Verse in Greek
χαίρετε καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε, ὅτι ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολὺς ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς· οὕτω γὰρ ἐδίωξαν τοὺς προφήτας τοὺς πρὸ ὑμῶν.
Focus Topic: Imperatives and the Aorist Indicative in Historical Reference
This verse is a rich example of Greek mood usage: imperatives for exhortation and the aorist indicative for historical allusion. Both aspects function together to strengthen the encouragement in the Sermon on the Mount.
Imperatives of Joy: χαίρετε and ἀγαλλιᾶσθε
The verse opens with two present imperatives:
| Greek Word | Mood | Tense | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| χαίρετε | Imperative | Present | Rejoice! |
| ἀγαλλιᾶσθε | Imperative | Present | Exult! |
The present tense of both verbs emphasizes ongoing action — a continuous attitude of joy and exultation, not just a one-time response. These are commands grounded in the theological reality that follows.
Reason for Rejoicing: ὅτι ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολὺς ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς
The conjunction ὅτι introduces the reason for the commands. The phrase ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολὺς ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς (“your reward is great in the heavens”) provides the eschatological motivation. This clause is in the indicative, expressing a statement of fact rather than hope or possibility.
Aorist Indicative for Historical Pattern: ἐδίωξαν
The verb ἐδίωξαν (“they persecuted”) is aorist active indicative, third person plural. It refers to a completed past action — the persecution of the prophets. It introduces a pattern: just as the prophets were treated, so the disciples can expect similar treatment.
Key Observations
- οὕτω (“in this way”) sets up a parallelism between the persecution of prophets and that of Jesus’ followers.
- τοὺς προφήτας τοὺς πρὸ ὑμῶν uses a demonstrative + prepositional phrase construction that emphasizes the continuity of prophetic suffering before the audience’s time.
- ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς (“in the heavens”) — note the plural form often used in Matthew, reflecting a Hebraic influence.
Grammatical Insight
This verse displays a rich interplay of grammatical moods: imperatives for present command, indicatives for assured truth, and aorist for historical precedent. Together, they form a robust call to joyful perseverance rooted in divine reward and prophetic heritage.
