ὃν ἔπεμψα πρὸς ὑμᾶς εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο, ἵνα γνῶτε τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν καὶ παρακαλέσῃ τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν. (Ephesians 6:22)
A Messenger’s Mission, A Syntax of Consolation
Paul’s closing remarks in Ephesians reflect not only logistical information but deeply pastoral intent. The grammar conveys purpose through subjunctive clauses, purpose phrases, and a concise combination of aorist and present elements. In a single sentence, the apostle reveals his desire that his readers be both informed and comforted.
ὃν ἔπεμψα πρὸς ὑμᾶς – Whom I Sent to You
- ὃν – accusative masculine singular relative pronoun, referring to Tychicus (v.21)
- ἔπεμψα – aorist active indicative, 1st person singular from πέμπω, “I sent”
- πρὸς ὑμᾶς – prepositional phrase with accusative, “to you”
The use of the aorist denotes a definite past action. Paul had already dispatched this trusted co-worker for a specific pastoral assignment.
εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο – For This Very Purpose
This phrase is a fixed idiom in Paul’s letters:
- εἰς with accusative expresses purpose or result
- αὐτὸ τοῦτο – “this very thing,” intensifying the purpose clause that follows
Paul uses it to emphasize the precision and intention of his action—Tychicus is not sent casually, but with two explicit goals.
ἵνα γνῶτε τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν – That You Might Know About Us
- ἵνα – introduces a purpose clause
- γνῶτε – aorist active subjunctive, 2nd person plural from γινώσκω, “you might know”
- τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν – neuter plural accusative, “the things concerning us”
The aorist subjunctive expresses a completed aim—that the readers may come to know Paul’s current situation. It conveys informational clarity as a key reason for the messenger’s journey.
καὶ παρακαλέσῃ τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν – And May Encourage Your Hearts
- παρακαλέσῃ – aorist active subjunctive, 3rd person singular from παρακαλέω, “to comfort, encourage”
- τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν – accusative plural, “your hearts”
The second purpose is emotional and pastoral: encouragement. This verb reflects Paul’s concern not only for knowledge but for spiritual strengthening. The repetition of the aorist subjunctive with ἵνα gives equal grammatical weight to both goals.
Purposeful Greek: A Summary Table
| Greek Phrase | Grammar Type | Function | Spiritual Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| ὃν ἔπεμψα πρὸς ὑμᾶς | Relative clause + aorist indicative | Marks a completed apostolic action | God sends people for precise purposes |
| εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο | Prepositional phrase of purpose | Points ahead to the twin goals | God’s purposes are deliberate and holistic |
| ἵνα γνῶτε τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν | ἵνα clause with aorist subjunctive | Purpose #1: imparting knowledge | True encouragement begins with understanding |
| καὶ παρακαλέσῃ τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν | ἵνα clause continued with second subjunctive | Purpose #2: emotional strengthening | The gospel meets the heart, not just the mind |
Sent for This Very Thing
Paul’s grammar carries the weight of his pastoral heart: he doesn’t just send a letter—he sends a man. The Greek highlights two divine goals through tightly coordinated aorist subjunctives: that believers would be informed and encouraged.
There is a lesson here in both linguistic clarity and spiritual compassion: gospel ministry walks on two legs—truth and comfort. And every messenger must be shaped by both.
