Adverbs in New Testament Greek: Definition and Function

Posted on May 4, 2012 by New Testament Greek

Adverbs in New Testament Greek (ἐπιρρήματα) are indeclinable words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, conveying nuances of manner, time, place, degree, or negation. They remain invariable in form and can be formed by adding –ως to adjective stems, though many exist independently. Examples include manner adverbs like ταχέως (“quickly”), time adverbs like νῦν (“now”), and negation adverbs like οὐ (“not”). Their syntactic position is flexible, often appearing near the verb or at the start of a clause for emphasis. Beyond single words, adverbial phrases and clauses enrich expression, as seen in constructions like ἐν ἀληθείᾳ (“in truth”) or ὅταν ἔλθῃ (“when he comes”).… Learn Koine Greek

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Infinitives in New Testament Greek: Definition and Function

Posted on May 3, 2012 by New Testament Greek

The infinitive is one of the non-finite verb forms in New Testament Greek, meaning it does not convey person or number and cannot serve as the main verb of a clause. Instead, infinitives function as verbal nouns. They carry verbal characteristics like tense and voice, yet they function syntactically like nouns—serving as subjects, objects, or complements in a sentence. Understanding the infinitive is vital for accurate exegesis, especially in Pauline and Johannine writings, where they often encapsulate purpose, result, or abstract verbal actions.

1. Form of the Infinitive

Infinitives are formed by adding specific endings to the verb stem. The form varies by tense and voice:

Tense Voice Example Translation Present Active λύειν to be loosing Aorist Active λῦσαι to loose Perfect Active λελυκέναι to have loosed Present Middle λύεσθαι to be loosing (oneself) Aorist Middle λύσασθαι to loose (oneself) Perfect Middle/Passive λελύσθαι to have been loosed Aorist Passive λυθῆναι to be loosed

Note: The “tense” of the infinitive in Greek refers more to aspect than to time.… Learn Koine Greek

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Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions in New Testament Greek

Posted on May 2, 2012 by New Testament Greek

Conjunctions in New Testament Greek are essential connectors that join words, phrases, and clauses. They guide the logical flow of a sentence and shape the relationship between ideas. Greek conjunctions fall into two primary categories: coordinating (which link equal elements) and subordinating (which introduce dependent or subordinate clauses). Understanding these conjunctions is crucial for interpreting syntax, discourse structure, and theological nuance in the Greek New Testament.

1. Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect two or more elements of equal syntactic weight: words, phrases, or independent clauses. They do not make one clause dependent on another. These conjunctions often indicate addition, contrast, explanation, or result.… Learn Koine Greek

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Greek Grammar Lesson from Acts 12:5

Posted on May 1, 2012 by New Testament Greek
Acts 12:5

ὁ μὲν οὖν Πέτρος ἐτηρεῖτο ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ· προσευχὴ δὲ ἦν ἐκτενῶς γινομένη ὑπὸ τῆς ἐκκλησίας πρὸς τὸν Θεὸν ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ.

Focus Topic: Correlative Contrast (μὲν… δὲ) and Periphrastic Imperfect

This verse contrasts Peter’s physical imprisonment with the Church’s spiritual intercession using the μὲν… δὲ construction. The grammar involves a periphrastic imperfect, a present middle participle, and a series of prepositional phrases showing direction and purpose in prayer.

Contrast Structure: ὁ μὲν οὖν… προσευχὴ δὲ

The phrase μὲν… δὲ creates a correlative contrast — “on the one hand… but on the other.”

ὁ μὲν οὖν Πέτρος ἐτηρεῖτο ἐν τῇ φυλακῇ — “Peter, then, was being kept in prison” προσευχὴ δὲ ἦν… γινομένη — “but prayer was being made…”

The contrast heightens the tension between external confinement and internal spiritual response.… Learn Koine Greek

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“Ὥστε… παρατιθέσθωσαν τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν”: Entrusting the Soul in Suffering (1 Peter 4:19)

Posted on April 19, 2012 by New Testament Greek
Introduction: A Command to the Suffering

1 Peter 4:19 offers final counsel for Christians experiencing unjust suffering:

Ὥστε καὶ οἱ πάσχοντες κατὰ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὡς πιστῷ κτίστῃ παρατιθέσθωσαν τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν ἐν ἀγαθοποιΐᾳ “Therefore, those who suffer according to God’s will must entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing good.”

This is the only place in the New Testament where God is called κτίστης (“Creator”), and it powerfully links suffering, trust, and ethical persistence.

Ὥστε καὶ οἱ πάσχοντες κατὰ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ Θεοῦ, ὡς πιστῷ κτίστῃ παρατιθέσθωσαν τὰς ψυχὰς αὐτῶν ἐν ἀγαθοποιΐᾳ Morphological Breakdown Ὥστε {hṓste} – Form: conjunction of result or inference; Meaning: “so then,” “therefore”; Usage: draws a conclusion from the previous verses.… Learn Koine Greek
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Greek Grammar Lesson from Romans 12:4

Posted on April 1, 2012 by New Testament Greek
Romans 12:4

καθάπερ γὰρ ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι πολλὰ μέλη ἔχομεν, τὰ δὲ μέλη πάντα οὐ τὴν αὐτὴν ἔχει πρᾶξιν,

Focus Topic: Simile with καθάπερ and Subject-Complement Agreement

This verse introduces a comparison between the physical body and the community of believers. Paul uses καθάπερ to build a parallel, followed by coordinated clauses emphasizing diversity within unity. The grammar expresses both sameness of identity and variety of function.

Simile Introduction: καθάπερ γάρ

καθάπερ (“just as”) introduces a simile or analogy. It sets up a comparison that will be completed in the next verse (Romans 12:5). The particle γάρ provides a logical connection with the previous exhortation (v.3), explaining why humility and sober thinking are necessary — because we are members of one body.… Learn Koine Greek

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Ecclesial Identity and Behavioral Mandate in 1 Timothy 3:15: Syntax and Theology in the Household of the Living God

Posted on March 15, 2012 by New Testament Greek
ἐὰν δὲ βραδύνω, ἵνα εἰδῇς πῶς δεῖ ἐν οἴκῳ Θεοῦ ἀναστρέφεσθαι, ἥτις ἐστὶν ἐκκλησία Θεοῦ ζῶντος, στῦλος καὶ ἑδραίωμα τῆς ἀληθείας. Conditional Structure: ἐὰν δὲ βραδύνω

– ἐὰν: Conditional particle introducing a third-class condition (likely, but not certain), requiring a subjunctive verb. – δὲ: Mildly contrastive conjunction—”but” or “now.” – βραδύνω: Present active subjunctive, 1st person singular of βραδύνω, “to delay” or “be slow.” – The present subjunctive denotes a possible, indefinite delay. – The clause reads: “But if I delay…” – Sets up the importance of knowing proper conduct even in Paul’s potential absence.

Purpose Clause: ἵνα εἰδῇς πῶς δεῖ ἐν οἴκῳ Θεοῦ ἀναστρέφεσθαι

– ἵνα: Conjunction introducing a purpose clause.… Learn Koine Greek

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Consider Him: The Syntax of Endurance in Hebrews 12:3

Posted on March 12, 2012 by New Testament Greek

Hebrews 12:3 comes immediately after the famous exhortation to “run with endurance the race set before us” while fixing our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–2). The verse continues that call to perseverance by urging the audience to reflect on Christ’s endurance in the face of opposition. This reflection is not merely devotional; it is the antidote to spiritual fatigue. In the structure of the epistle, this verse transitions from Christ’s supreme example to practical encouragement for those tempted to give up.

Structural Analysis

ἀναλογίσασθε γὰρ τὸν τοιαύτην ὑπομεμενηκότα ὑπὸ τῶν ἁμαρτωλῶν εἰς αὐτὸν ἀντιλογίαν, ἵνα μὴ κάμητε ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν ἐκλυόμενοι.… Learn Koine Greek

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Buried and Raised with Him: Union with Christ in Colossians 2:12

Posted on February 12, 2012 by New Testament Greek
συνταφέντες αὐτῷ ἐν τῷ βαπτίσματι, ἐν ᾧ καὶ συνηγέρθητε διὰ τῆς πίστεως τῆς ἐνεργείας τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ ἐγείραντος αὐτὸν ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν

Colossians 2:12 beautifully captures the believer’s deep identification with Christ in death and resurrection. The Greek structure intertwines burial, resurrection, faith, and divine power into a seamless theological statement. It is one of the clearest expressions of baptism’s symbolic and spiritual significance in the New Testament.

Grammatical Foundations

συνταφέντες αὐτῷ ἐν τῷ βαπτίσματι—“Having been buried with him in baptism.” The participle συνταφέντες is aorist passive participle, nominative masculine plural from συνθάπτω—”to be buried together with.” It agrees with the implied subject (“you”) from the larger sentence context.… Learn Koine Greek

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Stability of Mind and Apostolic Warning in 2 Thessalonians 2:2: Greek Syntax of Exhortation and Eschatological Correction

Posted on February 2, 2012 by New Testament Greek
εἰς τὸ μὴ ταχέως σαλευθῆναι ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ τοῦ νοὸς μηδὲ θροεῖσθαι μήτε διὰ πνεύματος μήτε διὰ λόγου μήτε δι’ ἐπιστολῆς ὡς δι’ ἡμῶν, ὡς ὅτι ἐνέστηκεν ἡ ἡμέρα τοῦ Χριστοῦ. Infinitive Purpose Clause: εἰς τὸ μὴ ταχέως σαλευθῆναι ὑμᾶς

– εἰς τὸ: Preposition εἰς followed by an articular infinitive construction, indicating purpose—”in order that.” – μὴ: Negative particle used with the infinitive—”not.” – ταχέως: Adverb—”quickly,” “hastily.” – σαλευθῆναι: Aorist passive infinitive of σαλεύω, “to be shaken,” “to be disturbed.” – Passive voice suggests an external cause of destabilization. – ὑμᾶς: Accusative plural 2nd person pronoun—”you.” – Translation: “that you not be quickly shaken…”

Prepositional Phrase: ἀπὸ τοῦ νοὸς

– ἀπὸ: Preposition with genitive—”from.”… Learn Koine Greek

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