1
Παρακαλῶ οὖν ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, διὰ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν τοῦ θεοῦ, παραστῆσαι τὰ σώματα ὑμῶν θυσίαν ζῶσαν ἁγίαν εὐάρεστον τῷ θεῷ, τὴν λογικὴν λατρείαν ὑμῶν·
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
The living sacrificeοὖνThe great hinge of the letter: in view of all God's mercies, present your whole bodily self as a living sacrifice — the truly fitting worship.
ΠαρακαλῶI appeal/urgePres Act Indic 1 Sg · παρακαλέωmain verb→ customary presentπαρακαλέω: 'exhort, urge, appeal, comfort' (παρά + καλέω; cf. παράκλησις, v.8); a warm appeal, not a cold command — the doctrinal section turns to exhortation.
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore'; the great pivot — all of chs. 1-11 grounds the ethics of 12-16.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of direct addressἀδελφός: 'brother'; affectionate address.
διὰby/throughpreposition + genitive (means/basis)διά + gen.: 'by means of, in view of' — the appeal grounded in God's mercies.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
οἰκτιρμῶνmercies/compassionsGenitiveobject of διά (basis)οἰκτιρμός: 'compassion, mercy' (cf. οἰκτίρω, 9:15); the mercies displayed throughout chs. 1-11 — the motive of all obedience.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivepossessive genitive
παραστῆσαιto present/offerAor Act Inf · παρίστημιinfinitive (complement of Παρακαλῶ)→ ingressive aorist (decisive act)παρίστημι: 'present, offer, place at disposal' (cf. 6:13, 19); a sacrificial term — to offer up; the aorist calls for a decisive self-offering.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
σώματαbodiesAccusativedirect object (of the infinitive)σῶμα: 'body' (cf. 6:12-13); the whole bodily self — concrete, everyday life — as the offering.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
θυσίανsacrificeAccusativepredicate accusative (double acc.)θυσία: 'sacrifice, offering' (cf. θύω, 'sacrifice'); the body offered as a sacrifice — but a living one.
ζῶσανlivingPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Fem · ζάωattributive participle→ present (ongoing)ζάω: 'live' (cf. 6:11); a 'living' sacrifice — not slain but offered alive in ongoing service (the paradox).
ἁγίανholyAccusativeattributive adjectiveἅγιος: 'holy, set apart' (cf. 1:7; 11:16); consecrated, like an acceptable offering.
εὐάρεστονacceptable/pleasingAccusativeattributive adjectiveεὐάρεστος: 'well-pleasing, acceptable' (εὖ + ἀρέσκω; cf. v.2; 8:8); pleasing to God — what the flesh could not be.
τῷtoDativearticle
θεῷGodDativedat. of reference (the one pleased)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
λογικὴνspiritual/reasonableAccusativeattributive adjectiveλογικός: 'rational, reasonable, of the word/reason' (cf. λόγος; 'logical'); worship that is reasonable/spiritual — of the mind and reason, not mere external ritual (cf. 1 Pet 2:2).
λατρείανworship/serviceAccusativeapposition to the whole offeringλατρεία: 'worship, (cultic) service' (cf. λατρεύω, 1:9; 9:4); the new, whole-life worship that replaces temple sacrifice.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
2
καὶ μὴ συσχηματίζεσθε τῷ αἰῶνι τούτῳ, ἀλλὰ μεταμορφοῦσθε τῇ ἀνακαινώσει τοῦ νοός, εἰς τὸ δοκιμάζειν ὑμᾶς τί τὸ θέλημα τοῦ θεοῦ, τὸ ἀγαθὸν καὶ εὐάρεστον καὶ τέλειον.
Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what the will of God is — what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Transformed mindasyndetonThe shape of that worship: refuse the mold of the present age; instead be inwardly transformed by a renewed mind, able to test and approve God's good will.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μὴnotnegative particle (w/ imperative)
συσχηματίζεσθεbe conformedPres Mid/Pass Impv 2 Pl · συσχηματίζωmain verb (prohibition)→ imperatival (continuous prohibition)συσχηματίζω: 'conform, fashion after the same pattern' (σύν + σχῆμα, 'outward form'; cf. 'scheme'); do not be molded to the world's fleeting outward form.
τῷto theDativearticle
αἰῶνιageDativedat. (the pattern conformed to)αἰών: 'age, era' (cf. 1:25); 'this age' — the present evil order, opposed to the age to come.
τούτῳthisDativedemonstrative (attributive)
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
μεταμορφοῦσθεbe transformedPres Mid/Pass Impv 2 Pl · μεταμορφόωmain verb (command)→ imperatival (continuous)μεταμορφόω: 'transform, transfigure, change form' (μετά + μορφή; cf. 'metamorphosis'); an inner transformation of essential nature, vs. the outward συσχηματίζω.
τῇby theDativearticle
ἀνακαινώσειrenewingDativedat. of meansἀνακαίνωσις: 'renewal, making new' (ἀνά + καινός, 'new'; cf. Titus 3:5); the Spirit's renewing of the mind as the means of transformation.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
νοόςmindGenitiveobjective genitiveνοῦς: 'mind, understanding' (cf. 7:23, 25; 11:34); the mind, once debased (1:28), now renewed — the locus of transformation.
εἰςso thatpreposition + articular inf. (purpose)
τὸtheAccusativearticle (substantizes inf.)
δοκιμάζεινto discern/test and approvePres Act Inf · δοκιμάζωarticular inf. of purpose→ present (ongoing)δοκιμάζω: 'test, prove, approve, discern' (cf. 1:28; 2:18); the renewed mind tests and approves God's will — discerning, not just knowing.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive
τίwhatNominativeinterrogative pronoun (predicate)
τὸtheNominativearticle
θέλημαwillNominativesubject (of indir. question)θέλημα: 'will, purpose' (cf. 1:10; 2:18); God's will — to be discerned and done.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivepossessive genitive
τὸtheNominativearticle
ἀγαθὸνgoodNominativeapposition to θέλημα (substantival adj.)ἀγαθός: 'good' (cf. 7:12); God's will characterized — good.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εὐάρεστονacceptable/pleasingNominativeapposition to θέλημαεὐάρεστος: 'well-pleasing, acceptable' (cf. v.1); God's will is pleasing.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τέλειονperfect/completeNominativeapposition to θέληματέλειος: 'perfect, complete, mature' (cf. τέλος; 1 Cor 2:6); God's will is perfect — lacking nothing.
3
Λέγω γὰρ διὰ τῆς χάριτος τῆς δοθείσης μοι παντὶ τῷ ὄντι ἐν ὑμῖν μὴ ὑπερφρονεῖν παρ' ὃ δεῖ φρονεῖν, ἀλλὰ φρονεῖν εἰς τὸ σωφρονεῖν, ἑκάστῳ ὡς ὁ θεὸς ἐμέρισεν μέτρον πίστεως.
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
Sober self-assessmentγάρThe first concrete application: by his apostolic grace Paul urges humble, sober self-estimation, each measuring himself by the faith God apportioned.
ΛέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ customary presentλέγω: 'say, tell'; introducing the specific exhortation.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
διὰby/throughpreposition + genitive (basis)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
χάριτοςgraceGenitiveobject of διά (basis)χάρις: 'grace' (cf. 1:5; 15:15); Paul's apostolic authority is a gift of grace, lending weight to the appeal.
τῆςthe (which was)Genitivearticle (attributive)
δοθείσηςgivenAor Pass Ptc · Gen Sg Fem · δίδωμιattributive participle→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; the grace 'given to me' — his commission (cf. v.6; 15:15).
μοιto meDativedat. of indirect object
παντὶto everyoneDativesubstantival adj. (indirect object)πᾶς: 'all, every'; the exhortation is for each member.
τῷthe (one)Dativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ὄντιwho isPres Act Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · εἰμίsubstantival participle (apposition to παντί)→ present (ongoing)εἰμί: 'be'; 'everyone who is among you' — all the believers.
ἐνamongpreposition + dative (sphere)
ὑμῖνyouDativeobject of ἐν
μὴnotnegative particle (w/ inf.)
ὑπερφρονεῖνto think too highlyPres Act Inf · ὑπερφρονέωinfinitive (indirect command)→ present (ongoing)ὑπερφρονέω: 'be haughty, think too highly' (ὑπέρ + φρονέω; a wordplay with the φρον- root throughout); overestimating oneself.
παρ'than/beyondpreposition + accusative (comparison)παρά + acc.: 'beyond, more than' — beyond what is fitting.
ὃwhatAccusativerelative pronoun (object of φρονεῖν)
δεῖought/is necessaryPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal verb→ gnomic presentδεῖ: 'it is necessary, one ought' (cf. 1:27); the proper measure of self-estimation.
φρονεῖνto thinkPres Act Inf · φρονέωcomplementary infinitive (w/ δεῖ)→ present (ongoing)φρονέω: 'think, be minded' (cf. 8:5; 12:16); the root verb of the wordplay.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
φρονεῖνto thinkPres Act Inf · φρονέωinfinitive (indirect command)→ present (ongoing)φρονέω: 'think, be minded'; positively, to think rightly.
εἰςso aspreposition + articular inf. (result/purpose)
τὸtheAccusativearticle (substantizes inf.)
σωφρονεῖνto think soberly/sensiblyPres Act Inf · σωφρονέωarticular inf. of result→ present (ongoing)σωφρονέω: 'be of sound mind, think sensibly, be self-controlled' (σῶς, 'sound' + φρήν, 'mind'); the φron-wordplay's resolution — sober self-judgment.
ἑκάστῳto eachDativesubstantival adj. (dat. of reference)ἕκαστος: 'each, every one'; the measure is individual.
ὡςascomparative particle
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubject
ἐμέρισενhas assigned/apportionedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · μερίζωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristμερίζω: 'divide, apportion, assign' (cf. μέρος, 'part'); God distributed faith in differing measure — grounds for humility, not pride.
μέτρονmeasureAccusativedirect objectμέτρον: 'measure, portion' (cf. 'meter'); the allotted portion.
πίστεωςof faithGenitiveattributive/epexegetical genitiveπίστις: 'faith' (cf. 1:17; here perhaps faith as the capacity for service); the standard for self-assessment — God-given, not self-achieved.
4
καθάπερ γὰρ ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι πολλὰ μέλη ἔχομεν, τὰ δὲ μέλη πάντα οὐ τὴν αὐτὴν ἔχει πρᾶξιν,
For just as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
Many membersγάρThe body analogy grounding the call to humility: one body has many members, each with its own distinct function.
καθάπερjust ascomparative conjunctionκαθάπερ: 'exactly as, just as' (cf. 4:6; 10:15).
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ἑνὶoneDativeattributive numeralεἷς: 'one'; the unity of the body.
σώματιbodyDativedat. of sphereσῶμα: 'body' (cf. v.1, 5); the body as the image of the church (cf. 1 Cor 12).
πολλὰmanyAccusativeattributive adjectiveπολύς: 'many'; the diversity within unity.
μέληmembersAccusativedirect objectμέλος: 'member, bodily part' (cf. 6:13; 7:23); the many parts of the one body.
ἔχομενwe havePres Act Indic 1 Pl · ἔχωmain verb→ gnomic present
τὰtheNominativearticle
δὲand/butconnective conjunction
μέληmembersNominativesubjectμέλος: 'member'; the parts, each different.
πάνταallNominativeattributive adjective
οὐnotnegative particle
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
αὐτὴνsameAccusativeintensive/identical adjectiveαὐτός: 'same'; not the same function — diversity is the point.
ἔχειhave/hasPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔχωmain verb→ gnomic present
πρᾶξινfunction/activityAccusativedirect objectπρᾶξις: 'function, action, activity' (cf. πράσσω; 8:13); each member's distinct role.
5
οὕτως οἱ πολλοὶ ἓν σῶμά ἐσμεν ἐν Χριστῷ, τὸ δὲ καθ' εἷς ἀλλήλων μέλη.
so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
One body in ChristasyndetonThe application: the many believers form one body in Christ, and each belongs to all the others as members of a single organism.
οὕτωςsoadverb (correlative)οὕτως: 'so, in the same way'; matching καθάπερ of v.4.
οἱtheNominativearticle
πολλοὶmanyNominativesubject (substantival adj.)πολύς: 'many'; the many believers.
ἓνoneNominativeattributive numeralεἷς: 'one'; their unity in Christ.
σῶμάbodyNominativepredicate nominativeσῶμα: 'body' (cf. v.4); the one body of Christ — the church.
ἐσμενwe arePres Act Indic 1 Pl · εἰμίmain verb→ stative present
ἐνinpreposition + dative (union)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (union)ἐν Χριστῷ: 'in Christ' (cf. 6:11; 8:1); the sphere of the body's unity.
τὸtheNominativearticle (substantizes the phrase)τὸ δὲ καθ' εἷς: an idiom, 'and as to the individual matter, each one' — adverbial.
δὲandconnective conjunction
καθ'individuallypreposition + accusative (distributive)καθ' εἷς: 'one by one, individually' (a Koine fixed phrase, εἷς not declined).
εἷςeach oneNominativedistributive numeralεἷς: 'one'; each individual member.
ἀλλήλωνof one anotherGenitivereciprocal pronoun (possessive genitive)ἀλλήλων: 'one another' (cf. 1:12; 12:10); members belonging to each other — mutual interdependence.
μέληmembersNominativepredicate nominativeμέλος: 'member'; each a member 'of one another' — no isolated Christian.
6
ἔχοντες δὲ χαρίσματα κατὰ τὴν χάριν τὴν δοθεῖσαν ἡμῖν διάφορα, εἴτε προφητείαν κατὰ τὴν ἀναλογίαν τῆς πίστεως,
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;
Differing giftsδὲThe diversity applied to gifts: each member has different gifts of grace — beginning the list with prophecy, to be exercised in proportion to faith.
ἔχοντεςhavingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἔχωadverbial participle (causal/imperatival)→ present (ongoing)ἔχω: 'have'; the participle governs the list, functioning imperativally — 'since we have… let us use them.'
δὲand/nowconnective conjunction
χαρίσματαgiftsAccusativedirect objectχάρισμα: 'gift of grace, spiritual gift' (cf. 1:11; 11:29); the grace-gifts distributed to the body.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
χάρινgraceAccusativeobject of κατά (standard)χάρις: 'grace' (cf. v.3); the gifts flow from grace, vary by grace.
τὴνthe (which was)Accusativearticle (attributive)
δοθεῖσανgivenAor Pass Ptc · Acc Sg Fem · δίδωμιattributive participle→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give' (cf. v.3); grace 'given to us' — the gifts are bestowed, not earned.
ἡμῖνto usDativedat. of indirect object
διάφοραdifferingAccusativeattributive adjectiveδιάφορος: 'different, varying' (διά + φέρω; cf. 'diverse'); the gifts differ from one another.
εἴτεwhether/ifconjunction (correlative, introduces list)εἴτε … εἴτε: 'whether … or'; itemizing the gifts.
προφητείανprophecyAccusativedirect object (first gift)προφητεία: 'prophecy' (cf. προφήτης, 1:2); Spirit-inspired speech for edification — the first gift listed.
κατὰaccording to/in proportion topreposition + accusative (standard)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἀναλογίανproportionAccusativeobject of κατά (standard)ἀναλογία: 'proportion, right relationship' (cf. 'analogy'); prophecy exercised in proportion to one's faith — not beyond it.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
πίστεωςfaithGenitiveobjective/possessive genitiveπίστις: 'faith' (cf. v.3, the 'measure of faith'); the standard limiting prophetic speech.
7
εἴτε διακονίαν ἐν τῇ διακονίᾳ, εἴτε ὁ διδάσκων ἐν τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ,
if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;
Service and teachingasyndetonThe list continues: the gift of practical service is to be poured into serving; the gift of teaching, into teaching.
εἴτεif/whetherconjunction (correlative)
διακονίανservice/ministryAccusativedirect object (gift)διακονία: 'service, ministry' (cf. v.11; 11:13); practical, hands-on serving.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
τῇtheDativearticle
διακονίᾳservingDativedat. of sphereδιακονία: 'service'; let the gift be devoted to the actual serving — stay in your lane.
εἴτεif/whetherconjunction (correlative)
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.; shift to personal)The construction shifts from abstract gift to the person — 'the one who teaches.'
διδάσκωνwho teachesPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · διδάσκωsubstantival participle (subject)→ customary (characteristic)διδάσκω: 'teach' (cf. διδαχή, 6:17); the teacher of the faith.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
τῇtheDativearticle
διδασκαλίᾳteaching/instructionDativedat. of sphereδιδασκαλία: 'teaching, instruction' (cf. 15:4); let the teacher devote himself to teaching.
8
εἴτε ὁ παρακαλῶν ἐν τῇ παρακλήσει, ὁ μεταδιδοὺς ἐν ἁπλότητι, ὁ προϊστάμενος ἐν σπουδῇ, ὁ ἐλεῶν ἐν ἱλαρότητι.
the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
More gifts and their mannerasyndetonFour more gifts, each paired with its proper spirit: exhortation, generous giving, diligent leading, and cheerful mercy.
εἴτεif/whetherconjunction (correlative)
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
παρακαλῶνwho exhorts/encouragesPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · παρακαλέωsubstantival participle (subject)→ customary (characteristic)παρακαλέω: 'exhort, encourage, comfort' (cf. v.1); the encourager.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
τῇtheDativearticle
παρακλήσειexhortation/encouragementDativedat. of sphereπαράκλησις: 'exhortation, encouragement, comfort' (cf. 15:4-5); let him devote himself to it.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
μεταδιδοὺςwho gives/sharesPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · μεταδίδωμιsubstantival participle (subject)→ customary (characteristic)μεταδίδωμι: 'share, give a portion' (cf. 1:11); the one who gives of his goods.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner)
ἁπλότητιgenerosity/sincerityDativedat. of mannerἁπλότης: 'singleness, simplicity, generosity' (ἁ- + πλόος, 'single-fold'); giving with single-hearted, unmixed liberality, no ulterior motive.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
προϊστάμενοςwho leads/presidesPres Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · προΐστημιsubstantival participle (subject)→ customary (characteristic)προΐστημι: 'lead, preside, manage, care for' (προ + ἵστημι; cf. 1 Thess 5:12); the leader (or, possibly, the patron/giver of aid).
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner)
σπουδῇzeal/diligenceDativedat. of mannerσπουδή: 'diligence, eagerness, zeal' (cf. v.11); leading with earnest care, not laxity.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἐλεῶνwho shows mercyPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἐλεέωsubstantival participle (subject)→ customary (characteristic)ἐλεέω: 'show mercy, have pity' (cf. 9:15-18); the one who cares for the suffering.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner)
ἱλαρότητιcheerfulnessDativedat. of mannerἱλαρότης: 'cheerfulness, gladness' (cf. ἱλαρός, 'cheerful'; 'hilarious'; 2 Cor 9:7); mercy shown gladly, not grudgingly.
9
ἡ ἀγάπη ἀνυπόκριτος. ἀποστυγοῦντες τὸ πονηρόν, κολλώμενοι τῷ ἀγαθῷ·
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.
Genuine loveasyndetonThe heading of the love-section and its first commands: love must be unfeigned — recoiling from evil, glued fast to good.
ἡtheNominativearticle
ἀγάπηloveNominativesubject (verbless command)ἀγάπη: 'love' (cf. 5:5; 8:35; 13:10); the governing theme of vv.9-21 — Christian love defined in action.
ἀνυπόκριτοςgenuine/without hypocrisyNominativepredicate adjectiveἀνυπόκριτος: 'unfeigned, sincere' (ἀ- + ὑποκρίνομαι, 'play a part, act'; cf. 'hypocrite'); love with no mask, no pretense.
ἀποστυγοῦντεςabhorringPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἀποστυγέωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)ἀποστυγέω: 'abhor, hate intensely' (ἀπό-intensive of στυγέω, 'hate'); the participle functions as a command — recoil from evil.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
πονηρόνevilAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)πονηρός: 'evil, wicked' (cf. 1:29); the moral evil to be abhorred.
κολλώμενοιclingingPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · κολλάωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)κολλάω: 'glue, join, cling to' (cf. κόλλα, 'glue'); to be bonded to the good — the positive counterpart.
τῷto theDativearticle
ἀγαθῷgoodDativedat. (the thing clung to; substantival adj.)ἀγαθός: 'good' (cf. v.2; 7:12); the good to be embraced.
10
τῇ φιλαδελφίᾳ εἰς ἀλλήλους φιλόστοργοι, τῇ τιμῇ ἀλλήλους προηγούμενοι,
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Brotherly affectionasyndetonThe family character of the church: tender mutual affection, and a competition to honor each other above oneself.
τῇinDativearticle
φιλαδελφίᾳbrotherly loveDativedat. of reference/sphereφιλαδελφία: 'brotherly love' (φίλος + ἀδελφός; cf. 1 Thess 4:9); the affection of family members for one another.
εἰςtowardpreposition + accusative (direction)
ἀλλήλουςone anotherAccusativereciprocal pronoun (object of εἰς)ἀλλήλων: 'one another' (cf. v.5); mutual love.
φιλόστοργοιtenderly affectionateNominativepredicate adjective (verbless command)φιλόστοργος: 'tenderly loving, devoted' (φίλος + στοργή, 'family affection'); the warm love proper to kin.
τῇinDativearticle
τιμῇhonorDativedat. of reference/sphereτιμή: 'honor, value' (cf. 2:7; 12:17); honoring others.
ἀλλήλουςone anotherAccusativereciprocal pronoun (object of προηγούμενοι)
προηγούμενοιoutdoing/leading the wayPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · προηγέομαιparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)προηγέομαι: 'go before, lead, esteem more highly, outdo' (προ + ἡγέομαι); either 'outdo one another in honoring' or 'esteem others above yourselves' (cf. Phil 2:3).
11
τῇ σπουδῇ μὴ ὀκνηροί, τῷ πνεύματι ζέοντες, τῷ κυρίῳ δουλεύοντες,
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Fervent in spiritasyndetonThree quick commands on inner fire: no laziness in diligence, a boiling fervency of spirit, all as service to the Lord.
τῇinDativearticle
σπουδῇzeal/diligenceDativedat. of reference/sphereσπουδή: 'diligence, eagerness, zeal' (cf. v.8); earnestness in service.
μὴnotnegative particle
ὀκνηροίslothful/lazyNominativepredicate adjective (verbless command)ὀκνηρός: 'idle, lazy, hesitant' (cf. ὀκνέω, 'shrink from'); not sluggish in diligence.
τῷinDativearticle
πνεύματιspiritDativedat. of reference/sphereπνεῦμα: 'spirit' (here the human spirit, perhaps stirred by the Holy Spirit); the seat of fervor.
ζέοντεςbeing fervent/boilingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ζέωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)ζέω: 'boil, seethe, be fervent' (cf. ζεστός, 'hot'); spiritually 'aboil' — burning with zeal (cf. Acts 18:25).
τῷtheDativearticle
κυρίῳLordDativedat. (the one served)κύριος: 'Lord' (cf. 10:9; some MSS read 'serving the time/opportunity,' καιρῷ); the Lord as the master served.
δουλεύοντεςservingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · δουλεύωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)δουλεύω: 'serve as a slave' (cf. 6:6; 7:6); all zeal directed as service to the Lord.
12
τῇ ἐλπίδι χαίροντες, τῇ θλίψει ὑπομένοντες, τῇ προσευχῇ προσκαρτεροῦντες,
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Hope, patience, prayerasyndetonA triad for endurance: joy grounded in hope, steadfastness under affliction, persistence in prayer.
τῇinDativearticle
ἐλπίδιhopeDativedat. of cause/sphereἐλπίς: 'hope' (cf. 5:2; 8:24); the ground of joy.
χαίροντεςrejoicingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · χαίρωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)χαίρω: 'rejoice, be glad' (cf. v.15); joy rooted in hope.
τῇinDativearticle
θλίψειtribulationDativedat. of sphere/circumstanceθλῖψις: 'affliction, tribulation' (cf. 5:3; 8:35); the pressure to be endured.
ὑπομένοντεςbeing patient/enduringPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ὑπομένωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)ὑπομένω: 'endure, remain under, persevere' (cf. ὑπομονή, 5:3-4); steadfast under trial.
τῇinDativearticle
προσευχῇprayerDativedat. of sphereπροσευχή: 'prayer' (cf. 1:10); the constant resource.
προσκαρτεροῦντεςbeing devoted/constantPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · προσκαρτερέωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)προσκαρτερέω: 'persist in, be devoted to, hold fast' (πρός + καρτερέω, 'be steadfast'; cf. Acts 1:14); unremitting in prayer.
13
ταῖς χρείαις τῶν ἁγίων κοινωνοῦντες, τὴν φιλοξενίαν διώκοντες.
Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality.
Generosity and hospitalityasyndetonLove made practical: share in meeting fellow believers' needs, and chase after hospitality as one pursues a goal.
ταῖςtheDativearticle
χρείαιςneedsDativedat. (the thing shared in)χρεία: 'need, necessity' (cf. χράομαι); the material needs of fellow believers.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
ἁγίωνsaintsGenitivepossessive genitive (substantival adj.)ἅγιος: 'holy one, saint' (cf. 1:7; 8:27); fellow believers in need.
κοινωνοῦντεςsharing/contributingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · κοινωνέωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)κοινωνέω: 'share, have fellowship in, contribute' (cf. κοινωνία; 15:26-27); to share materially in others' needs.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
φιλοξενίανhospitalityAccusativedirect objectφιλοξενία: 'hospitality, love of strangers' (φίλος + ξένος, 'stranger/guest'; cf. Heb 13:2); welcome to travelers and strangers.
διώκοντεςpursuingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · διώκωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)διώκω: 'pursue, chase after' (cf. 9:30-31; 14:19); not merely practice but actively 'chase' hospitality.
14
εὐλογεῖτε τοὺς διώκοντας, εὐλογεῖτε καὶ μὴ καταρᾶσθε.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.
Bless persecutorsasyndetonThe radical turn outward, echoing Jesus: bless your persecutors — bless, and never curse.
εὐλογεῖτεblessPres Act Impv 2 Pl · εὐλογέωmain verb (command)→ imperatival (continuous)εὐλογέω: 'bless, speak well of' (εὖ + λόγος; cf. εὐλογητός, 1:25; the teaching of Jesus, Luke 6:28); to invoke good on, not ill — a true imperative now, not a participle.
τοὺςthoseAccusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
διώκονταςwho persecutePres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · διώκωsubstantival participle (object)→ customary (characteristic)διώκω: 'pursue, persecute' (cf. v.13, where it was positive — 'pursue hospitality'; here negative — 'persecutors'); a deliberate wordplay.
εὐλογεῖτεblessPres Act Impv 2 Pl · εὐλογέωmain verb (command)→ imperatival (continuous)εὐλογέω: 'bless'; repeated for emphasis.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μὴnotnegative particle (w/ imperative)
καταρᾶσθεcursePres Mid Impv 2 Pl · καταράομαιmain verb (prohibition)→ imperatival (continuous prohibition)καταράομαι: 'curse, call down evil on' (cf. κατάρα, 'curse'); the forbidden opposite of blessing.
15
χαίρειν μετὰ χαιρόντων, κλαίειν μετὰ κλαιόντων.
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Rejoice and weep withasyndetonEmpathy as love's posture: enter into others' joys and sorrows as if they were your own.
χαίρεινto rejoice/rejoicePres Act Inf · χαίρωinfinitive (imperatival)→ imperativalχαίρω: 'rejoice' (cf. v.12); the infinitive used for command — 'rejoice!'
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (association)
χαιρόντωνthose who rejoicePres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · χαίρωsubstantival participle (object of μετά)→ customary (characteristic)χαίρω: 'rejoice'; sharing others' gladness — harder than it sounds, free of envy.
κλαίεινto weep/weepPres Act Inf · κλαίωinfinitive (imperatival)→ imperativalκλαίω: 'weep, cry, lament'; the infinitive used for command — 'weep!'
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (association)
κλαιόντωνthose who weepPres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · κλαίωsubstantival participle (object of μετά)→ customary (characteristic)κλαίω: 'weep'; entering others' grief — compassion.
16
τὸ αὐτὸ εἰς ἀλλήλους φρονοῦντες, μὴ τὰ ὑψηλὰ φρονοῦντες ἀλλὰ τοῖς ταπεινοῖς συναπαγόμενοι. μὴ γίνεσθε φρόνιμοι παρ' ἑαυτοῖς.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
Harmony and humilityasyndetonThe mind of the body: be of one mind, shun pride, keep company with the lowly, and abandon all self-conceit.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
αὐτὸsameAccusativeintensive/identical adjectiveαὐτός: 'same'; τὸ αὐτὸ φρονεῖν = 'to be of the same mind, live in harmony' (cf. 15:5; Phil 2:2).
εἰςtowardpreposition + accusative (direction)
ἀλλήλουςone anotherAccusativereciprocal pronoun (object of εἰς)ἀλλήλων: 'one another' (cf. v.5, 10).
φρονοῦντεςthinking/being mindedPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · φρονέωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)φρονέω: 'think, be minded' (cf. v.3; 8:5); shared mindedness — harmony.
μὴnotnegative particle
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ὑψηλὰhigh/proud thingsAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)ὑψηλός: 'high, lofty, proud' (cf. 11:20); 'do not set the mind on lofty things' — ambition/pride.
φρονοῦντεςthinking/setting mind onPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · φρονέωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)φρονέω: 'set the mind on'; the φρον-wordplay again.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
τοῖςtheDativearticle
ταπεινοῖςlowly/humbleDativedat. (object of συναπαγόμενοι; substantival adj. or neut.)ταπεινός: 'lowly, humble, of low position' (cf. ταπεινοφροσύνη); the humble people (or things) — associate with them.
συναπαγόμενοιassociating/being carried along withPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · συναπάγωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)συναπάγω: 'be carried away with, associate with, accommodate to' (σύν + ἀπό + ἄγω; cf. Gal 2:13); let yourself be drawn to the lowly.
μὴnotnegative particle (w/ imperative)
γίνεσθεbecome/bePres Mid Impv 2 Pl · γίνομαιmain verb (prohibition)→ imperatival (continuous prohibition)γίνομαι: 'become, be'; a true imperative — 'do not become.'
φρόνιμοιwise/prudentNominativepredicate adjectiveφρόνιμος: 'wise, prudent' (cf. 11:25); self-conceited wisdom — echoing Prov 3:7.
παρ'inpreposition + dative (estimation)παρ' ἑαυτοῖς: 'in your own estimation' (cf. 11:25).
ἑαυτοῖςyour own selvesDativereflexive (object of παρά)
17
μηδενὶ κακὸν ἀντὶ κακοῦ ἀποδιδόντες· προνοούμενοι καλὰ ἐνώπιον πάντων ἀνθρώπων·
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to what is honorable in the sight of all.
No evil for evilasyndetonThe renunciation of retaliation begins: never pay evil back with evil; instead aim at what everyone recognizes as good.
μηδενὶto no oneDativeindefinite pronoun (dat. of disadvantage)μηδείς: 'no one'; the absolute prohibition — to nobody.
κακὸνevilAccusativedirect objectκακός: 'bad, evil' (cf. v.21; 2:9); the harm not to be returned.
ἀντὶfor/in return forpreposition + genitive (exchange)ἀντί + gen.: 'in place of, in return for' — repayment.
κακοῦevilGenitiveobject of ἀντίκακός: 'evil'; the wrong received.
ἀποδιδόντεςrepayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἀποδίδωμιparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)ἀποδίδωμι: 'give back, repay, render' (cf. 2:6; 13:7); do not pay back evil — no retaliation.
προνοούμενοιtaking thought for/aiming atPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · προνοέωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)προνοέω: 'take thought beforehand, provide, have regard for' (προ + νοέω; cf. 'providence'); to consider in advance what is good (echoing Prov 3:4 LXX).
καλὰhonorable/good thingsAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)καλός: 'good, fine, honorable' (cf. 7:16); what is manifestly right.
ἐνώπιονin the sight ofpreposition + genitive (position)ἐνώπιον: 'before, in the sight of' (cf. 3:20); good visible to all.
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjective
ἀνθρώπωνpeopleGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιονἄνθρωπος: 'person'; before all people — a public, credible goodness.
18
εἰ δυνατόν, τὸ ἐξ ὑμῶν μετὰ πάντων ἀνθρώπων εἰρηνεύοντες·
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Live at peaceasyndetonA realistic command for peace: as much as lies within your power, be at peace with everyone — while acknowledging it does not always depend on you.
εἰifconjunction (condition)εἰ δυνατόν: 'if possible' — a candid qualification; peace is not always attainable.
δυνατόνpossibleNominativepredicate adjective (substantival/impersonal)δυνατός: 'possible, able' (cf. 11:23); 'if it be possible.'
τὸthe (part)Accusativearticle (substantizes phrase)τὸ ἐξ ὑμῶν: 'the matter that is from you, so far as it depends on you' — the second qualification.
ἐξfrompreposition + genitive (source)
ὑμῶνyouGenitiveobject of ἐξ'so far as it depends on you' — your responsibility, not the other party's.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (association)
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjective
ἀνθρώπωνpeopleGenitiveobject of μετάἄνθρωπος: 'person'; peace 'with all people,' not just believers.
εἰρηνεύοντεςliving at peacePres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · εἰρηνεύωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous)εἰρηνεύω: 'be at peace, keep peace' (cf. εἰρήνη, 5:1); to maintain peace as far as one can.
19
μὴ ἑαυτοὺς ἐκδικοῦντες, ἀγαπητοί, ἀλλὰ δότε τόπον τῇ ὀργῇ, γέγραπται γάρ· Ἐμοὶ ἐκδίκησις, ἐγὼ ἀνταποδώσω, λέγει κύριος.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'
Leave room for wrathγάρThe ground for renouncing revenge: do not avenge yourselves; cede the matter to God's wrath, for vengeance is his to repay (Deut 32:35).
μὴnotnegative particle
ἑαυτοὺςyourselvesAccusativereflexive (direct object)
ἐκδικοῦντεςavengingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐκδικέωparticiple (imperatival)→ imperatival (continuous prohibition)ἐκδικέω: 'avenge, take vengeance, exact justice' (ἐκ + δίκη; cf. ἐκδίκησις below); do not take justice into your own hands.
ἀγαπητοίbelovedVocativevocative of direct addressἀγαπητός: 'beloved' (cf. 1:7; 11:28); tender address as he gives a hard command.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
δότεgive/leaveAor Act Impv 2 Pl · δίδωμιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; δότε τόπον = 'give place, make room' — a true imperative.
τόπονplace/roomAccusativedirect objectτόπος: 'place, room, opportunity' (cf. 'topography'); 'give room to' — yield the matter to God's wrath.
τῇto theDativearticle
ὀργῇwrathDativedat. of indirect objectὀργή: 'wrath' (cf. 1:18; 2:5); God's wrath — leave vengeance to him, the just Judge.
γέγραπταιit is writtenPerf Pass Indic 3 Sg · γράφωmain verb (citation formula)→ intensive perfect (standing record)γράφω: 'it stands written'; quoting Deut 32:35.
γάρforexplanatory conjunction
ἘμοὶmineDativedat. of possession (emphatic, fronted)'to me belongs' — God claims vengeance as his exclusive right.
ἐκδίκησιςvengeanceNominativesubjectἐκδίκησις: 'vengeance, vindication, justice' (cf. ἐκδικέω above); the prerogative of God alone.
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)ἐγώ: 'I' — God himself, emphatic.
ἀνταποδώσωI will repayFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀνταποδίδωμιmain verb (citation)→ predictive futureἀνταποδίδωμι: 'repay, recompense' (cf. 11:35; ἀνταπόδομα, 11:9); God will requite — so we need not.
λέγειsaysPres Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (citation tag)→ gnomic present
κύριοςthe LordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; God, the speaker of the oracle.
20
ἀλλὰ ἐὰν πεινᾷ ὁ ἐχθρός σου, ψώμιζε αὐτόν· ἐὰν διψᾷ, πότιζε αὐτόν· τοῦτο γὰρ ποιῶν ἄνθρακας πυρὸς σωρεύσεις ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ.
On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.'
Feed your enemyἀλλὰThe positive alternative to revenge (Prov 25:21–22): actively do good to your enemy — feed and water him — and so heap burning coals on his head.
ἀλλὰon the contrary/butadversative conjunction
ἐὰνifconjunction (third-class condition)
πεινᾷis hungryPres Act Subj 3 Sg · πεινάωsubjunctive (protasis)→ present (general)πεινάω: 'be hungry, hunger' (cf. Matt 5:6); the enemy's need.
ὁtheNominativearticle
ἐχθρόςenemyNominativesubjectἐχθρός: 'enemy' (cf. 5:10; 11:28); the personal foe — to be served, not struck.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ψώμιζεfeedPres Act Impv 2 Sg · ψωμίζωmain verb (command)→ imperatival (continuous)ψωμίζω: 'feed, give a morsel to' (cf. ψωμίον, 'morsel'); to feed — concrete kindness to a foe.
αὐτόνhimAccusativedirect object
ἐὰνifconjunction (third-class condition)
διψᾷis thirstyPres Act Subj 3 Sg · διψάωsubjunctive (protasis)→ present (general)διψάω: 'be thirsty, thirst'; the second need.
πότιζεgive drinkPres Act Impv 2 Sg · ποτίζωmain verb (command)→ imperatival (continuous)ποτίζω: 'give to drink, water' (cf. ποτόν, 'drink'); to quench the enemy's thirst.
αὐτόνhimAccusativedirect object
τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative (direct object of ποιῶν)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ποιῶνdoingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ποιέωadverbial participle (conditional/temporal)→ present (concurrent)ποιέω: 'do' (cf. 2:14); 'by doing this' — the kindness.
ἄνθρακαςcoalsAccusativedirect objectἄνθραξ: 'live coal, charcoal' (cf. 'anthracite'); 'coals of fire' — variously taken as kindling the enemy's shame/repentance (the usual view) or, less likely, heaping judgment.
πυρὸςof fireGenitiveattributive genitiveπῦρ: 'fire'; the coals are burning.
σωρεύσειςyou will heapFut Act Indic 2 Sg · σωρεύωmain verb→ predictive futureσωρεύω: 'heap up, pile' (cf. σωρός, 'heap'); the kindness 'heaps coals' — most likely melting the enemy to contrition.
ἐπὶon/uponpreposition + accusative (place)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
κεφαλὴνheadAccusativeobject of ἐπίκεφαλή: 'head'; where the coals are heaped — the image of overwhelming, transforming kindness.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
21
μὴ νικῶ ὑπὸ τοῦ κακοῦ, ἀλλὰ νίκα ἐν τῷ ἀγαθῷ τὸ κακόν.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Overcome evil with goodasyndetonThe chapter's ringing summary: refuse to be conquered by evil; conquer it instead — by good.
μὴnotnegative particle (w/ imperative)
νικῶbe overcomePres Mid/Pass Impv 2 Sg · νικάωmain verb (prohibition)→ imperatival (continuous prohibition)νικάω: 'conquer, overcome, be victorious' (cf. 8:37, ὑπερνικάω); passive — 'do not be defeated by evil.'
ὑπὸbypreposition + genitive (agency)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
κακοῦevilGenitiveobject of ὑπό (agent; substantival adj.)κακός: 'evil' (cf. v.17); the would-be conqueror — to retaliate is to be conquered by it.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
νίκαovercome/conquerPres Act Impv 2 Sg · νικάωmain verb (command)→ imperatival (continuous)νικάω: 'conquer, overcome'; active — defeat evil by doing good, the only true victory.
ἐνwith/bypreposition + dative (means)
τῷtheDativearticle
ἀγαθῷgoodDativedat. of means (substantival adj.)ἀγαθός: 'good' (cf. v.2, 9; 13:3); the weapon of victory — good overcomes evil.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
κακόνevilAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)κακός: 'evil'; the thing to be conquered — by good, not by more evil.