Verse in Greek
μὴ νεόφυτον, ἵνα μὴ τυφωθεὶς εἰς κρίμα ἐμπέσῃ τοῦ διαβόλου.
Focus Topic: Subjunctive Purpose Clause with Aorist Passive Participle
This verse, part of the qualifications for overseers, demonstrates how Greek syntax expresses caution and consequence. It features a negative command, a purpose clause, and a passive participle indicating a precondition.
Adjective Used Substantivally: νεόφυτον
νεόφυτον (“newly planted,” i.e., a recent convert) is an accusative singular adjective used substantivally. It is the object of an implied verb such as χειροτονείτω (“he must not appoint”) from the broader context.
Purpose Clause: ἵνα μὴ…ἐμπέσῃ
ἵνα introduces a purpose clause expressing why a νεόφυτος should not be appointed. The clause includes both a passive aorist participle and an aorist active subjunctive verb:
| Greek Word | Form | Function |
|---|---|---|
| τυφωθείς | Aorist passive participle, nominative masculine singular | “having become conceited” — describes a state prior to the main action |
| ἐμπέσῃ | Aorist active subjunctive, 3rd person singular | “he might fall into” — purpose clause verb |
Prepositional Phrase: εἰς κρίμα τοῦ διαβόλου
- εἰς κρίμα — “into judgment” (accusative of result)
- τοῦ διαβόλου — genitive modifier; it may mean “the judgment passed by the accuser” or “the judgment incurred by the accuser.” Scholars debate whether the phrase refers to the accuser’s condemnation or a judgment similar to his fate.
Negative Conjunctions: μὴ…μὴ
Two instances of μή frame the warning. The first prohibits appointment of a νεόφυτος. The second introduces the feared consequence: “lest having become conceited, he fall into judgment.” This double negative structure emphasizes caution and potential downfall.
Key Observations
- νεόφυτον is used metaphorically (a recent convert = “newly planted”), drawn from horticulture.
- τυφωθείς conveys the imagery of being “puffed up” — blinded by pride.
- The aorist participle shows the condition under which the action of falling would occur.
- The whole clause illustrates Paul’s concern for spiritual maturity and avoiding the pattern of the accuser’s fall (cf. Isa. 14:12–15).
Grammatical Warning Through Syntax
This verse is a model of how Greek grammar expresses moral and ecclesiastical caution. The combination of prohibitive expressions, conditional structure, and evocative participles conveys the serious spiritual risk of premature leadership — a warning written not just in theology, but embedded in syntax itself.
