Galatians 6:10
ἄρα οὖν ὡς καιρὸν ἔχομεν, ἐργαζώμεθα τὸ ἀγαθὸν πρὸς πάντας, μάλιστα δὲ πρὸς τοὺς οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως.
Focus Topic: Hortatory Subjunctive and Temporal Clause with ὡς
This verse combines logical inference, temporal awareness, and ethical exhortation. Paul encourages action with the use of a hortatory subjunctive, framed by a temporal clause. The syntax promotes urgency and a priority for doing good to all, especially fellow believers.
Inference Particles: ἄρα οὖν
The combination ἄρα οὖν introduces a conclusion or inference drawn from the preceding context. It can be translated as “therefore then” or simply “so then.” The double particle strengthens the logical connection.
Temporal Clause: ὡς καιρὸν ἔχομεν
This is a temporal clause using ὡς with the indicative ἔχομεν (“we have”) and the accusative noun καιρόν (“opportune time”). It means “as we have opportunity” or “while we still have time.”
| Greek Phrase | Translation | Function |
|---|---|---|
| ὡς καιρὸν ἔχομεν | “as we have opportunity” | Temporal clause (present indicative) |
Main Verb: ἐργαζώμεθα
ἐργαζώμεθα is present middle subjunctive, 1st person plural, from ἐργάζομαι (“to work, to do”). As a hortatory subjunctive, it expresses an exhortation: “Let us do” or “Let us be working.” The present tense suggests ongoing action — a habitual pattern of doing good.
Direct Object and Scope: τὸ ἀγαθὸν πρὸς πάντας
τὸ ἀγαθόν is the neuter singular article + adjective used substantivally: “the good.” The prepositional phrase πρὸς πάντας (“toward all”) shows the universal direction of Christian benevolence.
Emphatic Priority: μάλιστα δὲ πρὸς τοὺς οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως
- μάλιστα δέ — “but especially” or “above all.” Introduces a qualified emphasis.
- τοὺς οἰκείους τῆς πίστεως — “those of the household of faith.” οἰκεῖος means “related, belonging to the same household.” Here it metaphorically refers to fellow believers, members of the family of God.
Key Observations
- ἐργαζώμεθα expresses a general ethical principle in an encouraging, communal form (“let us…”).
- ὡς καιρὸν ἔχομεν urges urgency — time and opportunity are limited.
- μάλιστα δὲ… prioritizes spiritual kinship without excluding broader social responsibility.
Ethical Urgency in Syntax
This verse uses its grammar to build a structure of Christian ethical urgency: time is fleeting, opportunity must be seized, and goodness must flow outward — indiscriminately to all, but intentionally toward the household of faith. The subjunctive mood, temporal construction, and double prepositional phrase sharpen the call to action with clarity and grace.
