Tag Archives: 1 Timothy 3:6

1 Timothy 3:6

μὴ νεόφυτον, ἵνα μὴ τυφωθεὶς εἰς κρίμα ἐμπέσῃ τοῦ διαβόλου.

Focus Topic: Subjunctive Purpose Clause with Aorist Passive Participle

This verse, part of the qualifications for overseers, demonstrates how Greek syntax expresses caution and consequence. It features a negative command, a purpose clause, and a passive participle indicating a precondition.

Adjective Used Substantivally: νεόφυτον

νεόφυτον (“newly planted,” i.e., a recent convert) is an accusative singular adjective used substantivally. It is the object of an implied verb such as χειροτονείτω (“he must not appoint”) from the broader context.

Purpose Clause: ἵνα μὴ…ἐμπέσῃ

ἵνα introduces a purpose clause expressing why a νεόφυτος should not be appointed.… Learn Koine Greek