1
Συνίστημι δὲ ὑμῖν Φοίβην τὴν ἀδελφὴν ἡμῶν, οὖσαν διάκονον τῆς ἐκκλησίας τῆς ἐν Κεγχρεαῖς,
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae,
Commending PhoebeδὲThe closing chapter opens with a letter of commendation for Phoebe — likely the letter's bearer — a sister and a deacon of the Cenchrean church.
ΣυνίστημιI commend/introducePres Act Indic 1 Sg · συνίστημιmain verb→ customary presentσυνίστημι: 'commend, introduce, present' (cf. 3:5; 5:8); a formal letter-of-recommendation verb — vouching for Phoebe.
δὲnow/andconnective conjunction
ὑμῖνto youDativedat. of indirect object
ΦοίβηνPhoebeAccusativedirect objectΦοίβη: Phoebe ('bright, radiant'); the woman commended — probably the carrier of the letter to Rome.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἀδελφὴνsisterAccusativeapposition to Φοίβηνἀδελφή: 'sister' (fem. of ἀδελφός); a fellow believer in the family of faith.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship
οὖσανbeing/who isPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Fem · εἰμίadverbial participle (causal/circumstantial)→ present (ongoing)εἰμί: 'be'; introducing her office.
διάκονονservant/deaconAccusativepredicate accusativeδιάκονος: 'servant, minister, deacon' (cf. 13:4; 15:8); either a general 'servant' or a formal office of 'deacon' — much discussed; the form is the same for either gender.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
ἐκκλησίαςchurchGenitiveobjective genitiveἐκκλησία: 'assembly, church' (lit. 'called-out ones'; cf. v.4-5, 16); the local congregation she served.
τῆςthe (which is)Genitivearticle (attributive, w/ prep. phrase)
ἐνin/atpreposition + dative (place)
ΚεγχρεαῖςCenchreaeDativedat. of placeΚεγχρεαί: Cenchreae, the eastern port of Corinth (Acts 18:18); locating Phoebe's church — and Paul at Corinth as he writes.
2
ἵνα αὐτὴν προσδέξησθε ἐν κυρίῳ ἀξίως τῶν ἁγίων, καὶ παραστῆτε αὐτῇ ἐν ᾧ ἂν ὑμῶν χρῄζῃ πράγματι, καὶ γὰρ αὐτὴ προστάτις πολλῶν ἐγενήθη καὶ ἐμοῦ αὐτοῦ.
that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.
Receive and help herἵναThe request of the commendation: receive Phoebe worthily and assist her in any need — for she has been a patron to many, Paul included.
ἵναthatconjunction (purpose)
αὐτὴνherAccusativedirect object
προσδέξησθεyou may welcome/receiveAor Mid Subj 2 Pl · προσδέχομαιsubjunctive (purpose clause)→ constative aoristπροσδέχομαι: 'welcome, receive, accept' (πρός + δέχομαι; cf. 15:7); to receive her hospitably.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κυρίῳthe LordDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)κύριος: 'Lord'; 'in the Lord' — as Christian fellowship requires.
ἀξίωςworthilyadverb (manner)ἀξίως: 'worthily, in a manner worthy of' (cf. ἄξιος, 8:18); a welcome befitting the saints.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
ἁγίωνsaintsGenitivegenitive (standard of worthiness; substantival adj.)ἅγιος: 'saint' (cf. 1:7; 15:25); 'as the saints (should welcome).'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
παραστῆτεhelp/assist/stand byAor Act Subj 2 Pl · παρίστημιsubjunctive (purpose clause)→ ingressive aoristπαρίστημι: 'stand by, assist, help' (cf. 12:1; 14:10); to give her practical aid.
αὐτῇherDativedat. of advantage
ἐνinpreposition + dative (reference)
ᾧwhateverDativerelative pronoun (w/ πράγματι)
ἂν(contingency)particle (indefinite)
ὑμῶνyou/yourGenitivegenitive (object of χρῄζῃ)
χρῄζῃshe may needPres Act Subj 3 Sg · χρῄζωsubjunctive (indefinite rel. clause)→ present (general)χρῄζω: 'need, have need of' (cf. χρεία, 12:13); 'in whatever matter she may need.'
πράγματιmatter/thingDativedat. (antecedent of ᾧ)πρᾶγμα: 'matter, affair, business' (cf. πράσσω; possibly a legal/business matter she pursues in Rome).
καὶfor indeedadverbial
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
αὐτὴshe herselfNominativeintensive pronoun (subject)
προστάτιςpatron/benefactorNominativepredicate nominativeπροστάτις: 'patroness, benefactor, protector' (fem. of προστάτης; cf. προΐστημι, 12:8); a woman of means and standing who aided others — a significant social role.
πολλῶνof manyGenitiveobjective genitiveπολύς: 'many'; the many she helped.
ἐγενήθηhas become/beenAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb→ constative aoristγίνομαι: 'become, prove to be'; she became a patron.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐμοῦof meGenitiveobjective genitive
αὐτοῦmyselfGenitiveintensive pronoun'of myself' — Paul too benefited from her patronage.
3
Ἀσπάσασθε Πρίσκαν καὶ Ἀκύλαν τοὺς συνεργούς μου ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ,
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,
Prisca and AquilaasyndetonThe roll of greetings begins with Paul's closest co-workers, the missionary couple Prisca and Aquila.
ἈσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet, salute, welcome' (the keyword of vv.3-16, repeated ~16 times); 'convey greetings to.'
ΠρίσκανPriscaAccusativedirect objectΠρίσκα: Prisca (the diminutive Priscilla in Acts); named before her husband — a prominent ministry leader (Acts 18; 1 Cor 16:19).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἈκύλανAquilaAccusativedirect objectἈκύλας: Aquila; the Jewish-Christian tentmaker, Prisca's husband, Paul's coworker and host (Acts 18:2-3).
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
συνεργούςfellow workersAccusativeappositionσυνεργός: 'fellow worker, co-laborer' (σύν + ἔργον; cf. v.9, 21); Paul's partners in the gospel.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)ἐν Χριστῷ: 'in Christ' (cf. 8:1); the sphere of their shared labor.
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition
4
οἵτινες ὑπὲρ τῆς ψυχῆς μου τὸν ἑαυτῶν τράχηλον ὑπέθηκαν, οἷς οὐκ ἐγὼ μόνος εὐχαριστῶ ἀλλὰ καὶ πᾶσαι αἱ ἐκκλησίαι τῶν ἐθνῶν,
who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well,
Risked their necksasyndetonTheir heroism noted: they risked their lives for Paul — earning the gratitude not only of the apostle but of all the Gentile churches.
οἵτινεςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (qualitative)ὅστις: the qualitative relative — 'people who.'
ὑπὲρfor/on behalf ofpreposition + genitive (advantage)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ψυχῆςlifeGenitiveobject of ὑπέρψυχή: 'life, soul' (cf. 11:3; 13:1); Paul's life, for which they risked theirs.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἑαυτῶνtheir ownGenitivereflexive (possessive)
τράχηλονneckAccusativedirect objectτράχηλος: 'neck, throat'; 'laid down their neck' — an idiom for risking execution (the executioner's block).
ὑπέθηκανthey laid down/riskedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ὑποτίθημιmain verb→ constative aoristὑποτίθημι: 'put under, lay down, risk' (ὑπό + τίθημι); to put their necks on the line for Paul.
οἷςto whomDativerelative pronoun (dat. of indirect obj.)
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
μόνοςonly/aloneNominativepredicate adjectiveμόνος: 'alone'; not Paul alone — the gratitude is widespread.
εὐχαριστῶgive thanksPres Act Indic 1 Sg · εὐχαριστέωmain verb→ customary presentεὐχαριστέω: 'give thanks' (cf. 1:8; 14:6).
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
καὶalsoadverbial
πᾶσαιallNominativeattributive adjective
αἱtheNominativearticle
ἐκκλησίαιchurchesNominativesubjectἐκκλησία: 'church' (cf. v.1, 5, 16); all the Gentile congregations honor them.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
ἐθνῶνGentilesGenitivepossessive genitiveἔθνος: 'Gentile' (cf. 1:5; 15:16).
5
καὶ τὴν κατ' οἶκον αὐτῶν ἐκκλησίαν. ἀσπάσασθε Ἐπαίνετον τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου, ὅς ἐστιν ἀπαρχὴ τῆς Ἀσίας εἰς Χριστόν.
Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia.
House church; EpaenetusasyndetonGreetings extend to the congregation meeting in their home, and to Epaenetus, the firstfruits of Asia for Christ.
καὶalso/andcoordinating conjunction
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
κατ'in/atpreposition + accusative (distributive/place)κατ' οἶκον: 'in the house, at home' — the house-church meeting in their home.
οἶκονhouseAccusativeobject of κατάοἶκος: 'house, household' (cf. οἰκέω, 8:9); early churches met in homes.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐκκλησίανchurchAccusativedirect object (of ἀσπάσασθε, continued)ἐκκλησία: 'church, assembly' (cf. v.1, 4); the house congregation of Prisca and Aquila.
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.3).
ἘπαίνετονEpaenetusAccusativedirect objectἘπαίνετος: Epaenetus ('praised'); otherwise unknown — the first convert in Asia.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἀγαπητόνbelovedAccusativeappositionἀγαπητός: 'beloved' (cf. 1:7; 12:19); a term of warm affection used repeatedly here.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
ὅςwhoNominativerelative pronoun
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb→ stative present
ἀπαρχὴfirstfruitsNominativepredicate nominativeἀπαρχή: 'firstfruits, first portion' (cf. 8:23; 11:16); the first convert — the pledge of more to come.
τῆςofGenitivearticle
ἈσίαςAsiaGenitivepartitive/possessive genitiveἈσία: the Roman province of Asia (western Asia Minor, around Ephesus).
εἰςfor/untopreposition + accusative (reference)
ΧριστόνChristAccusativeobject of εἰςΧριστός: 'Christ'; converted 'to Christ' — the firstfruits unto him.
6
ἀσπάσασθε Μαρίαν, ἥτις πολλὰ ἐκοπίασεν εἰς ὑμᾶς.
Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you.
MaryasyndetonA brief greeting to Mary, commended for her hard labor on the Romans' behalf.
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.3).
ΜαρίανMaryAccusativedirect objectΜαρία: Mary (the Hebrew Miriam); a common name — this Mary otherwise unknown, but a hard worker.
ἥτιςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (qualitative)ὅστις: the qualitative relative.
πολλὰmuch/hardAccusativeadverbial accusativeπολύς: 'much'; 'labored much' — adverbial.
ἐκοπίασενlabored/worked hardAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κοπιάωmain verb→ constative aoristκοπιάω: 'work hard, toil, grow weary' (cf. κόπος, 'labor'; v.12); strenuous ministry labor — notably credited to several women here.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (advantage)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of εἰς'for you' — on the Romans' behalf (some MSS, 'for us').
7
ἀσπάσασθε Ἀνδρόνικον καὶ Ἰουνίαν τοὺς συγγενεῖς μου καὶ συναιχμαλώτους μου, οἵτινές εἰσιν ἐπίσημοι ἐν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις, οἳ καὶ πρὸ ἐμοῦ γέγοναν ἐν Χριστῷ.
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are noteworthy among the apostles, and who were in Christ before me.
Andronicus and JuniaasyndetonGreetings to Andronicus and Junia — kin and fellow prisoners, prominent among the apostles, and in Christ before Paul himself.
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.3).
ἈνδρόνικονAndronicusAccusativedirect objectἈνδρόνικος: Andronicus ('conqueror of men'); a Jewish believer, paired with Junia (likely husband and wife).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἸουνίανJuniaAccusativedirect objectἸουνία(ν): the accusative is ambiguous — almost certainly the feminine 'Junia' (a common woman's name), though older readings took it as masculine 'Junias'; if so, a woman 'noteworthy among the apostles.'
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
συγγενεῖςkinsmen/relativesAccusativeappositionσυγγενής: 'kinsman, relative, compatriot' (cf. 9:3; v.11, 21); fellow Jews, or actual relatives of Paul.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
συναιχμαλώτουςfellow prisonersAccusativeappositionσυναιχμάλωτος: 'fellow prisoner/captive' (σύν + αἰχμάλωτος, cf. 7:23, αἰχμαλωτίζω); imprisoned with Paul at some point.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
οἵτινέςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (qualitative)ὅστις: the qualitative relative.
εἰσινarePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb→ stative present
ἐπίσημοιnoteworthy/outstandingNominativepredicate adjectiveἐπίσημος: 'notable, prominent, of note' (ἐπί + σῆμα, 'mark'); 'outstanding among the apostles' (members of that group) or 'well known to the apostles' — both readings defended.
ἐνamong/topreposition + dative (sphere)
τοῖςtheDativearticle
ἀποστόλοιςapostlesDativedat. of sphereἀπόστολος: 'apostle, sent one' (cf. 1:1); here perhaps in the broad sense of commissioned missionaries.
οἳwhoNominativerelative pronoun
καὶalso/evenadverbial
πρὸbeforepreposition + genitive (time)
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of πρό
γέγονανhave been/came to bePerf Act Indic 3 Pl · γίνομαιmain verb→ intensive perfect (abiding state)γίνομαι: 'become, come to be'; they were in Christ before Paul — early believers.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (union)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (union)ἐν Χριστῷ: 'in Christ' (cf. v.3); in union with Christ before Paul's conversion.
8
ἀσπάσασθε Ἀμπλιᾶτον τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου ἐν κυρίῳ.
Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.
AmpliatusasyndetonA warm greeting to Ampliatus, dear to Paul in the Lord.
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.3).
ἈμπλιᾶτονAmpliatusAccusativedirect objectἈμπλιᾶτος: Ampliatus; a common Roman slave name — possibly a member of the imperial household; the name appears in early Roman Christian inscriptions.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἀγαπητόνbelovedAccusativeappositionἀγαπητός: 'beloved' (cf. v.5).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κυρίῳthe LordDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)κύριος: 'Lord'; the bond of affection is 'in the Lord.'
9
ἀσπάσασθε Οὐρβανὸν τὸν συνεργὸν ἡμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ καὶ Στάχυν τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου.
Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.
Urbanus and StachysasyndetonGreetings to Urbanus, a co-worker, and to the beloved Stachys.
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.3).
ΟὐρβανὸνUrbanusAccusativedirect objectΟὐρβανός: Urbanus ('of the city, urbane'); a common Roman slave name; a fellow worker.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
συνεργὸνfellow workerAccusativeappositionσυνεργός: 'fellow worker' (cf. v.3, 21).
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΣτάχυνStachysAccusativedirect objectΣτάχυς: Stachys ('head of grain'); an uncommon name — otherwise unknown.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἀγαπητόνbelovedAccusativeappositionἀγαπητός: 'beloved' (cf. v.5, 8).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
10
ἀσπάσασθε Ἀπελλῆν τὸν δόκιμον ἐν Χριστῷ. ἀσπάσασθε τοὺς ἐκ τῶν Ἀριστοβούλου.
Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.
Apelles; Aristobulus' householdasyndetonGreetings to the tested-and-approved Apelles, and to the believers in Aristobulus' household.
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.3).
ἈπελλῆνApellesAccusativedirect objectἈπελλῆς: Apelles; a name common among Jews in Rome; otherwise unknown.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
δόκιμονapproved/testedAccusativeapposition (substantival adj.)δόκιμος: 'approved, tested, proven' (cf. δοκιμάζω, 12:2; δοκιμή, 5:4); one whose faith has stood the test.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet.'
τοὺςthoseAccusativearticle (substantizes prep. phrase)οἱ ἐκ τῶν Ἀριστοβούλου: 'those of the household of Aristobulus' — the believing slaves/members of his house.
ἐκof/frompreposition + genitive (origin/category)
τῶνthe (household)Genitivearticle (substantival)
Ἀριστοβούλουof AristobulusGenitivepossessive genitiveἈριστόβουλος: Aristobulus; possibly a grandson of Herod the Great resident in Rome — only the Christians in his household are greeted, not he himself.
11
ἀσπάσασθε Ἡρῳδίωνα τὸν συγγενῆ μου. ἀσπάσασθε τοὺς ἐκ τῶν Ναρκίσσου τοὺς ὄντας ἐν κυρίῳ.
Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
Herodion; Narcissus' householdasyndetonGreetings to Paul's kinsman Herodion and to the believers among the household of Narcissus.
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.3).
ἩρῳδίωναHerodionAccusativedirect objectἩρῳδίων: Herodion; the name suggests a connection to Herod's household; a fellow Jew.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
συγγενῆkinsmanAccusativeappositionσυγγενής: 'kinsman, compatriot' (cf. v.7, 21); fellow Jew or relative.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet.'
τοὺςthoseAccusativearticle (substantizes prep. phrase)οἱ ἐκ τῶν Ναρκίσσου: 'those of Narcissus' household.'
ἐκof/frompreposition + genitive (origin/category)
τῶνthe (household)Genitivearticle (substantival)
Ναρκίσσουof NarcissusGenitivepossessive genitiveΝάρκισσος: Narcissus; possibly the wealthy freedman of the emperor Claudius — again, only the Christians of his house are greeted.
τοὺςthe (ones)Accusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ὄνταςwho arePres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · εἰμίsubstantival participle→ present (ongoing)εἰμί: 'be'; 'those who are in the Lord' — distinguishing the believers in the household.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κυρίῳthe LordDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)κύριος: 'Lord'; only the believing members.
12
ἀσπάσασθε Τρύφαιναν καὶ Τρυφῶσαν τὰς κοπιώσας ἐν κυρίῳ. ἀσπάσασθε Περσίδα τὴν ἀγαπητήν, ἥτις πολλὰ ἐκοπίασεν ἐν κυρίῳ.
Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord.
Tryphaena, Tryphosa, PersisasyndetonGreetings to three more women — the laboring sisters Tryphaena and Tryphosa, and beloved Persis, who toiled much in the Lord.
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.3).
ΤρύφαινανTryphaenaAccusativedirect objectΤρύφαινα: Tryphaena ('delicate, dainty'); paired with Tryphosa — perhaps sisters or even twins.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΤρυφῶσανTryphosaAccusativedirect objectΤρυφῶσα: Tryphosa ('delicate, luxuriating'); the names ('dainty') ironically contrast with their hard labor.
τὰςthe (ones)Accusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
κοπιώσαςwho labor/work hardPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Fem · κοπιάωsubstantival participle (apposition)→ present (ongoing)κοπιάω: 'work hard, toil' (cf. v.6); their ongoing ministry labor 'in the Lord.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κυρίῳthe LordDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)κύριος: 'Lord.'
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet.'
ΠερσίδαPersisAccusativedirect objectΠερσίς: Persis ('Persian woman'); a beloved sister, distinguished by her hard work.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἀγαπητήνbelovedAccusativeappositionἀγαπητός: 'beloved' (cf. v.5, 8-9); note 'the beloved,' not 'my beloved' — a community-wide affection.
ἥτιςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (qualitative)ὅστις: the qualitative relative.
πολλὰmuch/hardAccusativeadverbial accusativeπολύς: 'much'; 'labored much' (cf. v.6).
ἐκοπίασενlabored/worked hardAor Act Indic 3 Sg · κοπιάωmain verb→ constative aoristκοπιάω: 'work hard, toil' (cf. v.6); Persis's notable labor.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κυρίῳthe LordDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)κύριος: 'Lord.'
13
ἀσπάσασθε Ῥοῦφον τὸν ἐκλεκτὸν ἐν κυρίῳ καὶ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐμοῦ.
Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.
Rufus and his motherasyndetonA tender greeting to Rufus, a choice believer, and to his mother — who had been like a mother to Paul too.
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.3).
ῬοῦφονRufusAccusativedirect objectῬοῦφος: Rufus ('red'); possibly the son of Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21, written for the Roman church).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἐκλεκτὸνchosen/choiceAccusativeapposition (substantival adj.)ἐκλεκτός: 'chosen, elect, choice' (cf. 8:33); either 'the elect/chosen one' or 'the choice, outstanding one' in the Lord.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κυρίῳthe LordDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)κύριος: 'Lord.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
μητέραmotherAccusativedirect objectμήτηρ: 'mother'; Rufus's mother, who showed Paul maternal kindness.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐμοῦof me/mineGenitivegenitive of relationship'and mine' — she had mothered Paul too; a touching note of personal gratitude.
14
ἀσπάσασθε Ἀσύγκριτον, Φλέγοντα, Ἑρμῆν, Πατροβᾶν, Ἑρμᾶν, καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτοῖς ἀδελφούς.
Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them.
A group of brothersasyndetonGreetings to a cluster of five men and the brothers gathered with them — likely a house fellowship.
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.3).
ἈσύγκριτονAsyncritusAccusativedirect objectἈσύγκριτος: Asyncritus ('incomparable'); a Greek slave name; otherwise unknown.
ΦλέγονταPhlegonAccusativedirect objectΦλέγων: Phlegon ('burning, zealous'); otherwise unknown.
ἙρμῆνHermesAccusativedirect objectἙρμῆς: Hermes; a very common slave name (after the god); otherwise unknown.
ΠατροβᾶνPatrobasAccusativedirect objectΠατροβᾶς: Patrobas (shortened from Patrobios); otherwise unknown.
ἙρμᾶνHermasAccusativedirect objectἙρμᾶς: Hermas; otherwise unknown (not the later author of 'The Shepherd').
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
σὺνwithpreposition + dative (association)
αὐτοῖςthemDativeobject of σύν
ἀδελφούςbrothersAccusativedirect objectἀδελφός: 'brother' (cf. 1:13; 12:1); the wider fellowship meeting with these five.
15
ἀσπάσασθε Φιλόλογον καὶ Ἰουλίαν, Νηρέα καὶ τὴν ἀδελφὴν αὐτοῦ, καὶ Ὀλυμπᾶν, καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτοῖς πάντας ἁγίους.
Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
Another group of saintsasyndetonGreetings to a second cluster — Philologus and Julia (perhaps a couple), Nereus and his sister, Olympas, and all the saints with them.
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.3).
ΦιλόλογονPhilologusAccusativedirect objectΦιλόλογος: Philologus ('lover of words/learning'); a slave name; perhaps paired with Julia as husband and wife.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἸουλίανJuliaAccusativedirect objectἸουλία: Julia; an extremely common Roman name, esp. for imperial slaves/freedwomen.
ΝηρέαNereusAccusativedirect objectΝηρεύς: Nereus (after the sea-god); a slave name; otherwise unknown.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἀδελφὴνsisterAccusativedirect objectἀδελφή: 'sister' (cf. v.1); Nereus's sister, unnamed.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὈλυμπᾶνOlympasAccusativedirect objectὈλυμπᾶς: Olympas (shortened from Olympiodorus); otherwise unknown.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
σὺνwithpreposition + dative (association)
αὐτοῖςthemDativeobject of σύν
πάνταςallAccusativeattributive adjective
ἁγίουςsaintsAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)ἅγιος: 'saint' (cf. 1:7; v.2); all the believers with them — another house fellowship.
16
ἀσπάσασθε ἀλλήλους ἐν φιλήματι ἁγίῳ. ἀσπάζονται ὑμᾶς αἱ ἐκκλησίαι πᾶσαι τοῦ Χριστοῦ.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
A holy kissasyndetonThe greetings turn mutual: greet one another with a holy kiss — and all the churches of Christ send their greetings.
ἀσπάσασθεgreetAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.3); now mutual.
ἀλλήλουςone anotherAccusativereciprocal pronoun (direct object)ἀλλήλων: 'one another' (cf. 12:5, 10; 14:13).
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner/means)
φιλήματιkissDativedat. of meansφίλημα: 'kiss' (cf. φιλέω, 'love, kiss'); the customary greeting-kiss, here sanctified — a sign of family love (cf. 1 Cor 16:20; 1 Pet 5:14).
ἁγίῳholyDativeattributive adjectiveἅγιος: 'holy' (cf. 1:7); the kiss set apart — pure, fraternal.
ἀσπάζονταιgreetPres Mid Indic 3 Pl · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb→ present (ongoing)ἀσπάζομαι: 'greet'; now the churches greeting the Romans.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
αἱtheNominativearticle
ἐκκλησίαιchurchesNominativesubjectἐκκλησία: 'church' (cf. v.1, 4-5); the congregations Paul represents.
πᾶσαιallNominativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; all the churches — a note of catholic solidarity.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
ΧριστοῦChristGenitivepossessive genitiveΧριστός: 'Christ'; 'the churches of Christ' — belonging to him.
17
Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, σκοπεῖν τοὺς τὰς διχοστασίας καὶ τὰ σκάνδαλα παρὰ τὴν διδαχὴν ἣν ὑμεῖς ἐμάθετε ποιοῦντας, καὶ ἐκκλίνετε ἀπ' αὐτῶν·
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned; avoid them.
Watch for divisive teachersδὲA sudden, urgent warning interrupts the greetings: keep an eye on those who sow division against sound teaching, and steer clear of them.
ΠαρακαλῶI appeal/urgePres Act Indic 1 Sg · παρακαλέωmain verb→ customary presentπαρακαλέω: 'exhort, urge, appeal' (cf. 12:1; 15:30).
δὲnow/andconnective conjunction
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of direct addressἀδελφός: 'brother' (cf. 12:1; 15:14, 30).
σκοπεῖνto watch out for/keep an eye onPres Act Inf · σκοπέωinfinitive (complement of Παρακαλῶ)→ present (ongoing)σκοπέω: 'look at, watch, mark, keep an eye on' (cf. σκοπός, 'goal'; 'scope'); be on guard against.
τοὺςthoseAccusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
διχοστασίαςdivisions/dissensionsAccusativedirect object of ποιοῦνταςδιχοστασία: 'division, dissension' (δίχα, 'apart' + στάσις, 'standing'; cf. Gal 5:20); factions that split the church.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὰtheAccusativearticle
σκάνδαλαobstacles/stumbling blocksAccusativedirect object of ποιοῦνταςσκάνδαλον: 'stumbling block, snare, offense' (cf. 9:33; 14:13); occasions that trip up the faith.
παρὰcontrary topreposition + accusative (opposition)παρά + acc.: 'contrary to, against' (cf. 1:26; 11:24).
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
διδαχὴνteachingAccusativeobject of παράδιδαχή: 'teaching, instruction, doctrine' (cf. 6:17); the apostolic teaching they received.
ἣνwhichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐμάθετε)
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
ἐμάθετεyou learnedAor Act Indic 2 Pl · μανθάνωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristμανθάνω: 'learn' (cf. μαθητής, 'disciple'); the teaching they were taught.
ποιοῦνταςwho cause/makePres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · ποιέωsubstantival participle (the persons watched for)→ customary (characteristic)ποιέω: 'do, make, cause' (cf. 2:14); those who manufacture divisions.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐκκλίνετεavoid/turn away fromPres Act Impv 2 Pl · ἐκκλίνωmain verb (command)→ imperatival (continuous)ἐκκλίνω: 'turn away, avoid, shun' (ἐκ + κλίνω; cf. 3:12); steer clear of them.
ἀπ'frompreposition + genitive (separation)
αὐτῶνthemGenitiveobject of ἀπό (separation)
18
οἱ γὰρ τοιοῦτοι τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν Χριστῷ οὐ δουλεύουσιν ἀλλὰ τῇ ἑαυτῶν κοιλίᾳ, καὶ διὰ τῆς χρηστολογίας καὶ εὐλογίας ἐξαπατῶσιν τὰς καρδίας τῶν ἀκάκων.
For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
They serve their appetitesγάρThe reason to shun them: they serve not Christ but their own belly, and beguile unsuspecting hearts with smooth, flattering speech.
οἱtheNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
τοιοῦτοιsuch personsNominativesubject (demonstrative adj.)τοιοῦτος: 'such, of this kind' (cf. 1:32; 2:2); the divisive teachers just described.
τῷtheDativearticle
κυρίῳLordDativedat. (the one served)κύριος: 'Lord' (cf. 14:8; 15:30).
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ΧριστῷChristDativeapposition
οὐnotnegative particle
δουλεύουσινthey servePres Act Indic 3 Pl · δουλεύωmain verb→ customary presentδουλεύω: 'serve as a slave' (cf. 6:6; 12:11); not Christ's servants at all.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
τῇtheDativearticle
ἑαυτῶνtheir ownGenitivereflexive (possessive)
κοιλίᾳbelly/appetiteDativedat. (the master served)κοιλία: 'belly, stomach, appetite' (cf. Phil 3:19); their own self-indulgent desires — their real master.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
διὰby/throughpreposition + genitive (means)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
χρηστολογίαςsmooth talkGenitiveobject of διά (means)χρηστολογία: 'fair/smooth speech, plausible talk' (χρηστός, 'pleasant' + λόγος); fine-sounding but deceptive words.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εὐλογίαςflattery/fine speechGenitiveobject of διά (means)εὐλογία: here 'flattery, fine speech, praise' (lit. 'good words'; cf. 15:29 in a positive sense); smooth, ingratiating talk.
ἐξαπατῶσινthey deceivePres Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐξαπατάωmain verb→ customary presentἐξαπατάω: 'deceive thoroughly, beguile' (ἐκ-intensive of ἀπατάω; cf. 7:11); they lead astray the unwary.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
καρδίαςheartsAccusativedirect objectκαρδία: 'heart' (cf. 1:21; 10:9-10); the inner self of the deceived.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
ἀκάκωνnaive/innocentGenitivepossessive genitive (substantival adj.)ἄκακος: 'innocent, guileless, naive' (ἀ- + κακός, 'without evil'); the unsuspecting — easily misled.
19
ἡ γὰρ ὑμῶν ὑπακοὴ εἰς πάντας ἀφίκετο· ἐφ' ὑμῖν οὖν χαίρω, θέλω δὲ ὑμᾶς σοφοὺς εἶναι εἰς τὸ ἀγαθόν, ἀκεραίους δὲ εἰς τὸ κακόν.
For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.
Wise to good, innocent to evilγάρA reassuring word with a charge: their obedience is famous, which gladdens Paul — yet he wants them shrewd about good and untouched by evil.
ἡtheNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ὑπακοὴobedienceNominativesubjectὑπακοή: 'obedience' (cf. 1:5; 16:26); their faith's obedience, widely reported.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (extent)
πάνταςallAccusativeobject of εἰς (substantival adj.)πᾶς: 'all'; known to everyone (cf. 1:8).
ἀφίκετοhas reached/become knownAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀφικνέομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἀφικνέομαι: 'arrive, reach, come to' (ἀπό + ἱκνέομαι); their reputation has 'reached' all.
ἐφ'over/atpreposition + dative (cause)ἐφ' ὑμῖν: 'over you, on your account' — the ground of joy.
ὑμῖνyouDativeobject of ἐπί
οὖνso/thereforeinferential conjunction
χαίρωI rejoicePres Act Indic 1 Sg · χαίρωmain verb→ customary presentχαίρω: 'rejoice, be glad' (cf. 12:12, 15).
θέλωI wantPres Act Indic 1 Sg · θέλωmain verb→ customary presentθέλω: 'wish, want' (cf. 1:13; 16:19).
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitive
σοφοὺςwiseAccusativepredicate accusativeσοφός: 'wise, skilled' (cf. 1:14, 22; 16:27); shrewd, discerning in the good — echoing Jesus (Matt 10:16).
εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίinfinitive (indirect discourse)→ stative present
εἰςas to/in regard topreposition + accusative (reference)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἀγαθόνgoodAccusativeobject of εἰς (substantival adj.)ἀγαθός: 'good' (cf. 12:2, 9; 15:2); wise toward the good.
ἀκεραίουςinnocent/unmixedAccusativepredicate accusativeἀκέραιος: 'innocent, pure, unmixed' (ἀ- + κεράννυμι, 'mix'; cf. Matt 10:16, 'innocent as doves'); untainted, naive in the good sense — toward evil.
δὲbut/andconnective conjunction
εἰςas to/in regard topreposition + accusative (reference)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
κακόνevilAccusativeobject of εἰς (substantival adj.)κακός: 'evil' (cf. 12:17, 21); innocent of evil — unschooled in it.
20
ὁ δὲ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης συντρίψει τὸν Σατανᾶν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας ὑμῶν ἐν τάχει. ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ μεθ' ὑμῶν.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Satan crushed; graceδὲA promise and a benediction: the God of peace will soon crush Satan beneath their feet (echoing Gen 3:15) — grace be with them.
ὁtheNominativearticle
δὲnow/andconnective conjunction
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: God; 'the God of peace' (cf. 15:33; 16:20) — fitting after a warning against division.
τῆςofGenitivearticle
εἰρήνηςpeaceGenitiveattributive genitiveεἰρήνη: 'peace' (cf. 5:1; 15:33); God who gives and makes peace.
συντρίψειwill crush/shatterFut Act Indic 3 Sg · συντρίβωmain verb→ predictive futureσυντρίβω: 'crush, shatter, break in pieces' (σύν + τρίβω; cf. σύντριμμα, 3:16); echoing the crushing of the serpent (Gen 3:15).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ΣατανᾶνSatanAccusativedirect objectΣατανᾶς: Satan (Aramaic śāṭān, 'adversary'); the enemy soon to be crushed.
ὑπὸunderpreposition + accusative (place)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
πόδαςfeetAccusativeobject of ὑπόπούς: 'foot' (cf. 3:15; 10:15); 'under your feet' — the church sharing in Christ's victory (Gen 3:15).
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐνin/withpreposition + dative (manner)
τάχειspeed/soonDativedat. of mannerτάχος: 'speed, quickness'; ἐν τάχει = 'soon, quickly' (cf. 'tachometer').
ἡtheNominativearticle
χάριςgraceNominativesubject (verbless benediction)χάρις: 'grace' (cf. 1:7; 3:24); the grace-benediction.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitivepossessive genitiveκύριος: 'Lord.'
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition
μεθ'withpreposition + genitive (association)
ὑμῶνyouGenitiveobject of μετά(Some MSS add 'Christ'; the grace-benediction repeated at the later-added v.24 in many witnesses.)
21
Ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Τιμόθεος ὁ συνεργός μου, καὶ Λούκιος καὶ Ἰάσων καὶ Σωσίπατρος οἱ συγγενεῖς μου.
Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
Timothy and othersasyndetonGreetings now come from Paul's circle: his co-worker Timothy, and his kinsmen Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater.
ἈσπάζεταιgreetsPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb→ present (ongoing)ἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.3, 16); now Paul's companions sending greetings.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ΤιμόθεοςTimothyNominativesubjectΤιμόθεος: Timothy ('honoring God'); Paul's closest associate (Acts 16:1; the Pastoral Epistles).
ὁtheNominativearticle
συνεργόςfellow workerNominativeappositionσυνεργός: 'fellow worker' (cf. v.3, 9).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΛούκιοςLuciusNominativesubjectΛούκιος: Lucius; perhaps Lucius of Cyrene (Acts 13:1); a fellow Jew.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἸάσωνJasonNominativesubjectἸάσων: Jason; possibly Paul's host at Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-9).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΣωσίπατροςSosipaterNominativesubjectΣωσίπατρος: Sosipater; perhaps Sopater of Berea (Acts 20:4).
οἱtheNominativearticle
συγγενεῖςkinsmenNominativeappositionσυγγενής: 'kinsman, compatriot' (cf. v.7, 11); fellow Jews.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
22
ἀσπάζομαι ὑμᾶς ἐγὼ Τέρτιος ὁ γράψας τὴν ἐπιστολὴν ἐν κυρίῳ.
I, Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.
Tertius the scribeasyndetonThe amanuensis adds his own greeting: Tertius, who physically penned the letter at Paul's dictation, salutes them in the Lord.
ἀσπάζομαιgreetPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb→ present (ongoing)ἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.21); the scribe's personal greeting in the first person.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)ἐγώ: 'I' — Tertius steps forward in his own voice.
ΤέρτιοςTertiusNominativeapposition to ἐγώΤέρτιος: Tertius ('third'); a common Roman name; Paul's secretary (amanuensis) for the letter.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
γράψαςwho wroteAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · γράφωsubstantival participle (apposition)→ constative aoristγράφω: 'write' (cf. 15:15); he 'wrote' the letter — i.e. took the dictation, as was common.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἐπιστολὴνletterAccusativedirect objectἐπιστολή: 'letter, epistle' (cf. ἐπιστέλλω, 'send word'); the document itself.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κυρίῳthe LordDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)κύριος: 'Lord'; his greeting too is 'in the Lord' — he is a fellow believer.
23
ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Γάϊος ὁ ξένος μου καὶ ὅλης τῆς ἐκκλησίας. ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Ἔραστος ὁ οἰκονόμος τῆς πόλεως καὶ Κούαρτος ὁ ἀδελφός.
Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you.
Gaius, Erastus, QuartusasyndetonFinal greetings from Paul's hosts at Corinth: Gaius, whose home shelters the whole church; Erastus, the city treasurer; and the brother Quartus.
ἀσπάζεταιgreetsPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb→ present (ongoing)ἀσπάζομαι: 'greet' (cf. v.21-22).
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ΓάϊοςGaiusNominativesubjectΓάϊος: Gaius; Paul's host at Corinth, baptized by Paul (1 Cor 1:14); his house hosted the church.
ὁtheNominativearticle
ξένοςhostNominativeappositionξένος: 'host, guest, stranger' (cf. φιλοξενία, 12:13); here 'host' — one who shows hospitality.
μουmyGenitiveobjective genitive
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὅληςwholeGenitiveattributive adjectiveὅλος: 'whole, entire'; host to the entire church — his home large enough to gather them.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ἐκκλησίαςchurchGenitiveobjective genitiveἐκκλησία: 'church' (cf. v.1, 4-5, 16).
ἀσπάζεταιgreetsPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀσπάζομαιmain verb→ present (ongoing)ἀσπάζομαι: 'greet.'
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ἜραστοςErastusNominativesubjectἜραστος: Erastus ('beloved'); a Corinthian official — a Latin inscription at Corinth names an Erastus as aedile, possibly the same man.
ὁtheNominativearticle
οἰκονόμοςtreasurer/stewardNominativeappositionοἰκονόμος: 'steward, manager, treasurer' (οἶκος + νόμος; cf. 'economy'); the city's financial officer.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
πόλεωςcityGenitiveobjective genitiveπόλις: 'city' (cf. 'polis'); Corinth — Erastus's civic office indicates believers of social standing.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΚούαρτοςQuartusNominativesubjectΚούαρτος: Quartus ('fourth'); a common Roman name; otherwise unknown.
ὁtheNominativearticle
ἀδελφόςbrotherNominativeappositionἀδελφός: 'brother' (cf. 1:13; v.14); 'the brother' — a fellow believer. (The grace-benediction of v.24 in some MSS follows here, but is omitted in the critical text.)
25
Τῷ δὲ δυναμένῳ ὑμᾶς στηρίξαι κατὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιόν μου καὶ τὸ κήρυγμα Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, κατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν μυστηρίου χρόνοις αἰωνίοις σεσιγημένου,
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages
To him who can strengthenδὲThe grand closing doxology begins: glory to the God who can establish them through Paul's gospel — the now-unveiled mystery hidden through eternal ages.
Τῷto the (one)Dativearticle (substantizes ptc.)The doxology opens with the dative of the one praised — 'to him who…'
δὲnowconnective conjunction
δυναμένῳwho is ablePres Mid Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · δύναμαιsubstantival participle (the one praised)→ present (ongoing)δύναμαι: 'be able, have power' (cf. 8:7; 15:14); God, able to establish them.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object of στηρίξαι
στηρίξαιto strengthen/establishAor Act Inf · στηρίζωcomplementary infinitive (w/ δυναμένῳ)→ constative aoristστηρίζω: 'make firm, establish, strengthen' (cf. 1:11); to make them stand fast.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
εὐαγγέλιόνgospelAccusativeobject of κατά (standard)εὐαγγέλιον: 'gospel' (cf. 1:1, 16; 2:16); 'my gospel' — the message Paul preaches.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸtheAccusativearticle
κήρυγμαpreaching/proclamationAccusativeobject of κατάκήρυγμα: 'proclamation, preaching, message' (cf. κηρύσσω, 10:8); the heralded message of Christ.
Ἰησοῦof JesusGenitiveobjective genitive
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveappositionΧριστός: 'Christ'; the preaching about Jesus Christ.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard)
ἀποκάλυψινrevelationAccusativeobject of κατάἀποκάλυψις: 'revelation, unveiling' (cf. 2:5; 8:19; 'apocalypse'); the disclosure of God's hidden plan.
μυστηρίουof the mysteryGenitiveobjective genitiveμυστήριον: 'mystery, secret' (cf. 11:25); the once-hidden, now-revealed plan to save the nations through Christ.
χρόνοιςages/timesDativedat. of timeχρόνος: 'time' (cf. 7:1; 16:25); 'for eternal/long ages' — the duration of its concealment.
αἰωνίοιςeternal/longDativeattributive adjectiveαἰώνιος: 'eternal, age-long' (cf. 2:7; 6:23); the vast spans during which it was hidden.
σεσιγημένουkept secret/silentPerf Pass Ptc · Gen Sg Neut · σιγάωattributive participle→ intensive perfect (state of concealment)σιγάω: 'be silent, keep secret' (cf. σιγή, 'silence'); the mystery long held in silence.
26
φανερωθέντος δὲ νῦν διά τε γραφῶν προφητικῶν κατ' ἐπιταγὴν τοῦ αἰωνίου θεοῦ εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη γνωρισθέντος,
but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic Scriptures has been made known to all the nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith —
Now made known to all nationsδὲThe mystery's unveiling: now disclosed through the prophetic writings and proclaimed to all nations by God's command, to bring about the obedience of faith.
φανερωθέντοςhaving been disclosed/manifestedAor Pass Ptc · Gen Sg Neut · φανερόωattributive participle (contrasting σεσιγημένου)→ constative aoristφανερόω: 'make manifest, reveal' (cf. 1:19; 3:21); the mystery now brought into the open.
δὲbutadversative conjunction
νῦνnowadverb (time)νῦν: 'now' (cf. 3:21, 26); the present epoch of revelation, over against the 'eternal ages' of silence.
διάthroughpreposition + genitive (means)
τεand/bothcorrelative particle
γραφῶνScripturesGenitiveobject of διά (means)γραφή: 'Scripture, writing' (cf. 1:2; 15:4); the OT prophetic writings that now disclose the mystery.
προφητικῶνpropheticGenitiveattributive adjectiveπροφητικός: 'prophetic' (cf. προφήτης, 1:2); the prophetic Scriptures — the gospel 'promised beforehand' (1:2).
κατ'according topreposition + accusative (standard)
ἐπιταγὴνcommandAccusativeobject of κατά (standard)ἐπιταγή: 'command, order, injunction' (ἐπί + τάσσω; cf. 1 Cor 7:6); by God's express command.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
αἰωνίουeternalGenitiveattributive adjectiveαἰώνιος: 'eternal' (cf. v.25); 'the eternal God' — over all the ages of the mystery's concealment and disclosure.
θεοῦGodGenitivepossessive genitive
εἰςfor/untopreposition + accusative (purpose)
ὑπακοὴνobedienceAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)ὑπακοή: 'obedience' (cf. 1:5; 16:19); 'the obedience of faith' — the letter's bracketing phrase (cf. 1:5).
πίστεωςof faithGenitivegenitive (source/apposition; cf. 1:5)πίστις: 'faith' (cf. 1:5, 17); the obedience that faith renders — the goal of the whole mission.
εἰςto/amongpreposition + accusative (extent)
πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; the universal reach — all nations.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ἔθνηnations/GentilesAccusativeobject of εἰςἔθνος: 'nation, Gentile' (cf. 1:5; 15:9-12); the mystery proclaimed to all the nations.
γνωρισθέντοςhaving been made knownAor Pass Ptc · Gen Sg Neut · γνωρίζωattributive participle→ constative aoristγνωρίζω: 'make known, reveal' (cf. 9:22-23); the mystery now broadcast to the world.
27
μόνῳ σοφῷ θεῷ διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας· ἀμήν.
to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Glory foreverasyndetonThe letter's final word: to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, belongs the glory forever — Amen.
μόνῳonlyDativeattributive adjectiveμόνος: 'only, alone' (cf. 16:4); 'the only God' — the one true God who is wise.
σοφῷwiseDativeattributive adjectiveσοφός: 'wise' (cf. 11:33; 16:19); the wisdom that devised the mystery (cf. 11:33-36).
θεῷGodDativedat. of recipient (the one praised)θεός: God; the recipient of the doxology, resuming the dative 'to him' of v.25.
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (mediation)
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveobject of διά (mediator)Ἰησοῦς: 'Jesus'; the mediator of all glory to God (cf. 1:8; 5:1).
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveapposition
ᾧto whomDativerelative pronoun (dat. of recipient)The relative is slightly anacoluthic — 'to whom (be) glory' (referring to God, or possibly through-Christ to God).
ἡtheNominativearticle
δόξαgloryNominativesubject (verbless doxology)δόξα: 'glory' (cf. 11:36; 15:7); the praise due to God — the letter's final ascription.
εἰςfor/untopreposition + accusative (extent of time)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
αἰῶναςages/foreverAccusativeobject of εἰς (extent of time)αἰών: 'age'; εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας = 'forever' (cf. 1:25; 9:5; 11:36).
ἀμήνamenliturgical affirmation (transliterated Hebrew)ἀμήν: 'truly, so be it' (cf. 1:25; 11:36; 15:33); the final 'Amen' closing the Epistle to the Romans.