Ἔστι δὲ καὶ ἄλλα πολλὰ ὃσα ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ἅτινα ἐὰν γράφηται καθ’ ἕν, οὐδὲ αὐτὸν οἶμαι τὸν κόσμον χωρῆσαι τὰ γραφόμενα βιβλία.
Greek Syntax and Sentence Structure in John 21:25
The sentence in John 21:25 exhibits an intricate syntactical structure characteristic of Johannine Greek. The presence of Ἔστι δὲ καὶ suggests a narrative continuation with a postpositive conjunction (δὲ) that softens the transition rather than signaling a strong contrast. The subject is unstated but implied, following a common Greek syntactical pattern where Ἔστι (a present form of εἰμί) introduces existential statements.
The sentence consists of multiple clauses with a mix of relative, conditional, and resultative constructions. The primary clause is Ἔστι δὲ καὶ ἄλλα πολλὰ ὃσα ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς, where ἄλλα πολλὰ serves as a neuter plural predicate nominative. The relative pronoun ὃσα introduces a dependent clause modifying ἄλλα πολλὰ and acts as an accusative of respect.
Relative Pronouns and Their Functions
John employs two different relative pronouns in this verse: ὃσα and ἅτινα.
1. ὃσα (neuter plural relative pronoun) – This pronoun refers to ἄλλα πολλὰ and introduces a restrictive clause: ὃσα ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς. The neuter form indicates a generalization about the actions of Jesus, rather than specifying individual events.
2. ἅτινα (neuter plural relative pronoun) – Unlike ὃσα, which is the normal relative pronoun, ἅτινα is a qualitative relative pronoun with a more emphatic or explanatory force. It often implies “such things as,” expanding the referent τὰ βιβλία to mean “the kinds of books that, if written…”
The Use of the Conjunction ἐὰν and the Subjunctive Mood
The phrase ἐὰν γράφηται features the subjunctive mood, introduced by ἐὰν (a conditional particle). The form γράφηται is a present passive subjunctive third person singular of γράφω, expressing a hypothetical situation: “if it should be written.” This conveys an indefinite or potential action. The phrase καθ’ ἕν (“one by one”) emphasizes the exhaustive nature of the hypothetical writing process.
Negation and Emphatic Expression in οὐδὲ αὐτὸν οἶμαι τὸν κόσμον χωρῆσαι
The phrase οὐδὲ αὐτὸν serves as a strong negation. The emphatic placement of αὐτὸν before the infinitive χωρῆσαι intensifies the statement, suggesting that not even the world itself could contain the books.
– οἶμαι (first person singular present indicative of οἶμαι) – This verb introduces an opinion or estimation rather than a definitive statement.
– χωρῆσαι (aorist active infinitive of χωρέω) – The infinitive functions as the complement of οἶμαι, indicating the impossibility of the world’s capacity to hold the books.
Lexical Semantics of γραφόμενα βιβλία
The participle γραφόμενα is a present middle/passive participle of γράφω, agreeing with βιβλία. The use of the present participle suggests an ongoing process—books that would be continuously written. The term βιβλία (plural of βιβλίον) refers to scrolls or documents, reinforcing the image of an ever-growing written record.
Exegesis and Theological Implications
This verse encapsulates the theological theme of the inexhaustibility of Christ’s works. The subjunctive γράφηται suggests an ongoing or hypothetical process, underscoring the overwhelming nature of Jesus’ deeds. The hyperbolic statement that even “the world itself” could not contain the books highlights the ineffability of divine action.
Greek Stylistics and Johannine Emphasis
The syntax of John 21:25 exemplifies Johannine Greek’s distinctive stylistic tendencies, including redundancy, hyperbole, and qualitative expressions. The use of ἅτινα, the subjunctive γράφηται, and the emphatic οὐδὲ αὐτὸν all contribute to the grandeur of the statement. This verse reflects both the limitations of human language and the boundless nature of Christ’s actions, expressed through the sophisticated interplay of Greek grammar.
