics.… Learn Koine Greek

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Hebrews 3:6 and the Greek of Sonship and Confidence

Posted on March 29, 2025 by Classical Greek

Χριστὸς δὲ ὡς υἱὸς ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ, οὗ οἶκός ἐσμεν ἡμεῖς, ἐὰνπερ τὴν παρρησίαν καὶ τὸ καύχημα τῆς ἐλπίδος μέχρι τέλους βεβαίαν κατάσχωμεν. (Hebrews 3:6)

But Christ, as a Son over his house, whose house we are, if indeed we hold fast the confidence and the boast of hope firm to the end.

The Role of the Son and the People of the House Χριστὸς δὲ ὡς υἱὸς ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ The phrase sets a contrast with Moses (v. 5), who was a servant “in” the house. Christ is a υἱός (“son”) ἐπὶ (“over”) his own house—indicating authority, not subordination.… Learn Koine Greek

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“μνείαν σου ποιούμενος ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν μου”: Participial Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Philemon 4

Posted on March 29, 2025 by New Testament Greek

Paul opens his letter to Philemon with this tender line:

Εὐχαριστῶ τῷ Θεῷ μου πάντοτε μνείαν σου ποιούμενος ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν μου. (Philemon 4)

“I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers.”

Gratitude in the Form of Prayer

The participial phrase μνείαν σου ποιούμενος explains how and when Paul expresses his thanksgiving. The present tense of both the main verb and the participle expresses continual action, and the grammar reveals Paul’s relational depth and spiritual consistency.

This verse combines:

A present indicative verb of gratitude (Εὐχαριστῶ) A present middle participle (ποιούμενος) explaining the manner or circumstance of that thanksgiving A genitive object (μνείαν σου) — “remembrance of you” A prepositional phrase indicating location/context (ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν μου) Morphological Breakdown Εὐχαριστῶ {efcharistṓ} – Root: εὐχαριστέω {eucharistéō}; Form: present active indicative, 1st person singular; Meaning: “I give thanks”; Notes: Regular epistolary opening for Paul; expresses ongoing gratitude.… Learn Koine Greek

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Greek Grammar Lesson from Luke 2:15

Posted on March 28, 2025 by New Testament Greek

Καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ἀπῆλθον ἀπ’ αὐτῶν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν οἱ ἄγγελοι, καὶ οἱ ἄνθρωποι οἱ ποιμένες εἶπον πρὸς ἀλλήλους· διέλθωμεν δὴ ἕως Βηθλέεμ καὶ ἴδωμεν τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο τὸ γεγονὸς ὃ ὁ Κύριος ἐγνώρισεν ἡμῖν. (Luke 2:15)

And it came to pass, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the men—the shepherds—said to one another, “Let us go then to Bethlehem and let us see this word that has come to pass, which the LORD has made known to us.”

Focus Topic: Temporal Clause with ὡς and Hortatory Subjunctives

This narrative verse shows a shift from heavenly action to human response, structured through a temporal clause and two first-person plural subjunctives.… Learn Koine Greek

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2 Corinthians 4:1 and the Greek of Mercy and Ministry

You Call Me Teacher and Lord: Identity Affirmed in John 13:13

A Life According to the Strictest Sect: Identity in Acts 26:5

First of All: The Grammar of Intercession in 1 Timothy 2:1

2 Thessalonians 1:11 and the Greek of Intercession and Fulfillment

The Grammar of Humility: Jesus’ Arrival in Matthew 3:13

Comparing Classical Greek and Koine Greek

Hebrews 3:6 and the Greek of Sonship and Confidence

“μνείαν σου ποιούμενος ἐπὶ τῶν προσευχῶν μου”: Participial Thanksgiving and Remembrance in Philemon 4

Greek Grammar Lesson from Luke 2:15

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