The Verse in Focus (John 13:13)
ὑμεῖς φωνεῖτέ με, ὁ διδάσκαλος καὶ ὁ κύριος, καὶ καλῶς λέγετε· εἰμὶ γάρ
ὑμεῖς φωνεῖτέ με: Personal Address and Present Action
The subject ὑμεῖς (“you”) is emphatic, addressing the disciples directly. The verb φωνεῖτέ is the present active indicative, second person plural of φωνέω, meaning “you call,” “you address,” or even “you hail.”
– με is the accusative singular pronoun (“me”), the object of their address.
The present tense indicates that this is their ongoing or customary way of speaking to Jesus — a reflection of their habitual respect.
ὁ διδάσκαλος καὶ ὁ κύριος: Titles of Respect
These two titles — ὁ διδάσκαλος (“the Teacher”) and ὁ κύριος (“the Lord”) — are both articular nominatives functioning as predicate nominatives of the quoted speech. They are not used here in a theological vacuum but reflect real-world forms of address and reverence.
Their placement here, with the article ὁ, emphasizes formality and recognition of authority. The disciples have correctly named Jesus both as the instructor of truth and master of their lives.
καὶ καλῶς λέγετε: Affirmation of Truth
This clause provides Jesus’ affirmation of their statement:
– καλῶς is an adverb meaning “well,” “rightly,” or “correctly.”
– λέγετε is the present active indicative of λέγω — “you say.”
The word order emphasizes the praise: “You say rightly.” This is not flattery but a theological affirmation — their titles for him are not just polite, but true.
εἰμὶ γάρ: The Jesus Identity
This final clause is short but weighty:
– εἰμὶ is the present indicative of εἰμί, “I am.”
– γάρ explains or confirms: “for,” “because.”
The structure is simple: “for I am.” The absence of any predicate nominative following εἰμὶ is striking — the full force of the identity διδάσκαλος and κύριος rests in this implied affirmation. Jesus is not merely accepting their words — he is grounding them in truth. He is who they call him.
The “I Am” Who Teaches and Reigns
In John 13:13, Jesus weaves together grammar and identity with poetic clarity. The present indicative verbs (φωνεῖτέ, λέγετε, εἰμὶ) anchor his identity in the present. The titles διδάσκαλος and κύριος are not roles he claims for himself but ones his disciples have given him — and he receives and confirms them. This verse reminds us that in calling Jesus “Teacher” and “Lord,” we speak not only with reverence, but with accuracy. Greek grammar, once again, becomes a vessel for divine truth.
