No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it again. This command I received from my Father.
This verse forms a syntactic and theological masterpiece where every verb bears the weight of divine autonomy. The central claim—οὐδεὶς αἴρει αὐτὴν ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ—establishes the independence of Christ’s action: “No one takes it from me.”… Learn Koine Greek
But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.
The command προσέχετε (“beware”) opens this verse with sharp urgency. It is a present active imperative, second person plural of προσέχω, meaning “to pay attention,” “to be cautious,” or “to guard oneself.” The present imperative form emphasizes ongoing vigilance, not a momentary reaction. This grammatical aspect implies that disciples must maintain continual awareness — a sustained, habitual watchfulness. The connective δὲ (“but”) introduces contrast, marking a transition from general exhortation to specific warning.… Learn Koine Greek
And you shall circumcise the hardness of your heart, and your neck you shall not harden any longer.
Grammatical InsightThe verse of Deuteronomy 10:16 in the Septuagint compresses profound theology into the tight syntax of command. The verb περιτεμεῖσθε (future middle indicative, second person plural of περιτέμνω) conveys an imperative nuance, functioning as a “prophetic future.” It invites the hearers not merely to perform a ritual but to participate in an inward transformation. The accusative object τὴν σκληροκαρδίαν (“the hardness of your heart”) personifies resistance to divine will, making grammar a vessel of moral anatomy.… Learn Koine Greek
The arm of the removal and the breast of the separation they shall bring upon the offerings of the fat portions as a separation to separate before the Lord, and it shall be for you and for your sons and for your daughters with you as a perpetual statute, as the LORD commanded Moshe.
Grammatical InsightThe verse of Leviticus 10:15 in the Septuagint is a masterclass in priestly syntax, revealing how grammatical structure mirrors sacred hierarchy.… Learn Koine Greek
For we are not overextending ourselves as though not reaching to you, for we did come even as far as you with the gospel of Christ.
Paul’s defense of his apostleship in 2 Corinthians is as much grammatical as theological. In this verse, he argues that his authority legitimately extends to the Corinthians because his ministry has already reached them through the gospel. The sentence is syntactically intricate: a negated comparative clause (οὐ ὡς μὴ ἐφικνούμενοι), a middle verb of extent (ὑπερεκτείνομεν), and a completed action verb (ἐφθάσαμεν) together create a dynamic blend of metaphor and precision.… Learn Koine Greek
And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Two Conditions, One PeaceIn Matthew 10:13, Jesus gives his disciples a striking instruction about the transferability of peace. The sentence is built on two parallel conditional clauses—one positive and one negative—each governed by the particle ἐάν and the subjunctive of εἰμί (ᾖ). The syntax enacts the teaching: peace goes forth, yet peace returns.… Learn Koine Greek
And when you enter the house, greet it, saying: “Peace to this house.”
Declension Analysis Table Greek Form Morphology Case & Function Notes τὴν οἰκίαν 1st declension feminine accusative singular with article Accusative object of preposition εἰς Indicates the destination of entry — “into the house.” αὐτήν 3rd person pronoun, accusative feminine singular Accusative direct object of ἀσπάσασθε Refers back to οἰκίαν; “greet it.” εἰρήνη 1st declension feminine nominative singular Nominative subject (of implied verb “be”) The greeting itself: “Peace.” The nominative is used in a formulaic exclamation of blessing.… Learn Koine GreekLet them not go thus. Only the men—go and serve God, for that is what you are seeking. And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.
Grammatical InsightThis verse in the Septuagint crystallizes Pharaoh’s strategy of partial compliance, framed entirely in the precision of Greek command forms. The text opens with a prohibitive expression: μὴ οὕτως πορευέσθωσαν — “Let them not go thus.” The use of μὴ with a third person present imperative (πορευέσθωσαν) conveys prohibition in the form of royal command.… Learn Koine Greek
For “his letters,” they say, “are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is of no account.”
ὅτι…φησί: Introducing Reported AccusationThe verse begins with the subordinating conjunction ὅτι, introducing reported speech or a causal clause. The verb φησί (“he says” or “they say”) is present active indicative, third person singular, used impersonally or parenthetically in Koine Greek to introduce commonly held opinion or quotation. The usage here introduces a critical report or claim about Paul’s character — likely quoting his opponents.… Learn Koine Greek
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 CompassionThe 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
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