Tag Archives: 1 Corinthians 13:4

Comparative Greek Analysis: 1 Corinthians 13:4a in Koine vs. Classical Greek

Ἡ ἀγάπη μακροθυμεῖ, χρηστεύεται, ἡ ἀγάπη οὐ ζηλοῖ, ἡ ἀγάπη οὐ περπερεύεται, οὐ φυσιοῦται,

Love is patient, it is kind; love does not envy; love does not boast, it is not puffed up. (1 Corinthians 13:4a)

Grammar and Syntax Analysis (Koine Greek) Ἡ ἀγάπη – Nominative singular with the article, used anaphorically and for emphasis. Repeated three times in this verse for rhetorical force and poetic rhythm. This is a classic example of Semitic influence (parallelism) in Greek style. μακροθυμεῖ – Present active indicative of μακροθυμέω (“to be patient,” “to endure long”). Common in Koine ethical texts, often associated with divine or virtuous patience.… Learn Koine Greek
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