1
Οὕτως ἡμᾶς λογιζέσθω ἄνθρωπος ὡς ὑπηρέτας Χριστοῦ καὶ οἰκονόμους μυστηρίων θεοῦ.
This is how a person should regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Drawing the conclusion from ch. 3's 'we are God's fellow workers,' Paul fixes the proper estimate of himself and Apollos: not party-heads to be boasted in, but subordinate servants and accountable stewards.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
Οὕτωςthus / in this wayadverb of manner (cataphoric, points to ὡς)οὕτως: 'in this manner'; here forward-pointing — 'thus … as,' the manner spelled out by the ὡς clause.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object (fronted for emphasis)
λογιζέσθωlet him regard / reckonPres Mid Impv 3 Sg · λογίζομαιmain verb (3rd-person imperative)→ customary present (imperatival)λογίζομαι: 'reckon, account, regard'; a calculating term — let them set the proper value on the apostles.
ἄνθρωποςa person / anyoneNominativesubject (generic, anarthrous)ἄνθρωπος: 'human being'; anarthrous and generic — 'anyone, a person at all.'
ὡςascomparative particle (introduces the estimate)ὡς: 'as, in the capacity of'; defining the role under which the apostles are to be reckoned.
ὑπηρέταςservants / attendantsAccusativeobject complement (predicate acc. to ἡμᾶς)ὑπηρέτης: orig. 'under-rower' of a galley, then 'subordinate attendant, officer'; a lowly serving role under a superior.
Χριστοῦof ChristGenitivegenitive (subordination / of the one served)Χριστός: 'Anointed,' Messiah; the master to whom the ὑπηρέται belong.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οἰκονόμουςstewards / household managersAccusativeobject complement (second predicate acc.)οἰκονόμος: 'house-manager, steward' (οἶκος + νέμω); a slave or freedman entrusted with the master's goods — answerable to him, not to fellow servants.
μυστηρίωνof the mysteriesGenitiveobjective genitive (what is administered)μυστήριον: 'mystery'; the once-hidden, now-revealed saving purpose of God (cf. 2:7) — the goods the steward dispenses.
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of source / possessionθεός: God; the mysteries are his — their owner and origin.
2
ὧδε λοιπὸν ζητεῖται ἐν τοῖς οἰκονόμοις ἵνα πιστός τις εὑρεθῇ.
In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found faithful.
Develops the steward image: the single thing sought in a steward is fidelity to his master — which already implies that the verdict belongs to the master, not to the Corinthians.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ὧδεhere / in this caseadverb (logical 'in this situation')ὧδε: 'here'; here non-local — 'in this matter, on this principle.'
λοιπὸνmoreover / for the restadverbial accusative (transitional)λοιπόν: lit. 'as for the rest'; a transitional 'now, moreover, what remains to be said.'
ζητεῖταιit is sought / requiredPres Pass Indic 3 Sg · ζητέωmain verb (impersonal passive)→ gnomic presentζητέω: 'seek, require, look for'; the passive 'it is sought' = the standing demand placed on stewards.
ἐνin / ofpreposition + dative (sphere; 'in the case of')
τοῖςtheDativearticle
οἰκονόμοιςstewardsDativeobject of ἐν (sphere / those of whom it is required)οἰκονόμος: 'steward' (see v.1); the class to whom the demand applies.
ἵναthatconjunction (content/epexegetic ἵνα)ἵνα: here not telic but content-bearing — spelling out what is required.
πιστόςfaithfulNominativepredicate adjective (of τις)πιστός: 'faithful, trustworthy'; the one essential quality of a steward — reliability to his master.
τιςsomeone / oneNominativesubject of εὑρεθῇ (indefinite)τις: indefinite 'anyone, one'; the steward considered individually.
εὑρεθῇhe be foundAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · εὑρίσκωverb of the ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: 'find'; the passive 'be found' implies an examiner — anticipating the Lord's assessment (v.5).
3
ἐμοὶ δὲ εἰς ἐλάχιστόν ἐστιν ἵνα ὑφ' ὑμῶν ἀνακριθῶ ἢ ὑπὸ ἀνθρωπίνης ἡμέρας· ἀλλ' οὐδὲ ἐμαυτὸν ἀνακρίνω·
But to me it is a very small thing that I be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.
Paul applies the steward principle to himself: the Corinthians' verdict — indeed any human verdict — weighs almost nothing with him; he will not even constitute himself his own judge.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ἐμοὶto meDativedative of (dis)advantage / reference (fronted)ἐμοί: emphatic 'to me, for my part'; positioned first to contrast Paul's estimate with the Corinthians'.
δὲbut / nowadversative/developmental conjunction
εἰςas / to (the level of)preposition + accusative (predicative 'it amounts to')εἰς: here idiomatic with ἐστιν — 'it counts as, amounts to.'
ἐλάχιστόνa very small thingAccusativepredicate (object of εἰς)ἐλάχιστος: superlative of μικρός, 'smallest, least'; here 'a trifling matter.'
ἐστινit isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula, impersonal w/ ἵνα subject)→ stative present
ἵναthatconjunction (substantival ἵνα = subject of ἐστιν)ἵνα: content clause functioning as the subject — 'that I be examined.'
ὑφ'bypreposition (ὑπό) + genitive (agent)
ὑμῶνyouGenitivegenitive of agent (after ὑπό)
ἀνακριθῶI be examined / cross-questionedAor Pass Subj 1 Sg · ἀνακρίνωverb of the ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ constative aoristἀνακρίνω: 'examine, interrogate, sift' (a judicial/forensic preliminary inquiry); the key verb of vv.3–4, distinct from the final κρίνω.
ἢordisjunctive conjunction
ὑπὸbypreposition + genitive (agent)
ἀνθρωπίνηςhumanGenitiveattributive adjectiveἀνθρώπινος: 'human, belonging to people'; qualifies ἡμέρα — a merely human court-day.
ἡμέραςcourt / 'day' (of judgment)Genitivegenitive of agent (after ὑπό)ἡμέρα: 'day'; here idiom for a tribunal's appointed day — a 'human day' of judgment, pointedly contrasted with 'the Day' of the Lord (3:13; cf. v.5).
ἀλλ'but / in factstrong adversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but'; here intensifying — 'why, I do not even …'
οὐδὲnot evennegative adverb (ascensive)οὐδέ: 'not even'; raises the point to its limit — Paul will not arrogate the bench even over himself.
ἐμαυτὸνmyselfAccusativedirect object (reflexive pronoun)
ἀνακρίνωI examinePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀνακρίνωmain verb→ customary presentἀνακρίνω: as above; Paul refuses to convene even a self-tribunal — final verdicts are God's.
4
οὐδὲν γὰρ ἐμαυτῷ σύνοιδα, ἀλλ' οὐκ ἐν τούτῳ δεδικαίωμαι, ὁ δὲ ἀνακρίνων με κύριός ἐστιν.
For I am conscious of nothing against myself, but I am not acquitted by this; the one who examines me is the Lord.
Grounds the refusal to self-judge: even a clear conscience cannot pronounce the verdict, since the competent examiner is the Lord alone.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
οὐδὲνnothingAccusativedirect object (cognate/internal acc. of σύνοιδα)οὐδείς: 'no one, nothing'; here 'I know nothing (against myself).'
γὰρforexplanatory/causal conjunction
ἐμαυτῷagainst myselfDativedative of reference (with σύνοιδα)ἐμαυτῷ: reflexive 'to/against myself'; the idiom σύνοιδα ἐμαυτῷ = 'I am conscious in my own case.'
σύνοιδαI am conscious / awarePerf Act Indic 1 Sg · σύνοιδαmain verb (perfect with present sense)→ intensive perfect (present awareness)σύνοιδα: 'share knowledge with oneself, be conscious of' (σύν + οἶδα); the root of συνείδησις, 'conscience' — Paul's conscience accuses him of nothing.
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunction
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐνby / inpreposition + dative (basis/means)
τούτῳthisDativeobject of ἐν (demonstrative — the clear conscience)οὗτος: 'this'; refers back to the fact of having nothing on his conscience.
δεδικαίωμαιI have been acquitted / justifiedPerf Pass Indic 1 Sg · δικαιόωmain verb (negated)→ intensive perfect (resulting standing)δικαιόω: 'declare righteous, acquit'; here forensic in the courtroom sense — a clear conscience does not amount to a standing acquittal.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes the participle)
δὲbut / anddevelopmental conjunction
ἀνακρίνωνwho examinesPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀνακρίνωsubstantival participle (subject)→ customary presentἀνακρίνω: 'examine, sift' (see v.3); the competent investigator is named in the next word.
μεmeAccusativedirect object of the participle
κύριόςthe LordNominativepredicate nominativeκύριος: 'Lord'; Christ as the sole rightful examiner — the master to whom the steward answers.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
5
ὥστε μὴ πρὸ καιροῦ τι κρίνετε, ἕως ἂν ἔλθῃ ὁ κύριος, ὃς καὶ φωτίσει τὰ κρυπτὰ τοῦ σκότους καὶ φανερώσει τὰς βουλὰς τῶν καρδιῶν· καὶ τότε ὁ ἔπαινος γενήσεται ἑκάστῳ ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ.
So then, do not pronounce judgment before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and disclose the intentions of the hearts; and then each will have his praise from God.
The inference from vv.3–4: suspend all premature verdicts until the Lord's parousia, which alone will expose hidden realities and render to each his due praise.
Word-by-word analysis· 33 words
ὥστεso then / thereforeinferential conjunction (introducing result/command)ὥστε: 'so that, therefore'; here with the imperative, drawing the practical conclusion.
μὴnotnegative particle (with imperative)μή: the negative used with non-indicative moods — here prohibiting.
πρὸbeforepreposition + genitive (time)
καιροῦthe (appointed) timeGenitiveobject of πρόκαιρός: 'appointed/decisive time'; not mere chronology but the fixed moment — the Lord's coming.
τιanythingAccusativedirect object of κρίνετε (indefinite)τις: indefinite 'anything'; the prohibition is comprehensive — judge nothing prematurely.
κρίνετεjudge / pronounce verdictPres Act Impv 2 Pl · κρίνωmain verb (prohibition)→ customary present (μή + pres. = cease/refrain habitually)κρίνω: 'judge, decide'; here the definitive verdict, reserved for the Lord — distinct from the preliminary ἀνακρίνω.
ἕωςuntiltemporal conjunctionἕως: 'until'; with ἄν + subjunctive, marking an awaited future event.
ἂν(particle)modal particle (with subjunctive)ἄν: contingency particle; lends the temporal clause its indefinite-future sense.
ἔλθῃcomesAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιverb of the ἕως clause (subjunctive)→ constative aorist (eschatological event)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; here the Lord's parousia, the moment that sets the time of all judgment.
ὁtheNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubject of ἔλθῃκύριος: 'Lord'; Christ the returning Judge (cf. v.4).
ὃςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of the rel. clause)
καὶbothcorrelative conjunction (καί … καί = 'both … and')
φωτίσειwill bring to light / illumineFut Act Indic 3 Sg · φωτίζωmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive futureφωτίζω: 'give light to, bring to light' (from φῶς, 'light'); the Lord floodlights what darkness concealed.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (substantizes adj.)
κρυπτὰhidden thingsAccusativedirect object (substantival adjective)κρυπτός: 'hidden, secret' (cf. 'cryptic'); the concealed matters now to be exposed.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
σκότουςdarknessGenitivegenitive (source/sphere — hidden 'in' darkness)σκότος: 'darkness'; the realm of concealment, opposite of the Lord's light.
καὶandcorrelative conjunction (second member)
φανερώσειwill disclose / make manifestFut Act Indic 3 Sg · φανερόωmain verb (rel. clause, coordinate)→ predictive futureφανερόω: 'make visible, reveal'; the inner counsels are brought into the open.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
βουλὰςcounsels / intentionsAccusativedirect objectβουλή: 'counsel, deliberation, purpose'; the deliberate motives of the inner person.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
καρδιῶνheartsGenitivegenitive of source/possession (whose intentions)καρδία: 'heart'; in Hebraic usage the seat of thought, will, and motive — not merely emotion.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τότεthenadverb of time (at that point)τότε: 'then'; at the parousia, the only fit time for the verdict.
ὁtheNominativearticle
ἔπαινοςpraise / commendationNominativesubject of γενήσεταιἔπαινος: 'praise, approval'; strikingly, the focus is commendation, not condemnation — God's verdict for the faithful steward.
γενήσεταιwill come / beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb→ predictive futureγίνομαι: 'come to be, happen'; here 'will come to' each person — the praise will be rendered.
ἑκάστῳto eachDativedative of advantage (recipient)ἕκαστος: 'each one'; the verdict is individual — each steward assessed in his own case.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ἀπό (source of the praise)θεός: God; the giver of the praise — the apostle seeks God's approval, not human acclaim.
6
Ταῦτα δέ, ἀδελφοί, μετεσχημάτισα εἰς ἐμαυτὸν καὶ Ἀπολλῶν δι' ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἐν ἡμῖν μάθητε τὸ Μὴ ὑπὲρ ἃ γέγραπται, ἵνα μὴ εἷς ὑπὲρ τοῦ ἑνὸς φυσιοῦσθε κατὰ τοῦ ἑτέρου.
Now these things, brothers, I have applied to myself and Apollos for your sake, that through us you might learn the 'not beyond what is written,' so that none of you might be puffed up for one against another.
Paul discloses his rhetorical strategy: he has cast the foregoing in terms of himself and Apollos as a model, aiming to cure the party-spirit of arrogant comparison.
Word-by-word analysis· 29 words
Ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object (refers to 3:5–4:5)οὗτος: 'this'; the planting/building/steward imagery just used.
δέnowdevelopmental conjunction
ἀδελφοίbrothersVocativevocative of direct addressἀδελφός: 'brother'; affectionate address as Paul explains his pastoral aim.
μετεσχημάτισαI have applied / refiguredAor Act Indic 1 Sg · μετασχηματίζωmain verb→ constative aoristμετασχηματίζω: 'change the form/figure of' (μετά + σχῆμα); a rhetorical term — Paul has transferred the lesson under the figures of himself and Apollos.
εἰςto / ontopreposition + accusative (reference)
ἐμαυτὸνmyselfAccusativeobject of εἰς (reflexive)
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἈπολλῶνApollosAccusativeobject of εἰς (coordinate)Ἀπολλῶς: Apollos, the eloquent Alexandrian (Acts 18:24); a rallying-point of one Corinthian faction.
δι'for the sake ofpreposition (διά) + accusative (cause/benefit)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of διά (those benefited)
ἵναthatconjunction (purpose)
ἐνin / bypreposition + dative (means/example)
ἡμῖνusDativeobject of ἐν (Paul and Apollos as the example)
μάθητεyou might learnAor Act Subj 2 Pl · μανθάνωverb of the ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ ingressive aoristμανθάνω: 'learn'; the practical lesson Paul means his figure to teach.
τὸthe (maxim)Accusativearticle (nominalizes the following saying)τό: the neuter article quoting a maxim as a unit — 'the saying.'
ΜὴNotnegative particle (within the quoted maxim)μή: opens the elliptical slogan — perhaps a proverb the Corinthians knew.
ὑπὲρbeyondpreposition + accusative (excess/transgression)ὑπέρ: with acc., 'beyond, over'; the maxim: do not go beyond Scripture's bounds.
ἃwhatAccusativerelative pronoun (object of γέγραπται)
γέγραπταιhas been written / stands writtenPerf Pass Indic 3 Sg · γράφωverb of the relative clause→ intensive perfect (abiding authority)γράφω: 'write'; γέγραπται is the fixed citation formula for Scripture — 'it stands written.'
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose, second clause)
μὴnotnegative particle (with subjunctive)
εἷςone (person)Nominativesubject (with verb's 2 Pl by sense-construction)εἷς: 'one'; 'one of you' — the partisan individual puffed up over his favorite.
ὑπὲρfor / on behalf ofpreposition + genitive (advantage/partisanship)ὑπέρ: with gen., 'for, in favor of'; here partisan support of one teacher.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ἑνὸςoneGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ (the favored teacher)εἷς: 'one'; the leader being championed.
φυσιοῦσθεyou be puffed upPres Pass Subj 2 Pl · φυσιόωverb of the ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ customary present (ongoing attitude)φυσιόω: 'inflate, puff up' (from φῦσα, 'bellows'); a key Corinthian fault-word (4:18–19; 5:2; 8:1; 13:4) — arrogant self-inflation.
κατὰagainstpreposition + genitive (opposition)κατά: with gen., 'against'; the flip side of partisan boasting — disparaging the rival.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ἑτέρουotherGenitiveobject of κατά (the disparaged teacher)ἕτερος: 'the other (of two)'; the leader being set down in the comparison.
7
τίς γάρ σε διακρίνει; τί δὲ ἔχεις ὃ οὐκ ἔλαβες; εἰ δὲ καὶ ἔλαβες, τί καυχᾶσαι ὡς μὴ λαβών;
For who makes you different? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you had not received it?
Three rapid rhetorical questions dismantle the ground of boasting: distinction is conferred, possessions are received, so glorying as if self-made is absurd.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
τίςwhoNominativeinterrogative pronoun (subject)τίς: interrogative 'who?'; the implied answer is 'God' — distinction is from him.
γάρforexplanatory conjunction
σεyouAccusativedirect object (singular — each individual)σε: the shift to singular 'you' presses the question on each conscience.
διακρίνειdistinguishes / makes superiorPres Act Indic 3 Sg · διακρίνωmain verb (question)→ gnomic presentδιακρίνω: 'separate, distinguish, judge between' (διά + κρίνω); here 'set apart as superior' — who grants you any edge?
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative pronoun (object of ἔχεις)τίς (neut.): 'what?'; the second probing question.
δὲandconnective conjunction
ἔχειςdo you havePres Act Indic 2 Sg · ἔχωmain verb (question)→ stative presentἔχω: 'have, hold, possess.'
ὃthatAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἔλαβες)
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἔλαβεςyou receivedAor Act Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωverb of the relative clause→ constative aoristλαμβάνω: 'take, receive'; the decisive word — all is received, hence gift, not achievement.
εἰifconjunction (first-class condition, assumed true)εἰ: 'if'; with the indicative, a condition granted for argument's sake — 'since indeed you did.'
δὲbutadversative conjunction
καὶindeedadverbial/ascensive καίκαί: here intensive within εἰ … καί — 'if in fact.'
ἔλαβεςyou receivedAor Act Indic 2 Sg · λαμβάνωmain verb (protasis)→ constative aoristλαμβάνω: see above; the granted premise of the conditional.
τίwhyinterrogative adverb (accusative of respect = 'why')τί: the accusative of the interrogative used adverbially, 'why?'
καυχᾶσαιdo you boastPres Mid Indic 2 Sg · καυχάομαιmain verb (apodosis question)→ customary presentκαυχάομαι: 'boast, glory'; boasting is licit only in the Lord (1:31) — here it is misplaced self-congratulation.
ὡςas thoughcomparative particle (with participle)ὡς: 'as if'; introduces the false self-presentation.
μὴnotnegative particle (with participle)μή: the subjective negative with the participle — 'as one supposedly not having received.'
λαβώνhaving receivedAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λαμβάνωadverbial participle (manner; negated by μή)→ antecedent aoristλαμβάνω: 'receive'; the participle exposes the pretense — boasting acts as though the gift were self-won.
8
ἤδη κεκορεσμένοι ἐστέ, ἤδη ἐπλουτήσατε, χωρὶς ἡμῶν ἐβασιλεύσατε· καὶ ὄφελόν γε ἐβασιλεύσατε, ἵνα καὶ ἡμεῖς ὑμῖν συμβασιλεύσωμεν.
Already you are filled! Already you have become rich! Without us you have begun to reign! And would that you did reign, so that we also might reign with you!
With biting irony Paul caricatures the Corinthians' realized triumphalism — filled, rich, reigning already — then turns the sarcasm into wistful longing: if only the kingdom had truly come, the suffering apostles would share its glory.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ἤδηalreadyadverb of time (ironic)ἤδη: 'already, now'; the repeated 'already' mocks an over-realized eschatology.
κεκορεσμένοιfilled / satedPerf Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · κορέννυμιpredicate participle (w/ ἐστέ = periphrastic perfect)→ intensive perfect (settled fullness)κορέννυμι: 'satiate, fill full'; of being gorged — they fancy they want for nothing.
ἐστέyou arePres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (auxiliary in periphrasis)→ stative present
ἤδηalreadyadverb of time (ironic, anaphoric)ἤδη: 'already'; the second drumbeat of the sarcasm.
ἐπλουτήσατεyou became richAor Act Indic 2 Pl · πλουτέωmain verb→ ingressive aorist (came into wealth)πλουτέω: 'be/become rich'; ingressive — they suppose they have already entered their riches.
χωρὶςwithout / apart frompreposition + genitive (separation)χωρίς: 'apart from'; the barb — they reign without the apostles who founded them.
ἡμῶνusGenitiveobject of χωρίς
ἐβασιλεύσατεyou began to reignAor Act Indic 2 Pl · βασιλεύωmain verb→ ingressive aorist (came to reign)βασιλεύω: 'reign, be king'; the climactic claim — they imagine themselves enthroned in the kingdom now.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὄφελόνwould that / O thatparticle (introduces an unattainable wish)ὄφελον: a fixed particle (from ὀφείλω) introducing a wish — 'would that it were so!'; here regretful.
γεindeedemphatic/limiting particleγε: 'at least, indeed'; intensifies the wish — 'O that you really did.'
ἐβασιλεύσατεyou did reignAor Act Indic 2 Pl · βασιλεύωmain verb (within the ὄφελον wish)→ constative aoristβασιλεύω: 'reign' (see above); the wish that their reign were real.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose/result)
καὶalsoadverbial/ascensive καίκαί: 'also'; Paul too would share the reign.
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
ὑμῖνwith youDativedative of association (with συμ- verb)
συμβασιλεύσωμενwe might reign togetherAor Act Subj 1 Pl · συμβασιλεύωverb of the ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ constative aoristσυμβασιλεύω: 'reign together with' (σύν + βασιλεύω); reigning with Christ is a future hope, not a present possession (cf. 2 Tim 2:12).
9
δοκῶ γάρ, ὁ θεὸς ἡμᾶς τοὺς ἀποστόλους ἐσχάτους ἀπέδειξεν ὡς ἐπιθανατίους, ὅτι θέατρον ἐγενήθημεν τῷ κόσμῳ καὶ ἀγγέλοις καὶ ἀνθρώποις.
For I think that God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.
Against their imagined enthronement, Paul sets the real picture: God has paraded the apostles last in the procession, like the condemned reserved for death in the arena — a public show for the whole cosmos.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
δοκῶI think / it seems to mePres Act Indic 1 Sg · δοκέωmain verb (parenthetical)→ stative presentδοκέω: 'think, suppose, seem'; a slightly wry 'for I reckon …' introducing the contrast.
γάρforexplanatory conjunction
ὁtheNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubject of ἀπέδειξενθεός: God; it is God himself who has assigned the apostles their lowly place.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle (with appositional noun)
ἀποστόλουςapostlesAccusativeapposition to ἡμᾶςἀπόστολος: 'one sent, envoy'; the very title of authority — yet displayed in humiliation.
ἐσχάτουςlast (of all)Accusativeobject complement (predicate acc.)ἔσχατος: 'last, hindmost'; the lowest place in the procession — opposite the Corinthians' 'first.'
ἀπέδειξενexhibited / displayedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποδείκνυμιverb of the δοκῶ ὅτι-content (here without ὅτι)→ constative aoristἀποδείκνυμι: 'show forth, exhibit, put on display'; possibly of a triumphal procession's final, doomed captives.
ὡςascomparative particle
ἐπιθανατίουςmen sentenced to deathAccusativepredicate (object of ὡς)ἐπιθανάτιος: 'doomed to death, condemned' (ἐπί + θάνατος); the criminals exhibited last in the arena, marked for execution.
ὅτιbecause / forcausal/explanatory conjunctionὅτι: here grounding — explaining how they are displayed as the doomed.
θέατρονa spectacle / showNominativepredicate nominativeθέατρον: 'theater, spectacle' (cf. 'theater'); both the place of viewing and the show itself — the apostles as public exhibit.
ἐγενήθημενwe have becomeAor Pass Indic 1 Pl · γίνομαιmain verb (ὅτι clause)→ constative aoristγίνομαι: 'become, come to be'; the passive form, 'we were made into a spectacle.'
τῷto theDativearticle
κόσμῳworldDativedative of reference (the audience)κόσμος: 'world, cosmos'; the comprehensive audience, then specified as angels and men.
καὶboth / andcorrelative conjunction (καί … καί)
ἀγγέλοιςangelsDativedative of reference (epexegetic of κόσμῳ)ἄγγελος: 'messenger, angel'; the heavenly spectators of the cosmic drama.
καὶandcorrelative conjunction
ἀνθρώποιςmenDativedative of reference (epexegetic of κόσμῳ)ἄνθρωπος: 'human being'; the earthly half of the watching cosmos.
10
ἡμεῖς μωροὶ διὰ Χριστόν, ὑμεῖς δὲ φρόνιμοι ἐν Χριστῷ· ἡμεῖς ἀσθενεῖς, ὑμεῖς δὲ ἰσχυροί· ὑμεῖς ἔνδοξοι, ἡμεῖς δὲ ἄτιμοι.
We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are held in honor, but we in dishonor.
A balanced triple antithesis sharpens the irony: fools/wise, weak/strong, dishonored/honored — the apostles take the cross-shaped lot the Corinthians shun.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (emphatic, contrastive)
μωροὶfoolsNominativepredicate nominative (copula implied)μωρός: 'foolish, dull' (cf. 'moron'); the world's verdict on the cross-preachers (cf. 1:18–25).
διὰfor the sake ofpreposition + accusative (cause/reason)
ΧριστόνChristAccusativeobject of διά (the reason for the folly)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the apostles' folly is 'for Christ's sake' — a badge, not a defect.
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic, contrastive)
δὲbutadversative conjunction
φρόνιμοιwise / prudentNominativepredicate nominativeφρόνιμος: 'sensible, prudent'; the Corinthians' flattering self-image, 'wise in Christ.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the contrast of 'for Christ' (διά + acc.) vs. 'in Christ' (ἐν + dat.) is rhetorically pointed.
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (emphatic)
ἀσθενεῖςweakNominativepredicate nominativeἀσθενής: 'weak, feeble'; God's strength in apostolic weakness (cf. 2 Cor 12:9–10).
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic)
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ἰσχυροίstrongNominativepredicate nominativeἰσχυρός: 'mighty, strong'; the Corinthians' supposed potency.
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic; order reversed for effect)
ἔνδοξοιhonored / gloriousNominativepredicate nominativeἔνδοξος: 'held in honor, esteemed' (ἐν + δόξα); the prized social standing.
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (emphatic)
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ἄτιμοιdishonored / without honorNominativepredicate nominativeἄτιμος: 'dishonored, despised' (alpha-privative + τιμή, 'honor'); the apostles' shameful repute in the world's eyes.
11
ἄχρι τῆς ἄρτι ὥρας καὶ πεινῶμεν καὶ διψῶμεν καὶ γυμνιτεύομεν καὶ κολαφιζόμεθα καὶ ἀστατοῦμεν
To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly clothed and roughly treated and homeless,
The irony becomes flesh-and-blood: a present-tense list of ongoing deprivations — hunger, thirst, exposure, blows, homelessness — that is the apostles' daily reality 'to this very hour.'
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ἄχριuntil / topreposition + genitive (time, extent)ἄχρι: 'as far as, until'; marks the unbroken continuance up to now.
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ἄρτιpresentadverb (attributive, qualifying ὥρας)ἄρτι: 'now, at this moment'; 'the present hour' — the hardship is current, not past.
ὥραςhourGenitiveobject of ἄχριὥρα: 'hour, time'; 'to the present hour' = right up to this moment.
καὶand / bothcorrelative conjunction (heads the polysyndeton)καί: the repeated 'and' (polysyndeton) piles up the hardships relentlessly.
πεινῶμενwe hungerPres Act Indic 1 Pl · πεινάωmain verb→ customary/durative presentπεινάω: 'be hungry, hunger'; ongoing want of food.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
διψῶμενwe thirstPres Act Indic 1 Pl · διψάωmain verb→ customary/durative presentδιψάω: 'be thirsty, thirst.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
γυμνιτεύομενwe are poorly clothedPres Act Indic 1 Pl · γυμνιτεύωmain verb→ customary/durative presentγυμνιτεύω: 'be scantily/ill clad' (from γυμνός, 'naked'); not nudity but threadbare destitution.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
κολαφιζόμεθαwe are struck / buffetedPres Pass Indic 1 Pl · κολαφίζωmain verb (passive)→ customary/durative presentκολαφίζω: 'strike with the fist, beat' (from κόλαφος, 'a blow'); rough physical treatment.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀστατοῦμενwe are homeless / unsettledPres Act Indic 1 Pl · ἀστατέωmain verb→ customary/durative presentἀστατέω: 'be unsettled, have no fixed home' (alpha-privative + ἵστημι, 'stand'); the wandering, rootless life.
12
καὶ κοπιῶμεν ἐργαζόμενοι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσίν· λοιδορούμενοι εὐλογοῦμεν, διωκόμενοι ἀνεχόμεθα,
and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;
The catalogue extends to manual toil and then to the Christlike reflex: each hostile action met with its opposite blessing — the pattern of the Sermon on the Mount lived out.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
κοπιῶμενwe labor / toilPres Act Indic 1 Pl · κοπιάωmain verb→ customary/durative presentκοπιάω: 'work to exhaustion, toil' (from κόπος, 'wearisome labor'); strenuous wearying work.
ἐργαζόμενοιworkingPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐργάζομαιadverbial participle (means/manner)→ present (concurrent)ἐργάζομαι: 'work, labor'; specifies how they toil — by their own manual labor (cf. Acts 18:3, tentmaking).
ταῖςthe / ourDativearticle
ἰδίαιςownDativeattributive adjectiveἴδιος: 'one's own'; emphasizes self-support — not living off others, against ancient disdain for manual labor.
χερσίνhandsDativedative of means/instrumentχείρ: 'hand'; the instrument of their honest toil.
λοιδορούμενοιbeing reviledPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · λοιδορέωadverbial participle (concessive/temporal)→ present (concurrent)λοιδορέω: 'revile, abuse verbally'; harsh, insulting speech against them.
εὐλογοῦμενwe blessPres Act Indic 1 Pl · εὐλογέωmain verb→ customary presentεὐλογέω: 'speak well of, bless' (εὖ + λόγος); the gospel reflex — blessing for cursing (cf. Lk 6:28; Rom 12:14).
διωκόμενοιbeing persecutedPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · διώκωadverbial participle (concessive/temporal)→ present (concurrent)διώκω: 'pursue, persecute'; hostile, hounding opposition.
ἀνεχόμεθαwe endure / bear itPres Mid Indic 1 Pl · ἀνέχομαιmain verb→ customary presentἀνέχομαι: 'bear with, endure, put up with'; patient forbearance under attack.
13
δυσφημούμενοι παρακαλοῦμεν· ὡς περικαθάρματα τοῦ κόσμου ἐγενήθημεν, πάντων περίψημα ἕως ἄρτι.
when slandered, we entreat. We have become like the refuse of the world, the scum of all things, to this present moment.
The cruciform pattern closes, then crests in the harshest image: the apostles are the cosmos's filth, the off-scouring scraped away — and this, pointedly, 'to this present moment.'
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
δυσφημούμενοιbeing slandered / defamedPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · δυσφημέωadverbial participle (concessive/temporal)→ present (concurrent)δυσφημέω: 'speak ill of, defame' (δυσ- + φήμη, 'report'); the opposite of εὐφημέω — to malign one's name.
παρακαλοῦμενwe entreat / appeal kindlyPres Act Indic 1 Pl · παρακαλέωmain verb→ customary presentπαρακαλέω: 'call alongside, entreat, comfort, conciliate' (παρά + καλέω); they answer slander with gentle appeal.
ὡςas / likecomparative particle
περικαθάρματαrefuse / scrapingsNominativepredicate nominativeπερικάθαρμα: 'that which is cleaned off all around, refuse' (περί + καθαίρω, 'cleanse'); the dirt scoured away — even used of scapegoat victims.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κόσμουworldGenitiveobjective/possessive genitiveκόσμος: 'world'; the world's discarded filth.
ἐγενήθημενwe have becomeAor Pass Indic 1 Pl · γίνομαιmain verb→ constative aorist (resultant condition)γίνομαι: 'become'; the passive 'we were made' — this status was imposed by the world.
πάντωνof allGenitiveobjective genitive (with περίψημα)πᾶς: 'all'; the scum of everyone, universally despised.
περίψημαscum / off-scouringNominativepredicate nominative (in apposition)περίψημα: 'that which is wiped off, off-scouring' (περί + ψάω, 'wipe'); near-synonym of περικάθαρμα — the muck rubbed away.
ἕωςuntilpreposition + (adverb) (time, extent)ἕως: 'until, up to'; here with ἄρτι forming 'up to now.'
ἄρτιnow / the presentadverb of time (object of ἕως)ἄρτι: 'now, at this moment'; 'to this very moment' — the abasement is unrelieved and current, mirroring v.11.
14
Οὐκ ἐντρέπων ὑμᾶς γράφω ταῦτα, ἀλλ' ὡς τέκνα μου ἀγαπητὰ νουθετῶ.
I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
The sarcasm gives way to tenderness: Paul names his intent. The sharp contrast was not to humiliate but, as a father, to correct beloved children.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
Οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐντρέπωνshamingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἐντρέπωadverbial participle (purpose; negated)→ present (purpose-bearing)ἐντρέπω: 'turn in upon, make ashamed'; to put to shame — what Paul disclaims as his aim.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object of the participle
γράφωI writePres Act Indic 1 Sg · γράφωmain verb→ progressive present (epistolary)γράφω: 'write'; the act of composing this very letter.
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect objectοὗτος: 'these'; the foregoing ironic contrasts (vv.8–13).
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunction
ὡςascomparative particle
τέκναchildrenAccusativeobject complement (predicate acc. to ὑμᾶς)τέκνον: 'child' (from τίκτω, 'beget'); stresses the bond of birth — Paul begot them (v.15).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἀγαπητὰbelovedAccusativeattributive adjectiveἀγαπητός: 'beloved' (from ἀγαπάω); the affection underlying the correction.
νουθετῶI admonish / instructPres Act Indic 1 Sg · νουθετέωmain verb (νουθετῶ ὑμᾶς understood)→ progressive presentνουθετέω: 'put in mind, admonish, warn' (νοῦς + τίθημι); corrective counsel that aims at amendment, not shame.
15
ἐὰν γὰρ μυρίους παιδαγωγοὺς ἔχητε ἐν Χριστῷ, ἀλλ' οὐ πολλοὺς πατέρας· ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς ἐγέννησα.
For though you have countless guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
Grounds the fatherly tone: guardians are many, but a father is one — and Paul alone begot them through the gospel, a relation no later teacher can claim.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
ἐὰνthough / ifconjunction (third-class condition, concessive)ἐάν: 'if'; here concessive — 'even if, granting that.'
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
μυρίουςcountless / ten thousandAccusativeattributive adjective (hyperbole)μύριοι: 'ten thousand,' hence 'innumerable' (cf. 'myriad'); deliberate hyperbole — endless guides.
παιδαγωγοὺςguardians / tutorsAccusativedirect objectπαιδαγωγός: 'child-leader' (παῖς + ἄγω); the slave who escorted a boy to school and disciplined him — a custodian, not a parent (cf. Gal 3:24).
ἔχητεyou havePres Act Subj 2 Pl · ἔχωverb of the protasis (subjunctive)→ stative presentἔχω: 'have, hold.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the realm in which these guardians operate.
ἀλλ'yetadversative conjunction (apodosis of concession)ἀλλά: 'yet, but'; the contrast resolving the concessive 'though.'
οὐnotnegative particle
πολλοὺςmanyAccusativeattributive adjectiveπολύς: 'many'; in contrast to the 'countless' tutors — fathers are few, indeed one.
πατέραςfathersAccusativedirect object (ἔχετε understood)πατήρ: 'father'; the founder who begot them in the faith — a unique, unrepeatable relation.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the begetting happened 'in Christ Jesus,' not by mere human influence.
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition to Χριστῷ
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means/instrument)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
εὐαγγελίουgospelGenitiveobject of διά (instrument of begetting)εὐαγγέλιον: 'good news'; the gospel preached was the seed by which Paul fathered them.
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic — 'I, and no other')ἐγώ: emphatic 'I'; underscores Paul's singular fatherhood of this church.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ἐγέννησαI begot / became father toAor Act Indic 1 Sg · γεννάωmain verb→ constative aorist (the founding event)γεννάω: 'beget, give birth to'; the paternal metaphor — Paul's preaching brought them to new birth (cf. Phlm 10).
16
παρακαλῶ οὖν ὑμᾶς, μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε.
I urge you, then, be imitators of me.
The inference drawn from the father–child bond: a child rightly imitates its father, so Paul calls them to pattern their lives on his cruciform example.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
παρακαλῶI urge / appealPres Act Indic 1 Sg · παρακαλέωmain verb→ progressive presentπαρακαλέω: 'exhort, appeal, urge' (παρά + καλέω); the warm summons of a father, not a command from on high.
οὖνtherefore / theninferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore'; draws the practical inference from his fatherhood (v.15).
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object of παρακαλῶ
μιμηταίimitatorsNominativepredicate nominative (with γίνεσθε)μιμητής: 'imitator' (cf. 'mimic'); the term of discipleship by example (cf. 11:1; 1 Thess 1:6).
μουof meGenitiveobjective genitive (whom to imitate)
γίνεσθεbecome / bePres Mid Impv 2 Pl · γίνομαιmain verb (imperative)→ progressive present (keep becoming)γίνομαι: 'become'; the present imperative invites ongoing, growing imitation, not a single act.
17
διὰ τοῦτο ἔπεμψα ὑμῖν Τιμόθεον, ὅς ἐστίν μου τέκνον ἀγαπητὸν καὶ πιστὸν ἐν κυρίῳ, ὃς ὑμᾶς ἀναμνήσει τὰς ὁδούς μου τὰς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, καθὼς πανταχοῦ ἐν πάσῃ ἐκκλησίᾳ διδάσκω.
For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord; he will remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, as I teach them everywhere in every church.
How the call to imitate is to take effect: a trusted envoy, himself a model 'child,' will recall Paul's consistent Christ-shaped 'ways' — the same in every church.
Word-by-word analysis· 30 words
διὰfor / because ofpreposition + accusative (cause)
τοῦτοthisAccusativeobject of διά (διὰ τοῦτο = 'for this reason')οὗτος: 'this'; refers to the need that they imitate him.
ἔπεμψαI sent / have sentAor Act Indic 1 Sg · πέμπωmain verb (epistolary aorist)→ epistolary aoristπέμπω: 'send'; the epistolary aorist views the sending from the readers' future standpoint — 'I am sending.'
ὑμῖνto youDativedative of advantage / indirect object
ΤιμόθεονTimothyAccusativedirect objectΤιμόθεος: Timothy ('honoring God'); Paul's trusted co-worker and emissary (cf. Acts 16:1; Phil 2:19–22).
ὅςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἐστίν)
ἐστίνisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (rel. clause, copula)→ stative present
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
τέκνονchildNominativepredicate nominativeτέκνον: 'child'; Timothy too is Paul's spiritual son — a living instance of the imitation urged.
ἀγαπητὸνbelovedNominativeattributive adjectiveἀγαπητός: 'beloved'; the same word used of the Corinthians in v.14 — Timothy shares that affection.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πιστὸνfaithfulNominativeattributive adjectiveπιστός: 'faithful, trustworthy'; the very quality required of a steward (v.2) — Timothy embodies it.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κυρίῳthe LordDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)κύριος: 'Lord'; Timothy's faithfulness is exercised within the Lord's sphere.
ὃςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἀναμνήσει)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object (person reminded)
ἀναμνήσειwill remindFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀναμιμνῄσκωmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive futureἀναμιμνῄσκω: 'call to remembrance, remind' (ἀνά + μιμνῄσκω); takes a double accusative — remind someone of something.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
ὁδούςwaysAccusativedirect object (second acc. with ἀναμνήσει)ὁδός: 'road, way'; here Paul's manner of life and teaching — his Christ-shaped conduct, not mere doctrines.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
τὰςthose / the (ones)Accusativearticle (second attributive, restricting ὁδούς)ἡ: the repeated article ties the following phrase attributively to ὁδούς — 'my ways, the ones in Christ.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the ways are defined as lived 'in Christ.'
ἸησοῦJesusDativeapposition to Χριστῷ
καθὼςas / just ascomparative conjunctionκαθώς: 'just as, according as'; introduces the standard of consistency.
πανταχοῦeverywhereadverb of placeπανταχοῦ: 'in all places'; Paul's teaching is uniform — Corinth gets no special, lax version.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
πάσῃeveryDativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'every, all'; reinforces πανταχοῦ — no church is excepted.
ἐκκλησίᾳchurch / assemblyDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)ἐκκλησία: 'assembly, congregation' (ἐκ + καλέω, 'called out'); the gathered people of God in each place.
διδάσκωI teachPres Act Indic 1 Sg · διδάσκωmain verb (καθώς clause)→ customary presentδιδάσκω: 'teach, instruct'; his settled, consistent practice in all the churches.
18
ὡς μὴ ἐρχομένου δέ μου πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐφυσιώθησάν τινες·
Now some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.
A new front: some, presuming on Paul's absence, have grown arrogant — the very φυσιόω of v.6 now resurfaces as the chapter turns to confront them directly.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
ὡςas thoughparticle (with genitive absolute, alleged reason)ὡς: 'as if'; marks the false assumption on which their arrogance rests.
μὴnotnegative particle (with participle)μή: subjective negative with the participle — 'on the supposition that I am not coming.'
ἐρχομένουcomingPres Mid Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · ἔρχομαιgenitive absolute (with μου; alleged reason)→ present (in-progress)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; the genitive absolute 'as though I were not coming' frames their misjudgment.
δέnow / butdevelopmental/adversative conjunction
μουI / meGenitivegenitive absolute subject (with ἐρχομένου)
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
ἐφυσιώθησάνbecame puffed up / arrogantAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · φυσιόωmain verb→ ingressive aorist (became inflated)φυσιόω: 'puff up, inflate' (see v.6); the recurring Corinthian vice — here come to a head in his absence.
τινεςsomeNominativesubject (indefinite)τις: 'some, certain ones'; Paul targets a faction, not the whole church.
19
ἐλεύσομαι δὲ ταχέως πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἐὰν ὁ κύριος θελήσῃ, καὶ γνώσομαι οὐ τὸν λόγον τῶν πεφυσιωμένων ἀλλὰ τὴν δύναμιν·
But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power.
Paul punctures the assumption of v.18: he will come — soon, the Lord permitting — and will gauge the boasters not by their rhetoric but by demonstrated power.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
ἐλεύσομαιI will comeFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ predictive futureἔρχομαι: 'come'; flatly contradicts the 'as though not coming' of v.18.
δὲbutadversative conjunction
ταχέωςsoon / quicklyadverb of time/mannerταχέως: 'quickly, soon'; the visit is near, not deferred.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
ἐὰνifconjunction (third-class condition)ἐάν: 'if'; the pious qualification — the visit hangs on the Lord's will.
ὁtheNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubject of θελήσῃκύριος: 'Lord'; Paul's movements remain subject to the Lord's will (cf. 16:7; Jas 4:15).
θελήσῃwillsAor Act Subj 3 Sg · θέλωverb of the protasis (subjunctive)→ constative aoristθέλω: 'will, wish, want'; the Lord's sovereign disposing of Paul's plans.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
γνώσομαιI will find out / come to knowFut Mid Indic 1 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb→ predictive future (ingressive)γινώσκω: 'come to know, ascertain'; Paul will personally test the boasters' substance.
οὐnotnegative particle (with the first object)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
λόγονtalk / wordAccusativedirect object (the rejected measure)λόγος: 'word, speech, talk'; here mere rhetoric — the empty eloquence the puffed-up trade in.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle (substantizes participle)
πεφυσιωμένωνpuffed-up onesPerf Pass Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · φυσιόωsubstantival participle (possessive genitive)→ intensive perfect (settled state of arrogance)φυσιόω: 'puff up' (see vv.6, 18); the perfect marks a fixed, inflated condition — chronically arrogant.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
δύναμινpowerAccusativedirect object (the true measure)δύναμις: 'power, might'; the real index of the kingdom (v.20) — not what one says but what one effects by God's Spirit.
20
οὐ γὰρ ἐν λόγῳ ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ ἀλλ' ἐν δυνάμει.
For the kingdom of God consists not in talk but in power.
The maxim grounding v.19's test: God's reign is not a matter of words but of effective, Spirit-wrought power — the standard by which the boasters fall short.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
οὐnotnegative particle
γὰρforexplanatory/causal conjunction
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner/constitution)ἐν: here 'consists in, is a matter of.'
λόγῳtalk / wordDativeobject of ἐν (the rejected sphere)λόγος: 'word, speech'; mere talk, contrasted with effective power.
ἡtheNominativearticle
βασιλείαkingdom / reignNominativesubject (copula ἐστίν understood)βασιλεία: 'kingdom, reign, kingship'; God's dynamic rule — known by its power, not measured by rhetoric.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivesubjective/possessive genitiveθεός: God; whose kingly rule is in view.
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunction
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner/constitution)
δυνάμειpowerDativeobject of ἐν (the true sphere)δύναμις: 'power'; the Spirit's effective might that authenticates the kingdom (cf. 2:4–5).
21
τί θέλετε; ἐν ῥάβδῳ ἔλθω πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἢ ἐν ἀγάπῃ πνεύματί τε πραΰτητος;
What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
The chapter ends with a pointed paternal ultimatum: the manner of Paul's coming lies in their hands — corrective rod or the gentleness he would prefer.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative pronoun (object of θέλετε)τίς: 'what?'; puts the decision squarely to them.
θέλετεdo you want / willPres Act Indic 2 Pl · θέλωmain verb (question)→ progressive presentθέλω: 'will, wish, want'; their choice will determine the tenor of his visit.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner/accompaniment)
ῥάβδῳa rodDativedative of manner (object of ἐν)ῥάβδος: 'rod, staff'; the instrument of discipline — the father's rod of correction (cf. Prov 13:24).
ἔλθωshall I comeAor Act Subj 1 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb (deliberative subjunctive)→ constative aorist (deliberative)ἔρχομαι: 'come'; the deliberative subjunctive frames the alternatives — 'am I to come …?'
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
ἢordisjunctive conjunction
ἐνin / withpreposition + dative (manner)
ἀγάπῃloveDativedative of manner (object of ἐν)ἀγάπη: 'love'; the self-giving love that is Paul's preferred posture (the theme of ch. 13).
πνεύματίa spiritDativedative of manner (coordinate)πνεῦμα: here 'spirit, disposition' — the temper or attitude in which he would come.
τεandenclitic connective (τε, joining closely)τε: 'and'; the close-binding connective linking love and the gentle spirit as one disposition.
πραΰτητοςof gentleness / meeknessGenitiveattributive (descriptive) genitiveπραΰτης: 'gentleness, meekness'; strength under control, the opposite of the harsh rod — a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23).