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

When Minds Are Opened: The Divine Key to the Scriptures

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Exegesis & Hermeneutics
Τότε διήνοιξεν αὐτῶν τὸν νοῦν τοῦ συνιέναι τὰς γραφάς, (Luke 24:45)

Then he opened their mind to understand the Scriptures,

Exegetical Analysis

The sentence begins with the adverb τότε (“then”), marking a critical turning point in the narrative after the risen Jesus has appeared to the disciples. The aorist verb διήνοιξεν (from διανοίγω) means “He opened thoroughly” or “He unlocked.” It governs the direct object τὸν νοῦν (“the mind”) — specifically their mind (αὐτῶν), pointing to a shared internal transformation. The phrase τοῦ συνιέναι is an articular infinitive of purpose in the genitive, showing the aim of the opening: in order to understand.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Exegesis | 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

Cutting the Word Straight: The Exegete Before God

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Exegesis & Hermeneutics
Σπούδασον σεαυτὸν δόκιμον παραστῆσαι τῷ Θεῷ, ἐργάτην ἀνεπαίσχυντον, ὀρθοτομοῦντα τὸν λόγον τῆς ἀληθείας. (2 Timothy 2:15)

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker without shame, rightly handling the word of truth.

Exegetical Analysis

The verse begins with the imperative σπούδασον, a second person aorist active imperative of σπουδάζω, meaning “make every effort” or “be zealous.” This imperative evokes an urgency and intentionality in the command. It is not casual advice but a charged directive to exert one’s full diligence. The object σεαυτὸν (“yourself”) places responsibility squarely on the reader—here, Timothy—to take personal ownership of preparation. The following infinitival clause, δόκιμον παραστῆσαι τῷ Θεῷ, reveals the purpose: to “present yourself approved to God.”… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Exegesis | Tagged | Leave a comment

Healing and Heralding: The Grammar of Kingdom Nearness

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Καὶ θεραπεύετε τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ ἀσθενεῖς, καὶ λέγετε αὐτοῖς· ἤγγικεν ἐφ’ ὑμᾶς ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ. (Luke 10:9)

And heal the sick in it, and say to them: The kingdom of God has drawn near to you.

καὶ θεραπεύετε τοὺς ἐν αὐτῇ ἀσθενεῖς: Imperatives of Compassion

The verb θεραπεύετε is a present active imperative, second person plural of θεραπεύω, meaning “to heal” or “to treat medically.” Its imperative mood shows that this is not a suggestion but a commanded action for Jesus’ disciples. The present tense emphasizes ongoing, habitual action — not a one-time miraculous burst, but consistent ministry. The direct object τοὺς…ἀσθενεῖς (“the sick”) is accusative masculine plural, with the embedded phrase ἐν αὐτῇ (“in it”) referring to the city previously mentioned (from verse 8).… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Word Near You: Syntax, Faith, and the Internalization of Truth in Romans 10:8

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Classical Greek
Ἀλλὰ τί λέγει; ἐγγύς σου τὸ ῥῆμά ἐστιν, ἐν τῷ στόματί σου καὶ ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου· τοῦτ’ ἔστι τὸ ῥῆμα τῆς πίστεως ὃ κηρύσσομεν. (Romans 10:8)

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we proclaim.

Romans 10:8 sits at the center of Paul’s argument for accessible righteousness through faith. Quoting and reapplying Deuteronomy 30:14, Paul uses Koine syntax to collapse the space between divine speech and human reception. This verse is deceptively simple but grammatically rich, combining a rhetorical question, spatial prepositions, and relative clause constructions to embody the nearness of the Gospel.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Ancient Greek | Tagged | Leave a comment

Synonyms: Image and Likeness: εἰκών, ὁμοίωσις, and ὁμοίωμα in the Greek New Testament

Posted on October 7, 2025 by New Testament Greek

The Greek nouns εἰκών, ὁμοίωσις, and ὁμοίωμα all convey the concept of resemblance or representation, yet each carries a distinct shade of meaning. εἰκών focuses on visible image or representation, ὁμοίωσις on the process or quality of becoming like, and ὁμοίωμα on the form or pattern of similarity. Together, these terms form a rich triad expressing how humanity relates to God’s image and how Christ reveals that image perfectly.

Lexical Definitions and Origins εἰκών – Derived from the verb εἴκω (“to resemble, to be like”), meaning an image, likeness, or visible representation. It can denote a statue, portrait, or figurative manifestation of a reality.… Learn Koine Greek
Posted in Synonyms | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Obedience and Retaliation: Conditional Justice and Grammatical Warfare in 2 Corinthians 10:6

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Καὶ ἐν ἑτοίμῳ ἔχοντες ἐκδικῆσαι πᾶσαν παρακοήν, ὅταν πληρωθῇ ὑμῶν ἡ ὑπακοή. (2 Corinthians 10:6)

And being in readiness to punish every disobedience, whenever your obedience is fulfilled.

The Apostle Paul’s language in 2 Corinthians 10 is militarized, metaphoric, and measured. Verse 6, in particular, reflects a strategic pause within a broader rhetorical battle plan. The grammar sharpens theological action: punishment waits for disobedience, but only when obedience is complete. This isn’t just Pauline rhetoric—it’s Pauline syntax. Through careful use of participles, subjunctives, and conditional temporal markers, Paul builds a theology of discipline embedded in grammar. This article explores how the Koine Greek of this verse conveys not only sequence and readiness but also eschatological restraint.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Grammar, Syntax | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Body Prepared: Syntax and Sacrifice in Hebrews 10:5–6

Posted on October 5, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Διὸ εἰσερχόμενος εἰς τὸν κόσμον λέγει· θυσίαν καὶ προσφορὰν οὐκ ἠθέλησας, σῶμα δὲ κατηρτίσω μοι· ὁλοκαυτώματα καὶ περὶ ἁμαρτίας οὐκ εὐδόκησας· (Hebrews 10:5–6)

Therefore, entering into the world he says: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; burnt offerings and offerings concerning sin you did not take pleasure in.”

Διὸ εἰσερχόμενος εἰς τὸν κόσμον λέγει: Timeless Speech in a Temporal Clause

The verse begins with the conjunction Διὸ (“therefore”), a compound of διά and ὅ, meaning “for this reason.” It introduces a logical conclusion drawn from earlier discussion about the insufficiency of animal sacrifices.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Syntax | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Names, Appositions, and the Grammar of Betrayal

Posted on October 4, 2025 by New Testament Greek
Σίμων ὁ Κανανίτης καὶ Ἰούδας ὁ Ἰσκαριώτης ὁ καὶ παραδοὺς αὐτόν. (Matthew 10:4)

Simon the Cananite and Judas the Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

The Syntax of the List

This verse belongs to Matthew’s catalog of the twelve apostles. It closes the list with a stark juxtaposition: – Σίμων ὁ Κανανίτης – “Simon the Cananite (Zealot)” – Ἰούδας ὁ Ἰσκαριώτης – “Judas Iscariot”

The verse ends not with simple naming but with a chilling apposition: ὁ καὶ παραδοὺς αὐτόν — “the one who also betrayed him.”

Titles in Apposition: ὁ Κανανίτης, ὁ Ἰσκαριώτης

– ὁ Κανανίτης: Appositional article + adjective. Likely from Aramaic *qanʾān*, “zealous one.”… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Grammar, Theology | Leave a comment

A Vision at the Ninth Hour: Participial Narrative and Divine Encounter in Acts 10:3

Posted on October 3, 2025 by New Testament Greek
Εἶδεν ἐν ὁράματι φανερῶς ὡσεὶ ὥραν ἐνάτην τῆς ἡμέρας ἄγγελον τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰσελθόντα πρὸς αὐτὸν καὶ εἰπόντα αὐτῷ· Κορνήλιε. (Acts 10:3)

He saw clearly in a vision, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him and saying to him, “Cornelius.”

This verse narrates a pivotal moment in Acts: Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, receives a vision that will lead to the inclusion of the nations in the gospel. The grammar is layered and deliberate: a main verb situates the experience, adverbial modifiers frame its clarity and time, and participles depict the angel’s entrance and speech.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Leave a comment

Measured Boldness and Misjudged Apostleship

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Δέομαι δὲ τὸ μὴ παρὼν θαρρῆσαι τῇ πεποιθήσει ᾗ λογίζομαι τολμῆσαι ἐπί τινας τοὺς λογιζομένους ἡμᾶς ὡς κατὰ σάρκα περιπατοῦντας. (2 Corinthians 10:2)

And I beg that, when not present, I may not have to be bold with the confidence with which I consider daring toward some who think of us as walking according to the flesh.

Δέομαι δὲ…: From Appeal to Anticipation

The verb δέομαι (“I beg, entreat”) is present middle/passive indicative, first person singular. It carries a tone of supplication rather than instruction. This is not Paul commanding the Corinthians, but pleading with them — an appeal that reveals his emotional investment.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Grammar of Perception and Presence

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Αὐτὸς δὲ ἐγὼ Παῦλος παρακαλῶ ὑμᾶς διὰ τῆς πραότητος καὶ ἐπιεικείας τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὃς κατὰ πρόσωπον μὲν ταπεινὸς ἐν ὑμῖν, ἀπὼν δὲ θαρρῶ εἰς ὑμᾶς· (2 Corinthians 10:1)

Now I, Paul, myself urge you by the gentleness and clemency of Christ — who in person is humble among you, but being absent am bold toward you,

Αὐτὸς δὲ ἐγὼ Παῦλος: A Stacked Emphasis

The phrase Αὐτὸς δὲ ἐγὼ Παῦλος layers three elements of personal identity: αὐτὸς (“I myself”), ἐγὼ (explicit personal pronoun), and Παῦλος (proper name). All are in the nominative singular, and together they create a tone of personal gravity and pastoral urgency.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Grammar | Tagged | Leave a comment

Opened Eyes and Stern Silence: Syntax and Tension in Matthew 9:30

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Advanced Greek Grammar
Καὶ ἀνεῴχθησαν αὐτῶν οἱ ὀφθαλμοί· καὶ ἐνεβριμήσατο αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγων· ὁρᾶτε μηδεὶς γινωσκέτω. (Matthew 9:30)

And their eyes were opened, and Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows.”

Healing, Command, and Controlled Revelation

Matthew 9:30 presents the moment immediately after Jesus heals two blind men. What unfolds is a blend of miraculous transformation and strict prohibition, crafted through precise Koine Greek syntax. The verse includes two main narrative clauses and a direct speech command, all coordinated with narrative conjunctions and inflected with grammatical sharpness. Jesus heals, but also warns. This syntactic duality underscores the messianic secret motif that runs throughout the Gospel.… Learn Koine Greek

Posted in Syntax, Theology | Tagged | Leave a comment


  1. NT Greek Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. 4
  6. 5
  7. 6
  8. 7
  9. ...
  10. 104