Greek Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The First Epistle to the Corinthians, Chapter 16ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΟΥΣ Α′ ΙϚ′

Each verse opens with the running Greek, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case (color), parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

1

Περὶ δὲ τῆς λογείας τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους, ὥσπερ διέταξα ταῖς ἐκκλησίαις τῆς Γαλατίας, οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς ποιήσατε.

Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.

New topicΠερὶ δέThe recurring περὶ δέ formula (cf. 7:1; 8:1; 12:1) turns from the resurrection to a fresh practical matter — the relief fund for Jerusalem — opening the letter's closing section.
Περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (reference)
δὲnowtransitional conjunction (topic shift)δέ: 'and, now'; with περί it marks the move to a new item, likely answering a query from the Corinthians' letter.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
λογείαςcollectionGenitiveobject of περί (reference)λογεία: 'a collection, contribution'; a rare word attested in the papyri of money gathered for a religious or civic purpose — Paul's term for the relief fund.
τῆςthe (one)Genitivearticle (substantizes prep. phrase)
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (benefit/goal)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ἁγίουςsaintsAccusativeobject of εἰς (beneficiaries)ἅγιος: 'holy one, saint'; here the impoverished Jerusalem believers, the recipients of the collection (cf. Rom 15:25–26).
ὥσπερascomparative conjunctionὥσπερ: 'just as'; introduces the precedent — Paul applies a uniform apostolic policy across his churches.
διέταξαI directedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · διατάσσωmain verb (comparative clause)→ constative aoristδιατάσσω: 'arrange, give orders' (διά + τάσσω); a term of authoritative instruction, often of standing apostolic ordinances (cf. 7:17; 11:34).
ταῖςtheDativearticle
ἐκκλησίαιςchurchesDativeindirect object (recipients of the order)ἐκκλησία: 'assembly, church'; the plural of the regional congregations gathered as called-out communities.
τῆςofGenitivearticle
ΓαλατίαςGalatiaGenitivegenitive of place/relationshipΓαλατία: Galatia, the region of Paul's earlier mission; its churches are cited as the working precedent.
οὕτωςsoadverb (correlative with ὥσπερ)οὕτως: 'thus, in this way'; the apodosis of the comparison — 'so also do you.'
καὶalsoadverbial/ascensive conjunction
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
ποιήσατεdoAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ποιέωmain verb (imperative)→ ingressive/constative aorist imperativeποιέω: 'do, make'; the aorist imperative sets the directive as a definite policy to be adopted.
2

κατὰ μίαν σαββάτου ἕκαστος ὑμῶν παρ' ἑαυτῷ τιθέτω θησαυρίζων ὅ τι ἐὰν εὐοδῶται, ἵνα μὴ ὅταν ἔλθω τότε λογεῖαι γίνωνται.

On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside, storing up as he may prosper, so that there will be no collections when I come.

Manner of the collectionasyndetonThe concrete method: a regular, weekly, proportional, individual setting-aside, so the whole sum is ready and no hurried gathering is needed at Paul's arrival.
κατὰon/everypreposition + accusative (distributive)κατά: here distributive — 'on each, every'; κατὰ μίαν = 'on the first (of) each (week).'
μίανfirstAccusativeobject of κατά (Semitic ordinal use of cardinal)εἷς/μία: 'one'; in the Hebraic idiom 'one of the week' = the first day, i.e. Sunday — already a Christian gathering-day.
σαββάτουof the weekGenitivepartitive genitiveσάββατον: 'sabbath'; in the plural-or-genitive idiom it denotes the seven-day 'week' (cf. Mark 16:2).
ἕκαστοςeachNominativesubject (distributive)ἕκαστος: 'each one'; the duty is laid on every member individually, not on the church treasury alone.
ὑμῶνof youGenitivepartitive genitive
παρ'bypreposition + dative (place: at home)παρά + dat.: 'beside, with, at the side of'; παρ' ἑαυτῷ = 'at his own home, in his own keeping.'
ἑαυτῷhimselfDativeobject of παρά (reflexive)
τιθέτωlet him put asidePres Act Impv 3 Sg · τίθημιmain verb (imperative)→ customary/iterative present imperativeτίθημι: 'place, put, set'; the present imperative pictures a repeated, habitual setting-aside week by week.
θησαυρίζωνstoring upPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · θησαυρίζωadverbial participle (manner)→ present (concurrent)θησαυρίζω: 'lay up treasure, hoard' (cf. θησαυρός); here of accumulating the contribution gradually into a reserve.
whateverAccusativerelative pronoun (object of θησαυρίζων)
τιanythingAccusativeindefinite pronoun (with ὅ)ὅ τι ἐάν: 'whatever, however much'; an open-ended amount left to each one's means.
ἐὰνeverparticle (generalizes the relative)
εὐοδῶταιhe may prosperPres Pass Subj 3 Sg · εὐοδόωverb of indefinite relative clause (subjunctive)→ iterative present (as one prospers)εὐοδόω: lit. 'have a good way' (εὖ + ὁδός), then 'prosper, succeed'; the gift is to be proportioned to one's gain — graduated giving.
ἵναso thatconjunction (negative purpose)
μὴnotnegative particle
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (indefinite)ὅταν: 'whenever, when'; takes the subjunctive — the time of arrival is not yet fixed.
ἔλθωI comeAor Act Subj 1 Sg · ἔρχομαιverb of temporal clause (subjunctive)→ aorist (punctiliar arrival)ἔρχομαι: 'come, go'; the prospective visit that motivates the advance planning.
τότεthenadverb (time, resumptive)
λογεῖαιcollectionsNominativesubject of γίνωνταιλογεία: 'collection'; the plural of repeated last-minute gatherings Paul wishes to avoid.
γίνωνταιbe madePres Mid Subj 3 Pl · γίνομαιverb of purpose clause (subjunctive)→ present (ongoing situation)γίνομαι: 'become, happen, take place'; the collections should not have to 'be happening' once he is present.
3

ὅταν δὲ παραγένωμαι, οὓς ἐὰν δοκιμάσητε, δι' ἐπιστολῶν τούτους πέμψω ἀπενεγκεῖν τὴν χάριν ὑμῶν εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ·

And when I arrive, whomever you approve I will send with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem.

Procedure on arrivalδέThe transmission plan: the Corinthians themselves choose trustworthy delegates, whom Paul will authorize with letters of accreditation to convey the gift safely.
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (indefinite)
δὲandcontinuative conjunction
παραγένωμαιI arriveAor Mid Subj 1 Sg · παραγίνομαιverb of temporal clause (subjunctive)→ aorist (arrival)παραγίνομαι: 'come, arrive, be present' (παρά + γίνομαι); a slightly more formal 'arrive on the scene' than ἔρχομαι.
οὓςwhomeverAccusativerelative pronoun (object of δοκιμάσητε; antecedent of τούτους)
ἐὰνeverparticle (generalizes relative)
δοκιμάσητεyou approveAor Act Subj 2 Pl · δοκιμάζωverb of indefinite relative clause (subjunctive)→ constative aoristδοκιμάζω: 'test and so approve' (cf. δόκιμος); the delegates are to be tried and found trustworthy by the church itself.
δι'withpreposition + genitive (attendant means)διά + gen.: here 'by means of, with' — the envoys go furnished with letters.
ἐπιστολῶνlettersGenitiveobject of διά (means)ἐπιστολή: 'letter'; here letters of commendation/accreditation guaranteeing the bearers and the gift (the plural may be generalizing).
τούτουςtheseAccusativedirect object (resumes οὓς ἐὰν δοκιμάσητε)
πέμψωI will sendFut Act Indic 1 Sg · πέμπωmain verb→ predictive futureπέμπω: 'send'; the future of definite intent — Paul will commission the bearers.
ἀπενεγκεῖνto carry awayAor Act Inf · ἀποφέρωinfinitive of purpose→ constative aoristἀποφέρω: 'carry off, bring away' (ἀπό + φέρω); of conveying the gift to its destination.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
χάρινgiftAccusativeobject of ἀπενεγκεῖνχάρις: 'grace, favor'; here the gracious gift — Paul dignifies the relief fund as an act of grace (cf. 2 Cor 8:4).
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of source/possession
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (destination)
ἸερουσαλήμJerusalemAccusativeobject of εἰς (destination, indeclinable)Ἰερουσαλήμ: Jerusalem; the mother church, in want and the goal of the collection that bound Paul's Gentile churches to it.
4

ἐὰν δὲ ἄξιον ᾖ τοῦ κἀμὲ πορεύεσθαι, σὺν ἐμοὶ πορεύσονται.

And if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.

Conditional contingencyἐὰν δέA conditional rider: should the size or significance of the gift make it suitable, Paul will personally accompany the delegation — a token of the collection's weight to him.
ἐὰνifconjunction (third-class condition)
δὲandcontinuative conjunction
ἄξιονfittingNominativepredicate adjective (impersonal)ἄξιος: 'worthy, fitting, suitable'; impersonal here — 'worth the while, appropriate.'
it isPres Act Subj 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of protasis (subjunctive)→ stative present
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (articular infinitive)
κἀμὲme alsoAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitiveκἀμέ: crasis of καὶ ἐμέ, 'me also'; emphatic — Paul himself joining the journey.
πορεύεσθαιto goPres Mid Inf · πορεύομαιarticular infinitive (epexegetical of ἄξιον)→ present (durative journey)πορεύομαι: 'go, journey, travel'; the standard verb for undertaking a trip.
σὺνwithpreposition + dative (accompaniment)σύν: 'together with'; the closest expression of accompaniment in Greek.
ἐμοὶmeDativeobject of σύν
πορεύσονταιthey will goFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · πορεύομαιmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive futureπορεύομαι: 'go, journey'; the delegates' journey, now in company with Paul.
5

Ἐλεύσομαι δὲ πρὸς ὑμᾶς ὅταν Μακεδονίαν διέλθω, Μακεδονίαν γὰρ διέρχομαι·

I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;

Travel plansδέPaul turns from the collection to his own movements; the route runs via Macedonia, with the visit to Corinth placed after that leg of the journey.
ἘλεύσομαιI will comeFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ predictive futureἔρχομαι: 'come, go'; the announced visit (its later changes are defended in 2 Cor 1).
δὲnowtransitional conjunction
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction toward persons)πρός + acc.: 'to, toward'; with persons, 'to be face-to-face with' — a personal visit.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (indefinite)
ΜακεδονίανMacedoniaAccusativeobject of διέλθω (extent traversed)Μακεδονία: the northern Roman province (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea); Paul's planned overland route to Corinth.
διέλθωI pass throughAor Act Subj 1 Sg · διέρχομαιverb of temporal clause (subjunctive)→ aorist (completed passage)διέρχομαι: 'go through, traverse' (διά + ἔρχομαι); of passing across a region.
ΜακεδονίανMacedoniaAccusativeobject of διέρχομαι (fronted for emphasis)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
διέρχομαιI am going throughPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · διέρχομαιmain verb (explanatory clause)→ futuristic present (settled plan)διέρχομαι: 'go through'; the present states the route as a fixed part of the plan ('my way lies through Macedonia').
6

πρὸς ὑμᾶς δὲ τυχὸν παραμενῶ ἢ καὶ παραχειμάσω, ἵνα ὑμεῖς με προπέμψητε οὗ ἐὰν πορεύωμαι.

and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I go.

Extended stayδέPaul hopes for more than a passing call: a prolonged, perhaps wintering, visit — and looks to be helped onward by them, a gentle bid for their fellowship in his mission.
πρὸςwithpreposition + accusative (in the presence of)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
δὲandcontinuative conjunction
τυχὸνperhapsadverbial accusative (fixed ptc. used adverbially)τυχόν: lit. 'having chanced' (aor. ptc. of τυγχάνω), frozen as the adverb 'perhaps, it may be.'
παραμενῶI will stayFut Act Indic 1 Sg · παραμένωmain verb→ predictive futureπαραμένω: 'remain beside, stay on' (παρά + μένω); of a continued sojourn with them.
ordisjunctive conjunction
καὶevenascensive conjunction
παραχειμάσωI will spend the winterFut Act Indic 1 Sg · παραχειμάζωmain verb (coordinate)→ predictive futureπαραχειμάζω: 'winter, pass the winter' (παρά + χειμών, 'winter/storm'); sea travel halted in winter, so a natural pause.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose)
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic)
μεmeAccusativedirect object of προπέμψητε
προπέμψητεsend on my wayAor Act Subj 2 Pl · προπέμπωverb of purpose clause (subjunctive)→ constative aoristπροπέμπω: 'send forward, help on a journey' (προ + πέμπω); a quasi-technical term for outfitting a traveler with provisions and escort (cf. Rom 15:24).
οὗwhereverrelative adverb of placeοὗ: 'where'; with ἐάν, 'wherever' — the destination left open.
ἐὰνeverparticle (generalizes the relative)
πορεύωμαιI goPres Mid Subj 1 Sg · πορεύομαιverb of indefinite local clause (subjunctive)→ present (general)πορεύομαι: 'go, journey'; the indefinite onward travel for which he hopes their aid.
7

οὐ θέλω γὰρ ὑμᾶς ἄρτι ἐν παρόδῳ ἰδεῖν, ἐλπίζω γὰρ χρόνον τινὰ ἐπιμεῖναι πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἐὰν ὁ κύριος ἐπιτρέψῃ.

For I do not want to see you now just in passing, for I hope to remain some time with you, if the Lord permits.

Reason for the longer stayγάρThe ground of the extended plan: he refuses a merely fleeting visit, hoping for substantial time together — all submitted to the Lord's permission.
οὐnotnegative particle
θέλωI wantPres Act Indic 1 Sg · θέλωmain verb→ stative present (settled wish)θέλω: 'will, wish, want'; expresses Paul's deliberate preference.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeaccusative subject of ἰδεῖν (object of θέλω)
ἄρτιnowadverb (time)ἄρτι: 'just now, at the present moment'; sharply 'right now,' contrasting the present brief opportunity with the hoped-for stay.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)
παρόδῳpassingDativedat. of manner (ἐν παρόδῳ idiom)πάροδος: 'a passing by, way alongside' (παρά + ὁδός); ἐν παρόδῳ = 'in passing, by the way' — a mere stopover.
ἰδεῖνto seeAor Act Inf · ὁράωcomplementary infinitive (of θέλω)→ constative aoristὁράω: 'see'; the aorist ἰδεῖν views the visit as a single event.
ἐλπίζωI hopePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἐλπίζωmain verb (second γάρ-clause)→ stative presentἐλπίζω: 'hope, expect'; confident expectation, here tempered by 'if the Lord permits.'
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
χρόνονtimeAccusativeaccusative of extent of timeχρόνος: 'time, span of time'; χρόνον τινά = 'some while.'
τινὰsomeAccusativeindefinite adjective
ἐπιμεῖναιto remainAor Act Inf · ἐπιμένωcomplementary infinitive (of ἐλπίζω)→ constative aoristἐπιμένω: 'remain on, stay' (ἐπί-intensive of μένω); of an extended sojourn.
πρὸςwithpreposition + accusative (presence)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
ἐὰνifconjunction (third-class condition)
theNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubject of ἐπιτρέψῃκύριος: 'Lord'; the risen Christ, whose sovereignty governs even the apostle's itinerary (cf. Jas 4:15).
ἐπιτρέψῃpermitsAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐπιτρέπωverb of protasis (subjunctive)→ constative aoristἐπιτρέπω: 'permit, allow, give leave'; the visit is conditional on divine permission.
8

ἐπιμενῶ δὲ ἐν Ἐφέσῳ ἕως τῆς πεντηκοστῆς·

But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,

Present locationδέHis immediate plan, fixing the letter's place and time of writing: he remains in Ephesus through the spring, until Pentecost.
ἐπιμενῶI will stayFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ἐπιμένωmain verb→ predictive futureἐπιμένω: 'remain on, stay'; the same verb as v.7, now of his current base.
δὲbutcontrastive conjunction
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
ἘφέσῳEphesusDativedat. of placeἜφεσος: Ephesus, the chief city of Asia and Paul's base for some years (Acts 19); the place from which 1 Corinthians is written.
ἕωςuntilpreposition + genitive (temporal limit)ἕως: 'until, as far as'; marks the terminus of the stay.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
πεντηκοστῆςPentecostGenitiveobject of ἕως (temporal limit)πεντηκοστή: 'fiftieth (day),' the Feast of Weeks fifty days after Passover; a fixed point in the spring calendar Paul reckons by.
9

θύρα γάρ μοι ἀνέῳγεν μεγάλη καὶ ἐνεργής, καὶ ἀντικείμενοι πολλοί.

for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

Reason for stayingγάρWhy he stays: a great, fruit-bearing opportunity has opened — and the very opposition confirms its importance rather than dissuading him.
θύραdoorNominativesubjectθύρα: 'door, doorway'; metaphor for an opportunity for ministry (cf. 2 Cor 2:12; Col 4:3; Acts 14:27).
γάρforexplanatory conjunction
μοιto meDativedat. of advantage
ἀνέῳγενhas openedPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀνοίγωmain verb→ intensive perfect (stands open)ἀνοίγω: 'open'; the perfect (2nd perf. with present sense) pictures a door that has been opened and now stands open.
μεγάληgreat/wideNominativepredicate/attributive adjectiveμέγας: 'great, large'; the opportunity is ample in scope.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐνεργήςeffectiveNominativepredicate/attributive adjectiveἐνεργής: 'active, effective, productive' (ἐν + ἔργον); the door is not merely open but yielding real results.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (adversative sense)
ἀντικείμενοιadversariesPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἀντίκειμαιsubstantival participle (subject of implied 'are')→ present (ongoing opposition)ἀντίκειμαι: 'be opposed, set oneself against' (ἀντί + κεῖμαι); 'the opponents' — the standing party of opposition (cf. Acts 19).
πολλοίmanyNominativepredicate adjectiveπολύς: 'many, much'; their number underscores both the importance and the cost of the open door.
10

Ἐὰν δὲ ἔλθῃ Τιμόθεος, βλέπετε ἵνα ἀφόβως γένηται πρὸς ὑμᾶς, τὸ γὰρ ἔργον κυρίου ἐργάζεται ὡς κἀγώ·

Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he is doing the Lord's work, as I am.

Reception of TimothyἘὰν δέA pastoral charge: Timothy, perhaps timid before the contentious Corinthians, is to be welcomed without intimidation, since his gospel labor is the same Lord's work as Paul's.
Ἐὰνifconjunction (third-class condition)
δὲnowtransitional conjunction
ἔλθῃcomesAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιverb of protasis (subjunctive)→ aorist (arrival)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; Timothy had been sent ahead (4:17; cf. Acts 19:22).
ΤιμόθεοςTimothyNominativesubjectΤιμόθεος: Timothy, Paul's trusted younger colleague and emissary; 'honoring God' (τιμή + θεός).
βλέπετεsee to itPres Act Impv 2 Pl · βλέπωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present imperativeβλέπω: 'look, see'; here 'take care, see to it' introducing a ἵνα clause of what is to be ensured.
ἵναthatconjunction (content of βλέπετε)
ἀφόβωςwithout fearadverb (manner)ἀφόβως: 'fearlessly' (ἀ-privative + φόβος); he is to be among them without anxiety or intimidation.
γένηταιhe may beAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · γίνομαιverb of ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ ingressive aorist (come to be)γίνομαι: 'become, be, come to be'; 'that he may come to be among you fearless.'
πρὸςwithpreposition + accusative (presence)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
τὸtheAccusativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἔργονworkAccusativedirect object (cognate w/ ἐργάζεται)ἔργον: 'work, deed'; the gospel labor — τὸ ἔργον κυρίου, 'the Lord's work.'
κυρίουof the LordGenitiveobjective/possessive genitiveκύριος: 'Lord'; the work belongs to and serves Christ — Timothy's warrant for respect.
ἐργάζεταιhe is doingPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐργάζομαιmain verb (γάρ clause)→ customary presentἐργάζομαι: 'work, perform, accomplish'; Timothy is actively engaged in the same task.
ὡςascomparative conjunction
κἀγώI alsoNominativesubject of implied verb (comparison)κἀγώ: crasis of καὶ ἐγώ, 'I too'; Paul ranks Timothy's work with his own.
11

μή τις οὖν αὐτὸν ἐξουθενήσῃ. προπέμψατε δὲ αὐτὸν ἐν εἰρήνῃ, ἵνα ἔλθῃ πρός με, ἐκδέχομαι γὰρ αὐτὸν μετὰ τῶν ἀδελφῶν.

So let no one despise him. Send him on his way in peace, that he may come to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.

Inference (charge continued)οὖνDrawing the consequence: no contempt for the young envoy; rather an honorable send-off in peace, since Paul awaits his return with the company of brothers.
μήnotnegative particle (prohibition)
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite)
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore, then'; drawing the application from v.10b.
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object of ἐξουθενήσῃ
ἐξουθενήσῃdespiseAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐξουθενέωmain verb (prohibitive subjunctive)→ ingressive aorist (prohibition: do not start)ἐξουθενέω: 'despise, treat as nothing, set at naught'; μή + aor. subj. forbids the very act of disdaining him (perhaps for his youth, cf. 1 Tim 4:12).
προπέμψατεsend on his wayAor Act Impv 2 Pl · προπέμπωmain verb (imperative)→ constative aorist imperativeπροπέμπω: 'send forward, help on the journey'; the same courtesy Paul sought for himself (v.6).
δὲandcontinuative conjunction
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner)
εἰρήνῃpeaceDativedat. of manner (ἐν εἰρήνῃ idiom)εἰρήνη: 'peace'; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, a Semitic farewell — 'in safety and goodwill,' not in conflict.
ἵναthatconjunction (purpose)
ἔλθῃhe may comeAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιverb of purpose clause (subjunctive)→ aorist (arrival)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; Timothy's return to Paul is the aim of the courteous send-off.
πρόςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
μεmeAccusativeobject of πρός
ἐκδέχομαιI am expectingPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἐκδέχομαιmain verb (γάρ clause)→ present (ongoing expectation)ἐκδέχομαι: 'await, expect, look for' (ἐκ + δέχομαι); Paul is watching for his return.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (association)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἀδελφῶνbrothersGenitiveobject of μετά (association)ἀδελφός: 'brother'; here the fellow Christians/coworkers awaiting Timothy's report with Paul.
12

Περὶ δὲ Ἀπολλῶ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ, πολλὰ παρεκάλεσα αὐτὸν ἵνα ἔλθῃ πρὸς ὑμᾶς μετὰ τῶν ἀδελφῶν· καὶ πάντως οὐκ ἦν θέλημα ἵνα νῦν ἔλθῃ, ἐλεύσεται δὲ ὅταν εὐκαιρήσῃ.

Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now; he will come, however, when he has opportunity.

New sub-topic (Apollos)Περὶ δέAnother περὶ δέ item, perhaps from their letter: Paul affirms Apollos as a brother and reports his own urging, while clearing the air — Apollos's delay is his own free decision, not rivalry.
Περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (reference)
δὲnowtransitional conjunction (topic shift)
ἈπολλῶApollosGenitiveobject of περί (reference)Ἀπολλῶς: Apollos, the eloquent Alexandrian (Acts 18:24); associated with a Corinthian faction (1:12; 3:4–6), yet here treated as Paul's valued partner.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ἀδελφοῦbrotherGenitiveapposition to Ἀπολλῶἀδελφός: 'brother'; the title binds Apollos to Paul against any party rivalry.
πολλὰstronglyadverbial accusative (degree)πολλά: lit. 'many things,' here adverbial — 'much, urgently, repeatedly.'
παρεκάλεσαI urgedAor Act Indic 1 Sg · παρακαλέωmain verb→ constative aoristπαρακαλέω: 'urge, exhort, appeal' (παρά + καλέω); Paul actively pressed Apollos to go — no rivalry on his part.
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object
ἵναthatconjunction (content of urging)
ἔλθῃhe comeAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιverb of ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ aorist (arrival)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; the substance of Paul's appeal.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (association)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἀδελφῶνbrothersGenitiveobject of μετά (association)ἀδελφός: 'brother'; the traveling party, perhaps the bearers of this very letter.
καὶbutcoordinating conjunction (adversative sense)
πάντωςat alladverb (with οὐκ: 'not at all')πάντως: 'altogether, by all means'; with the negative, 'not at all, in no way.'
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἦνit wasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ imperfect (state at the time)
θέλημαwillNominativepredicate nominativeθέλημα: 'will, wish'; ambiguous — most likely Apollos's own will, though some take it of God's will; Paul leaves the decision to Apollos.
ἵναthatconjunction (epexegetical of θέλημα)
νῦνnowadverb (time)
ἔλθῃhe comeAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιverb of ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ aorist (arrival)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; the present timing he declined.
ἐλεύσεταιhe will comeFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ predictive futureἔρχομαι: 'come'; the visit is deferred, not refused.
δὲhowevercontrastive conjunction
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (indefinite)
εὐκαιρήσῃhe has opportunityAor Act Subj 3 Sg · εὐκαιρέωverb of temporal clause (subjunctive)→ ingressive aorist (finds the right time)εὐκαιρέω: 'have a good/opportune time, find leisure' (εὖ + καιρός); 'when the moment is right.'
13

Γρηγορεῖτε, στήκετε ἐν τῇ πίστει, ἀνδρίζεσθε, κραταιοῦσθε.

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.

Staccato exhortationasyndetonFour asyndetic imperatives, almost martial in tone, gathering the letter's call to vigilance and steadfastness into a memorable watchword.
Γρηγορεῖτεbe watchfulPres Act Impv 2 Pl · γρηγορέωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present imperative (keep on)γρηγορέω: 'be awake, watch, stay alert'; a back-formation from the perfect of ἐγείρω — eschatological wakefulness (cf. Mark 13:37).
στήκετεstand firmPres Act Impv 2 Pl · στήκωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present imperativeστήκω: 'stand firm, hold one's ground' (a present formed from the perfect ἕστηκα of ἵστημι); hold your position.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
τῇtheDativearticle
πίστειfaithDativedat. of sphere (where they stand)πίστις: 'faith'; here the sphere of standing — their believing trust, or the body of faith confessed.
ἀνδρίζεσθεbe courageousPres Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀνδρίζομαιmain verb (imperative)→ customary present imperativeἀνδρίζομαι: 'act like a man, be brave' (from ἀνήρ, 'man'); a common LXX summons to courage (Josh 1:6–7; Ps 30[31]:25).
κραταιοῦσθεbe strongPres Pass Impv 2 Pl · κραταιόωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present imperative (be strengthened)κραταιόω: 'strengthen, make strong' (from κράτος, 'might'); the passive — 'be made strong,' i.e. by God (cf. Eph 3:16).
14

πάντα ὑμῶν ἐν ἀγάπῃ γινέσθω.

Let all that you do be done in love.

Capstone exhortationasyndetonThe crowning qualifier: every action, including the preceding militant commands, is to be governed by love — the keynote of chapter 13 set over the whole.
πάνταall thingsNominativesubject (neuter plural)πᾶς: 'all, every'; the comprehensive 'everything you do.'
ὑμῶνof youGenitivegenitive of possession/source
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner/sphere)
ἀγάπῃloveDativedat. of manner (the governing atmosphere)ἀγάπη: 'love'; self-giving, others-directed love — the supreme value of ch. 13, now made the rule of all conduct.
γινέσθωlet be donePres Mid Impv 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (imperative)→ customary present imperativeγίνομαι: 'become, happen, be done'; 'let everything keep happening in love.'
15

Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί· οἴδατε τὴν οἰκίαν Στεφανᾶ, ὅτι ἐστὶν ἀπαρχὴ τῆς Ἀχαΐας καὶ εἰς διακονίαν τοῖς ἁγίοις ἔταξαν ἑαυτούς·

Now I urge you, brothers — you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the firstfruits of Achaia and have devoted themselves to the service of the saints —

Appeal (commendation)δέPaul begins an appeal but breaks off into a parenthesis describing the household of Stephanas, whose early conversion and self-devotion to ministry ground the request that follows in v.16.
ΠαρακαλῶI urgePres Act Indic 1 Sg · παρακαλέωmain verb→ present (performative appeal)παρακαλέω: 'urge, exhort, appeal'; the verb that regularly opens a Pauline request (cf. Rom 12:1).
δὲnowtransitional conjunction
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of addressἀδελφός: 'brother'; the warm direct address as Paul makes a personal request.
οἴδατεyou knowPerf Act Indic 2 Pl · οἶδαmain verb (parenthesis)→ perfect with present sense (you know)οἶδα: 'know' (perfect of εἴδω with present meaning); appeals to shared knowledge of Stephanas's household.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
οἰκίανhouseholdAccusativedirect object of οἴδατε (proleptic)οἰκία: 'house, household'; the family and dependents of Stephanas (baptized by Paul, 1:16).
Στεφανᾶof StephanasGenitivegenitive of relationship (possession)Στεφανᾶς: Stephanas ('crowned'); among the first converts of Achaia and a leader Paul commends.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of οἴδατε)
ἐστὶνthey arePres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula; sg. w/ collective)→ stative present
ἀπαρχὴfirstfruitsNominativepredicate nominativeἀπαρχή: 'firstfruits' (cult term for the first/best offering); the first converts of the region, the pledge of a larger harvest.
τῆςofGenitivearticle
ἈχαΐαςAchaiaGenitivepartitive/relationship genitiveἈχαΐα: Achaia, the southern Roman province (capital Corinth); the sphere of their pioneering faith.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (purpose/goal)
διακονίανserviceAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)διακονία: 'service, ministry' (cf. διάκονος); the practical serving of fellow believers.
τοῖςto theDativearticle
ἁγίοιςsaintsDativedat. of advantage (beneficiaries)ἅγιος: 'holy one, saint'; the fellow believers served by this household.
ἔταξανthey devotedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · τάσσωmain verb (ὅτι clause continued)→ constative aoristτάσσω: 'appoint, assign, arrange'; with the reflexive, 'they set/assigned themselves' — a self-given dedication to service.
ἑαυτούςthemselvesAccusativedirect object (reflexive)ἑαυτοῦ: 'himself, themselves'; the reflexive stresses the voluntary, self-imposed character of their ministry.
16

ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς ὑποτάσσησθε τοῖς τοιούτοις καὶ παντὶ τῷ συνεργοῦντι καὶ κοπιῶντι.

that you also be subject to such people, and to everyone who works and labors with them.

Content of the appealἵναThe substance of the urging resumed from v.15: voluntary deference to proven servants and to all who share the toil of ministry — a counter to the Corinthians' status-seeking.
ἵναthatconjunction (content of παρακαλῶ, v.15)
καὶalsoadverbial conjunction
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic)
ὑποτάσσησθεbe subjectPres Mid Subj 2 Pl · ὑποτάσσωverb of ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ customary present (ongoing deference)ὑποτάσσω: 'subject, subordinate' (ὑπό + τάσσω); a military 'rank under,' here voluntary submission — fittingly echoing ἔταξαν (v.15).
τοῖςto theDativearticle
τοιούτοιςsuch peopleDativeobject of ὑποτάσσησθε (dat. after the verb)τοιοῦτος: 'such, of this kind'; people of the Stephanas type — proven by self-giving service.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
παντὶeveryoneDativeobject of the verb (coordinate)πᾶς: 'every, all'; the deference extends to all such workers, not Stephanas's household alone.
τῷthe (one)Dativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
συνεργοῦντιwho works withPres Act Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · συνεργέωsubstantival participle→ present (ongoing labor)συνεργέω: 'work together with' (σύν + ἔργον); the cognate of συνεργός, 'fellow worker' — a favorite Pauline category.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
κοπιῶντιlaborsPres Act Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · κοπιάωsubstantival participle (coordinate)→ present (ongoing toil)κοπιάω: 'toil, labor to weariness' (from κόπος, 'wearying labor'); strenuous, costly work in the gospel.
17

χαίρω δὲ ἐπὶ τῇ παρουσίᾳ Στεφανᾶ καὶ Φορτουνάτου καὶ Ἀχαϊκοῦ, ὅτι τὸ ὑμέτερον ὑστέρημα οὗτοι ἀνεπλήρωσαν,

I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking from you,

Occasion of joyδέPaul reports gladness at the arrival of the three Corinthian envoys (likely the bearers of the church's letter and gift), whose presence made up for the Corinthians' absence.
χαίρωI rejoicePres Act Indic 1 Sg · χαίρωmain verb→ present (current joy)χαίρω: 'rejoice, be glad'; Paul's gladness at the delegation's coming.
δὲandcontinuative conjunction
ἐπὶatpreposition + dative (cause/occasion)ἐπί + dat.: here causal — 'on account of, at' the occasion that prompts the joy.
τῇtheDativearticle
παρουσίᾳcoming/presenceDativeobject of ἐπί (occasion)παρουσία: 'presence, arrival, coming' (παρά + οὐσία); here simply their arrival, though the same word names Christ's advent elsewhere.
Στεφανᾶof StephanasGenitivegenitive (with παρουσίᾳ)Στεφανᾶς: see v.15; here present with Paul at Ephesus.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΦορτουνάτουFortunatusGenitivegenitive (coordinate)Φορτουνᾶτος: Fortunatus, a Latin name ('fortunate, blessed'); a Corinthian delegate, otherwise unknown.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἈχαϊκοῦAchaicusGenitivegenitive (coordinate)Ἀχαϊκός: Achaicus ('belonging to Achaia'); the third delegate, named only here.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ὑμέτερονyourAccusativeattributive possessive adjectiveὑμέτερος: 'your'; the possessive adjective, slightly more emphatic than ὑμῶν.
ὑστέρημαwhat was lackingAccusativedirect object of ἀνεπλήρωσανὑστέρημα: 'lack, deficiency, what is missing' (cf. ὑστερέω); their bodily absence from Paul, now filled by the three (no reproach intended).
οὗτοιtheseNominativesubject (emphatic)
ἀνεπλήρωσανhave suppliedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀναπληρόωmain verb (ὅτι clause)→ constative aoristἀναπληρόω: 'fill up, make complete, supply' (ἀνά + πληρόω); they filled the gap left by the church's absence.
18

ἀνέπαυσαν γὰρ τὸ ἐμὸν πνεῦμα καὶ τὸ ὑμῶν. ἐπιγινώσκετε οὖν τοὺς τοιούτους.

for they refreshed my spirit and yours. Give recognition therefore to such people.

Ground & exhortationγάρThe reason for the joy (they refreshed Paul and, by extension, the Corinthians) issues in a closing imperative: acknowledge and honor people of this caliber.
ἀνέπαυσανthey refreshedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀναπαύωmain verb→ constative aoristἀναπαύω: 'give rest, refresh' (ἀνά + παύω); they brought relief and rest of mind to Paul.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἐμὸνmyAccusativeattributive possessive adjectiveἐμός: 'my'; the emphatic possessive.
πνεῦμαspiritAccusativedirect objectπνεῦμα: here Paul's own inner self/disposition; his morale was lifted.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸthe (spirit)Accusativearticle (object, ellipsis of πνεῦμα)
ὑμῶνyoursGenitivepossessive genitiveὑμῶν: 'your'; refreshing Paul is reckoned as refreshing them too — their joint interest.
ἐπιγινώσκετεrecognizePres Act Impv 2 Pl · ἐπιγινώσκωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present imperativeἐπιγινώσκω: 'recognize, acknowledge fully' (ἐπί-intensive of γινώσκω); give such workers their due esteem.
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunction
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
τοιούτουςsuch peopleAccusativedirect objectτοιοῦτος: 'such'; people of this proven, self-giving kind (echoing v.16).
19

Ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς αἱ ἐκκλησίαι τῆς Ἀσίας. ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς ἐν κυρίῳ πολλὰ Ἀκύλας καὶ Πρίσκα σὺν τῇ κατ' οἶκον αὐτῶν ἐκκλησίᾳ.

The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, greet you warmly in the Lord.

GreetingsasyndetonThe closing greetings begin: first the regional churches of Asia, then Paul's close coworkers Aquila and Prisca and their house-congregation — a web of fellowship across the churches.
ἈσπάζονταιgreetPres Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb→ present (epistolary convention)ἀσπάζομαι: 'greet, salute, embrace'; the standard verb of letter-closing salutations.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
αἱtheNominativearticle
ἐκκλησίαιchurchesNominativesubjectἐκκλησία: 'church, assembly'; the congregations of the province around Ephesus.
τῆςofGenitivearticle
ἈσίαςAsiaGenitivegenitive of place/relationshipἈσία: the Roman province of Asia (western Asia Minor), whose capital was Ephesus.
ἀσπάζεταιgreetsPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (sg. w/ compound subject)→ present (epistolary)ἀσπάζομαι: see above; the singular verb precedes the compound subject (a common Greek concord).
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κυρίῳthe LordDativedat. of sphere (Christian fellowship)κύριος: 'Lord'; ἐν κυρίῳ marks the greeting as one of Christian, not merely social, fellowship.
πολλὰwarmlyadverbial accusative (degree)πολλά: adverbial, 'much, heartily' — a warm, emphatic greeting.
ἈκύλαςAquilaNominativesubjectἈκύλας: Aquila, a Jewish Christian tentmaker, Paul's host and coworker (Acts 18; Rom 16:3).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΠρίσκαPriscaNominativesubject (coordinate)Πρίσκα: Prisca (diminutive Priscilla), Aquila's wife and fellow worker; often named first elsewhere (Rom 16:3; Acts 18:18).
σὺνwithpreposition + dative (accompaniment)
τῇtheDativearticle
κατ'inpreposition + accusative (distributive/local)κατά + acc.: here 'at, in' — ἡ κατ' οἶκον ἐκκλησία, 'the house-church.'
οἶκονhouseAccusativeobject of κατάοἶκος: 'house, home'; early congregations met in private homes — here that of Aquila and Prisca.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐκκλησίᾳchurchDativeobject of σύν (the house congregation)ἐκκλησία: 'assembly, church'; the congregation gathering in their household.
20

ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς οἱ ἀδελφοὶ πάντες. ἀσπάσασθε ἀλλήλους ἐν φιλήματι ἁγίῳ.

All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Greetings & holy kissasyndetonA blanket greeting from all the brothers, followed by the customary exhortation to the holy kiss — a ritual sign of the family love that should mark the gathered church.
ἀσπάζονταιgreetPres Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb→ present (epistolary)ἀσπάζομαι: 'greet'; see v.19.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
οἱtheNominativearticle
ἀδελφοὶbrothersNominativesubjectἀδελφός: 'brother'; the whole body of believers with Paul send greetings.
πάντεςallNominativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; the greeting is comprehensive — every brother joins it.
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (imperative)→ constative aorist imperativeἀσπάζομαι: 'greet'; now an imperative addressed to the Corinthians among themselves.
ἀλλήλουςone anotherAccusativedirect object (reciprocal pronoun)ἀλλήλων: 'one another'; the reciprocal — mutual greeting within the community.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (means/manner)
φιλήματιa kissDativedat. of means (instrument of greeting)φίλημα: 'a kiss' (from φιλέω, 'love'); the customary greeting-kiss, here sanctified as a sign of Christian affection (cf. Rom 16:16).
ἁγίῳholyDativeattributive adjectiveἅγιος: 'holy'; the kiss is set apart, consecrated — an expression of pure family love among the saints.
21

Ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου.

The greeting is in my own hand — Paul's.

AutographasyndetonPaul takes the pen from his amanuensis to add the closing in his own hand — the authenticating signature that guarantees the letter (cf. Gal 6:11; 2 Thess 3:17).
theNominativearticle
ἀσπασμὸςgreetingNominativesubject (verbless clause)ἀσπασμός: 'a greeting, salutation' (cf. ἀσπάζομαι); here the written closing salutation.
τῇtheDativearticle
ἐμῇmy ownDativeattributive possessive adjectiveἐμός: 'my, my own'; emphatic — the apostle's personal hand.
χειρὶhandDativedat. of means (instrument of writing)χείρ: 'hand'; τῇ ἐμῇ χειρί = 'with my own hand,' the mark of personal authentication after dictation.
Παύλουof PaulGenitivegenitive of source/apposition (the signatory)Παῦλος: Paul; the genitive names the author of the autograph greeting.
22

εἴ τις οὐ φιλεῖ τὸν κύριον, ἤτω ἀνάθεμα. μαρανα θα.

If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!

Curse & cryasyndetonA solemn conditional curse against loveless rejection of Christ, sealed by the Aramaic Maranatha — an invocation of the Lord's coming that turns the warning toward the eschatological judge.
εἴifconjunction (first-class condition)εἰ + indicative: a condition assumed real for argument — 'if, as may be the case.'
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite)
οὐnotnegative particle
φιλεῖlovesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · φιλέωverb of protasis→ stative/customary presentφιλέω: 'love, have affection for, be a friend to'; the lack of personal devotion to Christ is the condemnable fault.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
κύριονLordAccusativedirect objectκύριος: 'Lord'; the risen Christ, the object of the love that defines a true believer.
ἤτωlet him bePres Act Impv 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (imperative, apodosis)→ imperatival (solemn decree)ἤτω: 'let him be' (a late 3rd-sg. imperative of εἰμί, beside ἔστω); pronounces the verdict.
ἀνάθεμαaccursedNominativepredicate nominativeἀνάθεμα: 'devoted to destruction, accursed' (LXX for Heb. ḥērem); set apart for divine judgment (cf. 12:3; Gal 1:8–9).
μαρανα(our) Lordtransliterated Aramaic (vocative/subject)māranā: Aramaic 'our Lord'; the untranslated liturgical cry preserved from the earliest Aramaic-speaking church.
θαcome!transliterated Aramaic (imperative)thā: Aramaic 'come!'; together marana tha = 'Our Lord, come!' (or 'Our Lord has come') — a prayer for the parousia (cf. Rev 22:20).
23

ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ μεθ' ὑμῶν.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

BenedictionasyndetonThe grace-benediction that closes a Pauline letter — balancing the curse of v.22 with the offer of grace, the proper note on which to end.
theNominativearticle
χάριςgraceNominativesubject (verbless wish)χάρις: 'grace, favor'; God's unmerited kindness in Christ — the keynote of Paul's closing blessing.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitivegenitive of sourceκύριος: 'Lord'; the grace flows from the Lord Jesus.
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition to κυρίου
μεθ'withpreposition + genitive (association)μετά + gen.: 'with'; the blessing-wish formula '(be) with you.'
ὑμῶνyouGenitiveobject of μετά
24

ἡ ἀγάπη μου μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ.

My love be with you all in Christ Jesus.

Personal benedictionasyndetonAn unusual personal addition: after the grace-wish Paul sends his own love to them all in Christ — a tender close to a letter that has often had to rebuke.
theNominativearticle
ἀγάπηloveNominativesubject (verbless wish)ἀγάπη: 'love'; Paul's own affection — the same word that governs all conduct (v.14) — sent to them despite the letter's reproofs.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of source/possession
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (association)
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; emphatically inclusive — his love embraces the whole quarrelsome church, no faction excluded.
ὑμῶνyouGenitiveobject of μετά
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/union)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (sphere of union)Χριστός: 'Christ, Anointed'; ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ — the union in which alone such love is possible, the final word of the letter.
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition to Χριστῷ