1700 Years Later: What the Nicene Creed Got Wrong? A Look Through Arian and Eunomian Eyes

Posted on June 19, 2025 by Biblical Greek

Exactly seventeen centuries have passed since the First Council of Nicaea convened on May 20, A.D. 325 — a gathering that, by June 19, promulgated the Nicene Creed, a defining statement of Christian orthodoxy that proclaimed the Son of God to be “true God from true God” and homoousios (of one essence) with the Father. But what if we examine that landmark creed through the eyes of its earliest and most formidable critics? In the wake of Nicaea, two theologians in particular – Arius of Alexandria and, a generation later, Eunomius of Cyzicus – stood in staunch opposition to the Nicene formula.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Exegesis, Theology | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Hearing, Seeing, Setting: The Imperative Symphony of Ezekiel 44:5

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Biblical Greek
Καὶ εἶπεν Κύριος πρός με υἱὲ ἀνθρώπου τάξον εἰς τὴν καρδίαν σου καὶ ἰδὲ τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς σου καὶ τοῖς ὠσίν σου ἄκουε πάντα ὅσα ἐγὼ λαλῶ μετὰ σοῦ κατὰ πάντα τὰ προστάγματα οἴκου Κυρίου καὶ κατὰ πάντα τὰ νόμιμα αὐτοῦ καὶ τάξεις τὴν καρδίαν σου εἰς τὴν εἴσοδον τοῦ οἴκου κατὰ πάσας τὰς ἐξόδους αὐτοῦ ἐν πᾶσι τοῖς ἁγίοις (Ezekiel 44:5 LXX) A Verse of Triple Command

In this verse, the prophet is addressed with a striking triad of imperatives: τάξον (“set”), ἰδὲ (“see”), and ἄκουε (“listen”). These are not merely random commands; they form a deliberate rhetorical and grammatical pattern.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Ancient Greek, Septuagint Greek, Theology | Leave a comment

Fellowship in Giving: Context of Philippians 4:15

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Advanced Greek Grammar

Philippians 4:15 stands as a testament to the unique bond between the Apostle Paul and the church at Philippi. In this verse, Paul recalls how the Philippians were the only community to support him financially when he first set out from their region. Rather than a mere thank-you note, the passage serves as a profound reflection on partnership in the gospel0. Paul’s language is warm and theologically rich, illustrating that their monetary gift was not just charity but an expression of κοινωνία – fellowship and mutual participation in ministry. The very grammar of the sentence reinforces the Philippians’ singular devotion and Paul’s gratitude.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Grammar, Theology | Tagged | Leave a comment

Declensions that Distinguish Sight and Life: Grammar at Work in John 14:19

Posted on September 14, 2014 by New Testament Greek
Ἔτι μικρὸν καὶ ὁ κόσμος με οὐκέτι θεωρεῖ, ὑμεῖς δὲ θεωρεῖτέ με, ὅτι ἐγὼ ζῶ καὶ ὑμεῖς ζήσεσθε. (John 14:19)

Yet a little while, and the world no longer sees me; but you see me, because I live and you also will live.

Reading the Line Through Its Declinables

The verse contrasts two communities—ὁ κόσμος and ὑμεῖς—by way of nominative subjects and accusative objects (με) repeated across clauses. Declinable pronouns and the articular noun do the heavy lifting: they mark who sees, who does not, and why the disciples’ perception becomes participation in life.

Declension Analysis Table Greek Form Morphology Case & Syntactic Role Notes ὁ κόσμος 2nd declension, nominative masculine singular with article Subject of θεωρεῖ “The world” as a definite entity; articular nominative marks a corporate subject.… Learn Koine Greek
Posted in Declensions, Theology | Tagged | Leave a comment

Whispers of Identity: From Prophets to Pronouns in Mark 8:28

Posted on August 28, 2025 by Νέα Ελληνικά
Οἱ δὲ ἀπεκρίθησαν· Ἰωάννην τὸν βαπτιστήν, καὶ ἄλλοι Ἠλίαν, ἄλλοι δὲ ἕνα τῶν προφητῶν. (Mark 8:28)

Modern Greek Transliteration: I dé apekrÍthisan: IoÁnni ton vaptistÍn, kai Álli IlÍan, Álli dé Éna ton profitÓn

Literal English Translation: And they answered, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.”

2. Koine Morphological Analysis οἱ – Form: Nominative masculine plural article; Root: ὁ; Gloss: the (ones); Notes: Substantival, refers to the disciples or crowd implied from context. δὲ – Form: Conjunction (postpositive); Root: δέ; Gloss: and, but; Notes: Signals narrative continuation or mild contrast. ἀπεκρίθησαν – Form: Aorist passive deponent indicative 3rd person plural; Root: ἀποκρίνομαι; Gloss: they answered; Notes: Middle-passive in form, active in meaning—common with deponents.… Learn Koine Greek
Posted in Modern Greek | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Field of Blood: Passive Voice and Temporal Clauses in Matthew 27:8

Posted on August 27, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Διὸ ἐκλήθη ὁ ἀγρὸς ἐκεῖνος ἀγρὸς αἵματος ἕως τῆς σήμερον. (Matthew 27:8)

Therefore that field was called Field of Blood to this day.

Grammatical Snapshot

This verse gives a historical explanation for a place-name, using a divine passive and a temporal clause to establish both the origin and ongoing significance of the event. It is part of the narrative explaining how the field bought with Judas’s returned silver came to be known as the “Field of Blood.”

Key Grammar Points διὸ – a conjunction meaning “therefore” or “for this reason.” It indicates logical consequence. ἐκλήθη – aorist passive indicative, 3rd person singular of καλέω, “to call.”… Learn Koine Greek
Posted in History | Leave a comment

Declensions in the Storm: Case Usage in Matthew 8:26

Posted on August 26, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· τί δειλοί ἐστε, ὀλιγόπιστοι; τότε ἐγερθεὶς ἐπετίμησε τοῖς ἀνέμοις καὶ τῇ θαλάσσῃ, καὶ ἐγένετο γαλήνη μεγάλη. (Matthew 8:26)

And he says to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then, having risen, he rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Declension Analysis Table Greek Form Morphology Case & Function Notes αὐτοῖς 3rd person pronoun, dative masculine plural Dative of indirect object Marks the disciples as the addressees: “he says to them.” δειλοί Adjective, nominative masculine plural Predicate nominative with ἐστε “You are cowardly/afraid.” The nominative agrees with the implied subject ὑμεῖς.… Learn Koine Greek
Posted in Declensions | Tagged | Leave a comment

Testimony on the Road: Aorist Participles and Mission Grammar in Acts 8:25

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Οἱ μὲν οὖν διαμαρτυράμενοι καὶ λαλήσαντες τὸν λόγον τοῦ Κυρίου ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἱερουσαλήμ, πολλάς τε κώμας τῶν Σαμαρειτῶν εὐηγγελίσαντο. (Acts 8:25)

So then, after solemnly testifying and speaking the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem; and they proclaimed the good news to many villages of the Samaritans.

The Rhythm of Return

This verse from Acts 8:25 captures a powerful moment: after completing their assignment, the apostles return to Jerusalem — but not before sowing the gospel throughout Samaritan villages. The Greek is elegant and compact, built around the contrast between past action (διαμαρτυράμενοι, λαλήσαντες) and new momentum (ὑπέστρεψαν, εὐηγγελίσαντο).… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Grammar, Theology | Tagged | Leave a comment

Storm Syntax: Subordinate Purpose and Sleeping Sovereignty

Posted on August 24, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Καὶ ἰδοὺ σεισμὸς μέγας ἐγένετο ἐν τῇ θαλάσσῃ, ὥστε τὸ πλοῖον καλύπτεσθαι ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων· αὐτὸς δὲ ἐκάθευδε. (Matthew 8:24)

And behold, a great storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but he was sleeping.

Opening the Scene: Grammar of Sudden Terror

Matthew 8:24 plunges us into the chaos of a storm on the sea of Galilee. The grammar of this verse doesn’t just describe a meteorological event — it structures a theological drama. With verbs, participles, and infinitives, the verse creates movement, contrast, and intensity. At its core is the tension between the natural chaos and the divine calm: a great storm vs.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Syntax | Tagged | Leave a comment

When Storms Speak: Aspect, Action, and Tension in Luke 8:23

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Πλεόντων δὲ αὐτῶν ἀφύπνωσε. καὶ κατέβη λαῖλαψ ἀνέμου εἰς τὴν λίμνην, καὶ συνεπληροῦντο καὶ ἐκινδύνευον. (Luke 8:23)

But as they were sailing, he fell asleep. And a storm of wind came down upon the lake, and they were being swamped and were in danger.

A Sentence in Motion

In this verse, Luke describes a sudden crisis on the lake as the disciples sail with Jesus. The passage is a showcase of verbal variety — narrative progression unfolds through four verbs: πλεόντων, ἀφύπνωσε, κατέβη, συνεπληροῦντο, and ἐκινδύνευον. Each verb injects a different shade of action and aspect into the unfolding drama. This article dissects the grammar and syntax behind these forms, illuminating how Greek communicates urgency, continuity, and suspense.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Grammar, Syntax | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Touch That Transforms: Volition and Expectation in Mark 8:22

Posted on August 22, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Καὶ ἔρχεται εἰς Βηθσαϊδά, καὶ φέρουσιν αὐτῷ τυφλὸν καὶ παρακαλοῦσιν αὐτὸν ἵνα αὐτοῦ ἅψηται. (Mark 8:22)

And he comes to Bethsaida, and they bring to him a blind man and beg him that he might touch him.

Reading the Scene Grammatically

This verse from Mark 8:22 presents more than a transitional moment in the narrative. It encapsulates a movement of approach, petition, and hope, all revealed through the interplay of Greek present indicatives, participles, and a telling subjunctive. Each verb reflects urgency, faith, and divine encounter.

Mark’s storytelling is often kinetic and compressed. Here, four key actions form a theological rhythm:

1.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Grammar, Syntax, Theology | Tagged | Leave a comment

Freedom from Decay: The Passive Voice of Hope

Posted on August 21, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Ὅτι καὶ αὐτὴ ἡ κτίσις ἐλευθερωθήσεται ἀπὸ τῆς δουλείας τῆς φθορᾶς εἰς τὴν ἐλευθερίαν τῆς δόξης τῶν τέκνων τοῦ Θεοῦ. (Romans 8:21)

Because the creation itself also will be freed from the slavery of corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

The Passive Future in a Groaning World

The centerpiece of this majestic clause from Romans 8:21 is the future passive verb ἐλευθερωθήσεται (“will be set free”). Paul, describing the eschatological hope not just of humanity but of all creation, crafts a deeply theological statement using the nuance of Greek voice and aspect.

This isn’t just about a future action.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Grammar, Syntax, Theology | Leave a comment

Money into Perdition: Optatives, Infinitives, and the Value of the Gift

Posted on August 20, 2025 by Greek Insights
Πέτρος δὲ εἶπε πρὸς αὐτόν· τὸ ἀργύριόν σου σὺν σοὶ εἴη εἰς ἀπώλειαν, ὅτι τὴν δωρεὰν τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐνόμισας διὰ χρημάτων κτᾶσθαι. (Acts 8:20)

But Peter said to him, May your silver be with you for destruction, because you thought to acquire the gift of God through money.

Apostolic Rebuke in Rare Grammar

In Acts 8:20, Peter confronts Simon Magus, who thought he could purchase the power of the Holy Spirit. The verse is memorable not only for its severity but also for its striking use of the optative mood (εἴη) and an infinitival clause (κτᾶσθαι) that exposes Simon’s distorted assumption.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Exegesis | Tagged | Leave a comment

Following the Teacher: Aorist Participles, Future Intentions, and Conditional Clauses

Posted on August 19, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Καὶ προσελθὼν εἷς γραμματεὺς εἶπεν αὐτῷ· διδάσκαλε, ἀκολουθήσω σοι ὅπου ἐὰν ἀπέρχῃ. (Matthew 8:19)

And one scribe, having approached, said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you may go.”

The Scene in Syntax

In Matthew 8:19, a scribe steps forward to make a bold declaration of discipleship. The grammar is layered with narrative participles, verbs of speech, and a conditional clause that reveals both commitment and uncertainty. Let us unfold the structure of this verse to see how Greek grammar conveys the drama of devotion.

1. Καὶ προσελθὼν — The Aorist Participle of Approach Parsing προσελθών — aorist active participle, nominative masculine singular of προσέρχομαι, “to come/approach”

This is an aorist participle of attendant circumstance, functioning temporally: “and having come” or more smoothly, “and one scribe came”.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Grammar, Syntax | Tagged | Leave a comment


  1. NT Greek Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. 4
  6. 5
  7. 6
  8. 7
  9. ...
  10. 93