Greek Grammar Lesson from Matthew 5:12

Posted on January 5, 2025 by New Testament Greek
Matthew 5:12

χαίρετε καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε, ὅτι ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολὺς ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς· οὕτω γὰρ ἐδίωξαν τοὺς προφήτας τοὺς πρὸ ὑμῶν.

Focus Topic: Imperatives and the Aorist Indicative in Historical Reference

This verse is a rich example of Greek mood usage: imperatives for exhortation and the aorist indicative for historical allusion. Both aspects function together to strengthen the encouragement in the Sermon on the Mount.

Imperatives of Joy: χαίρετε and ἀγαλλιᾶσθε

The verse opens with two present imperatives:

Greek Word Mood Tense Meaning χαίρετε Imperative Present Rejoice! ἀγαλλιᾶσθε Imperative Present Exult!

The present tense of both verbs emphasizes ongoing action — a continuous attitude of joy and exultation, not just a one-time response.… Learn Koine Greek

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Introduction to the Synonyms: ἐκκλησία, συναγωγή, πανήγυρις

Posted on January 4, 2025 by New Testament Greek

In the Greek New Testament, the words ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia), συναγωγή (synagōgē), and πανήγυρις (panēgyris) appear with overlapping connotations of gathering, assembly, and community. However, they diverge significantly in origin, usage, and theological weight. This article explores their meanings, usage, and nuances in the New Testament, their Septuagintal background, and how early Christian identity was shaped through the adoption or avoidance of these terms.

Lexical Definitions and Etymology ἐκκλησία – Derived from the verb ἐκκαλέω, “to call out,” originally referring to a summoned political assembly in Greek city-states. In the New Testament, it evolves into the primary term for the Christian church, both local and universal.… Learn Koine Greek
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Greek Grammar Lesson from 1 John 1:3

Posted on January 3, 2025 by New Testament Greek
1 John 1:3

ὃ ἑωράκαμεν καὶ ἀκηκόαμεν, ἀπαγγέλλομεν ὑμῖν, ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς κοινωνίαν ἔχητε μεθ’ ἡμῶν· καὶ ἡ κοινωνία δὲ ἡ ἡμετέρα μετὰ τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ μετὰ τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.

Focus Topic: Perfect Tense and Subjunctive in Purpose Clauses

This verse offers a brilliant mix of perfect indicative verbs, present indicative, and a purpose clause introduced by ἵνα followed by a present subjunctive. It blends eyewitness testimony with theological intent, structured through careful grammatical choices.

The Perfect Tense: ἑωράκαμεν and ἀκηκόαμεν

These two verbs are both in the perfect active indicative, 1st person plural. The perfect tense in Greek describes a completed action with continuing results:

Greek Word Tense Voice Meaning ἑωράκαμεν Perfect Active We have seen (and still see the result) ἀκηκόαμεν Perfect Active We have heard (and it continues to shape us)

The author is emphasizing not just past experiences, but the enduring witness of what they have seen and heard — a theological strategy to ground their proclamation (ἀπαγγέλλομεν).… Learn Koine Greek

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“γενόμενοι τοῦ λόγου”: Aorist Middle Participle with Genitive in Luke 1:2

Posted on January 2, 2025 by New Testament Greek
Introduction: Eye-Witnesses and the Ministry of the Word

In Luke 1:2, the evangelist continues his polished prologue by identifying the sources of the Gospel tradition: those who were both eyewitnesses and ministers of the word. Central to this identification is the phrase ὑπηρέται γενόμενοι τοῦ λόγου, which includes the aorist middle participle γενόμενοι {genomenoi} (“having become”) modifying οἱ αὐτόπται.

This phrase is key: it shows that those who passed on the tradition weren’t just observers—they became servants of the message. This participial construction indicates both transition and commitment. This lesson explores the morphology, syntax, semantics, and theological implications of this aorist participle and its genitive complement.… Learn Koine Greek

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The Literary Ambition of ἀνατάξασθαι: Aorist Middle Infinitive in Luke 1:1

Posted on January 1, 2025 by New Testament Greek
Introduction: Historiography and the Greek Infinitive

The Gospel of Luke opens not with theology or miracle, but with a polished historiographical prologue. The evangelist uses elevated Greek to establish credibility and intent. Central to this literary self-positioning is the verb ἀνατάξασθαι {anatáxasthai}, an aorist middle infinitive meaning “to compile” or “to set in order.”

This infinitive isn’t just grammatical—it’s philosophical. It expresses authorial intent, independence, and scope. Luke signals that he is entering a field already worked by “many,” but his use of this rare verb sets him apart. In this article, we examine the form, force, and function of ἀνατάξασθαι in Luke 1:1.… Learn Koine Greek

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“ἐσπαργάνωσεν”: The Aorist Active Verb of Swaddling and Symbol in Luke 2:7

Posted on December 26, 2024 by New Testament Greek
Introduction: The Hands that Wrapped the Word

In Luke 2:7, immediately following the birth of Yeshuʿ, we are told: καὶ ἐσπαργάνωσεν αὐτόν — “and she swaddled him.”

This act, grammatically represented by the aorist active indicative verb ἐσπαργάνωσεν {esparganōsen}, is simple and maternal—but deeply evocative. It links Jesus to common humanity, while hinting forward to the wrapping of his body in burial. The verb is rare, pictorial, and powerful.

Καὶ ἔτεκε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν πρωτότοκον, καὶ ἐσπαργάνωσεν αὐτὸν, καὶ ἀνέκλινεν αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ φάτνῃ, διότι οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς τόπος ἐν τῷ καταλύματι.

Let us focus on the vivid and tender verb ἐσπαργάνωσεν in Luke 2:7—a verb that occurs only here in the New Testament.… Learn Koine Greek

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“τὸν πρωτότοκον”: Substantival-Adjectival Function and Theological Weight in Luke 2:7

Posted on December 25, 2024 by New Testament Greek
Introduction: Firstborn in Form and Fulfillment

In Luke 2:7, we read the terse, solemn line: Καὶ ἔτεκε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν πρωτότοκον — “And she gave birth to her son, the firstborn.”

The participial-adjectival form πρωτότοκος {prōtótokos} functions grammatically as an appositive descriptor of υἱὸν (“son”)—yet its implications go beyond birth order. This single word is loaded with grammatical complexity, covenantal overtones, and messianic significance.

Let’s examine how this participle-adjective hybrid operates syntactically and theologically in this birth narrative.

Καὶ ἔτεκε τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν πρωτότοκον, καὶ ἐσπαργάνωσεν αὐτὸν, καὶ ἀνέκλινεν αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ φάτνῃ, διότι οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς τόπος ἐν τῷ καταλύματι.… Learn Koine Greek
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“τίς με κατέστησε δικαστὴν ἢ μεριστὴν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς;”: Appointed Authority and Predicate Accusatives in Luke 12:14

Posted on December 14, 2024 by New Testament Greek
Introduction: Who Made Me Judge Over You?

Jesus responds to a man seeking arbitration over an inheritance:

Ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· ἄνθρωπε, τίς με κατέστησε δικαστὴν ἢ μεριστὴν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς; “But he said to him, ‘Man, who appointed me a judge or divider over you?’”

This question is not simply about legality—it reveals Jesus’ refusal to act as a civil adjudicator. Instead, He redirects attention from temporal disputes to eternal truths, using precise Greek grammar to do it.

Let’s examine Luke 12:14, focusing on the powerful rhetorical question Jesus asks:

ἄνθρωπε, τίς με κατέστησε δικαστὴν ἢ μεριστὴν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς;

“Man, who appointed me a judge or divider over you?”… Learn Koine Greek

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Vocabulary Building in New Testament Greek: Beyond the Basics

Posted on December 2, 2024 by New Testament Greek

Learning New Testament Greek opens up a world of discovery, revealing layers of meaning in Scripture that are often obscured by translation. Vocabulary acquisition is one of the most exciting aspects of mastering the language. However, while words like ἀγάπη often take the spotlight, there is a wealth of fascinating vocabulary that can transform your understanding of the New Testament.

Let’s explore creative and engaging approaches to building your New Testament Greek vocabulary, using compelling examples that go beyond the usual suspects.

Why Vocabulary Matters

Building a strong vocabulary is foundational for reading fluency and theological insight. The New Testament’s word choices are intentional, often revealing cultural, spiritual, and historical nuances.… Learn Koine Greek

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The One Who Denies the Incarnation: Grammar, Christology, and Heresy in 2 John 7

Posted on November 27, 2024 by Greek Insights
ὅτι πολλοὶ πλάνοι εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὸν κόσμον, οἱ μὴ ὁμολογοῦντες Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν ἐρχόμενον ἐν σαρκί· οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ πλάνος καὶ ὁ ἀντίχριστος. (2 John 1:7) Entering the World as Deceivers

This verse forms a key doctrinal test in the Johannine epistles, especially regarding the incarnation. The grammar distinguishes true confession from heretical rejection through participial clauses, present tense markers, and emphatic identification. The verse is not only theological—it is grammatically designed to identify spiritual impostors.

ὅτι πολλοὶ πλάνοι εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὸν κόσμον – For Many Deceivers Have Gone Out into the World ὅτι – causal conjunction, “for” or “because,” introducing the reason for the warning πολλοὶ πλάνοι – “many deceivers,” with πλάνοι functioning as a predicate nominative with strong emphasis εἰσῆλθον – aorist active indicative, 3rd person plural of εἰσέρχομαι, “have gone out,” completed action εἰς τὸν κόσμον – “into the world,” marking their sphere of influence

The aorist verb signifies a historical reality—this is not a future threat, but a present and ongoing danger.… Learn Koine Greek

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