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Greek Lessons
- Vindicated at the Table: How Speech Condemns and Grammar Acquits
- Carried, Not Carrying: The Grammar That Topples Boasting
- Spliced into Abundance: The Grammar of Displacement and Participation in ἐνεκεντρίσθης
- When the Heart Expands Toward Ruin: The Grammar of Self-Watchfulness
- Living, Begetting, Dying: The Grammar of Time and Continuity
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Category
Tag Archives: Romans 15:4
Scripture as a Wellspring of Hope: Endurance, Comfort, and Canonical Purpose
Ὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη, εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν προεγράφη, ἵνα διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ τῆς παρακλήσεως τῶν γραφῶν τὴν ἐλπίδα ἔχωμεν. (Romans 15:4)
For whatever was written beforehand was written for our instruction, in order that through the endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Exegetical AnalysisPaul begins with a generalizing relative clause: ὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη — “For whatever was written beforehand.” The verb προεγράφη (aorist passive of προγράφω) occurs twice in the verse, stressing prior inscription — a deliberate record in sacred history. The repetition underscores Scripture’s enduring intentionality. These writings, though ancient, were not sealed off from the present.… Learn Koine Greek
Written for Our Instruction: Purpose Clauses and the Function of Scripture in Romans 15:4
Ὅσα γὰρ προεγράφη, εἰς τὴν ἡμετέραν διδασκαλίαν προεγράφη, ἵνα διὰ τῆς ὑπομονῆς καὶ τῆς παρακλήσεως τῶν γραφῶν τὴν ἐλπίδα ἔχωμεν. (Romans 15:4)
For whatever was written beforehand was written for our instruction, so that through the endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Paul compresses theology and pastoral encouragement into tightly ordered syntax. By repeating the same verb, employing a purpose clause, and highlighting key virtues, this verse outlines how the Scriptures serve as a wellspring of endurance, encouragement, and hope.
Relative Clause with Emphasis: ὅσα… προεγράφηThe verse begins with the neuter plural relative pronoun ὅσα (“whatever things”), casting a wide net over the whole body of Scripture.… Learn Koine Greek
