Χάριν γὰρ ἔχομεν πολλὴν καὶ παράκλησιν ἐπὶ τῇ ἀγάπῃ σου, ὅτι τὰ σπλάγχνα τῶν ἁγίων ἀναπέπαυται διὰ σοῦ, ἀδελφέ. (Philemon 7)
For we have much gratitude and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
Two Verbs of Emotion and Effect
Philemon 7 contains two Greek verbs that capture both internal response and external result:
ἔχομεν — present active indicative, “we have”
ἀναπέπαυται — perfect passive indicative, “has been refreshed”
One expresses the present gratitude felt by Paul, the other describes the completed benefit experienced by others through Philemon.
Grammatical Dissection of the Verbs
Verb: ἔχομεν
Lexical Form
ἔχω
Tense
Present
Voice
Active
Mood
Indicative
Person & Number
1st Plural
Aspect
Imperfective
Semantic Force
Describes Paul’s and possibly Timothy’s current, continuous possession of joy and encouragement
Verb: ἀναπέπαυται
Lexical Form
ἀναπαύω
Tense
Perfect
Voice
Passive
Mood
Indicative
Person & Number
3rd Singular
Aspect
Stative/Resultative
Semantic Force
The hearts have been refreshed and remain in that state—a lasting comfort through Philemon’s love
Tense and Relationship: Present and Perfect in Harmony
– ἔχομεν (present): Expresses ongoing emotional response—Paul’s thanksgiving is not momentary but continues.… Learn Koine Greek