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Greek Lessons
- The Question of Eternal Life: Syntax of Testing and Inquiry in Luke 10:25
- The Grammar of Astonishment and Difficulty
- The Urgency of Flight: Syntax, Eschatology, and the Grammar of Mission in Matthew 10:23
- Provoking the Lord: The Peril of Presumption
- The Great Priest Over God’s House: The Foundation of Confident Access
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Category
Tag Archives: Luke
“γενόμενοι τοῦ λόγου”: Aorist Middle Participle with Genitive in Luke 1:2
Introduction: Eye-Witnesses and the Ministry of the Word
In Luke 1:2, the evangelist continues his polished prologue by identifying the sources of the Gospel tradition: those who were both eyewitnesses and ministers of the word. Central to this identification is the phrase ὑπηρέται γενόμενοι τοῦ λόγου, which includes the aorist middle participle γενόμενοι {genomenoi} (“having become”) modifying οἱ αὐτόπται.
This phrase is key: it shows that those who passed on the tradition weren’t just observers—they became servants of the message. This participial construction indicates both transition and commitment. This lesson explores the morphology, syntax, semantics, and theological implications of this aorist participle and its genitive complement.… Learn Koine Greek
The Literary Ambition of ἀνατάξασθαι: Aorist Middle Infinitive in Luke 1:1
Introduction: Historiography and the Greek Infinitive
The Gospel of Luke opens not with theology or miracle, but with a polished historiographical prologue. The evangelist uses elevated Greek to establish credibility and intent. Central to this literary self-positioning is the verb ἀνατάξασθαι {anatáxasthai}, an aorist middle infinitive meaning “to compile” or “to set in order.”
This infinitive isn’t just grammatical—it’s philosophical. It expresses authorial intent, independence, and scope. Luke signals that he is entering a field already worked by “many,” but his use of this rare verb sets him apart. In this article, we examine the form, force, and function of ἀνατάξασθαι in Luke 1:1.… Learn Koine Greek
