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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: Matthew 10:17
Grammar of Warning: The Imperative of Vigilance
Προσέχετε δὲ ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνθρώπων· παραδώσουσι γὰρ ὑμᾶς εἰς συνέδρια, καὶ ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς αὐτῶν μαστιγώσουσιν ὑμᾶς· (Matthew 10:17)
But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
The command προσέχετε (“beware”) opens this verse with sharp urgency. It is a present active imperative, second person plural of προσέχω, meaning “to pay attention,” “to be cautious,” or “to guard oneself.” The present imperative form emphasizes ongoing vigilance, not a momentary reaction. This grammatical aspect implies that disciples must maintain continual awareness — a sustained, habitual watchfulness. The connective δὲ (“but”) introduces contrast, marking a transition from general exhortation to specific warning.… Learn Koine Greek