τῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ εἰς ἀλλήλους φιλόστοργοι τῇ τιμῇ ἀλλήλους προηγούμενοι
Literal TranslationIn brotherly love toward one another, affectionate; in honor, leading one another before yourselves.
Transliterationtē philadelphia eis allēlous philostorgoi tē timē allēlous proēgoumenoi
This verse feels compressed in Greek. There is no main finite verb printed in this phrase. Instead, Paul stacks meaningful phrases together, creating a sharp description of Christian affection and honor.
Grammar Focus: Dative Phrases as the SettingTwo phrases begin with the dative case:
τῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ
“in brotherly love” or “with brotherly affection”
τῇ τιμῇ
“in honor” or “with respect”
For beginners, think of these dative phrases as the setting of the action.… Learn Koine Greek