Tag Archives: John 12:8

Τοὺς πτωχοὺς γὰρ πάντοτε ἔχετε μεθ’ ἑαυτῶν, ἐμὲ δὲ οὐ πάντοτε ἔχετε. (John 12:8)

For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.”

Focus Topic: Parallel Clauses with Emphatic Word Order and Temporal Contrast

This verse contains two parallel clauses with identical verbal structure but contrasting objects and adverbials. The grammar emphasizes the continual presence of the poor versus the temporary presence of Jesus through careful word order and placement of temporal adverbs.

Verb in Both Clauses: ἔχετε

ἔχετε — present active indicative, 2nd person plural, from ἔχω (“to have, to possess”). Used here relationally: “you have [with you].”… Learn Koine Greek