1
Πρεσβυτέρῳ μὴ ἐπιπλήξῃς, ἀλλὰ παρακάλει ὡς πατέρα, νεωτέρους ὡς ἀδελφούς,
Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,
An abrupt new directive opens the family-of-God section: Timothy's correction is to be the appeal of a son to a father, never a harsh rebuke.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
Πρεσβυτέρῳan older manDativedat. of the person addressed (object of ἐπιπλήξῃς)πρεσβύτερος: 'older (man), elder'; here by age (paired with νεωτέρους) rather than the office of v.17, though the word bridges both senses.
μὴnotnegative (with prohibitive subjunctive)
ἐπιπλήξῃςrebuke sharplyAor Act Subj 2 Sg · ἐπιπλήσσωprohibitive subjunctive (μή + aor. subj.)→ ingressive-prohibitive aoristἐπιπλήσσω: 'strike at, rebuke severely' (ἐπί + πλήσσω, 'to strike'); a NT hapax — to upbraid with a verbal blow, the very thing forbidden.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
παρακάλειexhortPres Act Impv 2 Sg · παρακαλέωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present (habitual conduct)παρακαλέω: 'call alongside, exhort, encourage' (παρά + καλέω); the gentle appeal that is to replace the blow.
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)
πατέραa fatherAccusativeobject of implied 'treat' (comparison)πατήρ: 'father'; the relational model — the older man is owed filial deference.
νεωτέρουςyounger menAccusativeobject (parallel comparison)νεώτερος: 'younger'; comparative of νέος, here substantival — the younger men of the church.
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)
ἀδελφούςbrothersAccusativeobject of comparisonἀδελφός: 'brother'; the peer relation — younger men addressed as equals in the family of faith.
2
πρεσβυτέρας ὡς μητέρας, νεωτέρας ὡς ἀδελφὰς ἐν πάσῃ ἁγνείᾳ.
older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.
The family analogy completed across both sexes; the closing 'in all purity' safeguards the pastoral care of younger women.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
πρεσβυτέραςolder womenAccusativeobject of comparisonπρεσβυτέρα: 'older woman'; the feminine counterpart, treated with a son's honor toward a mother.
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)
μητέραςmothersAccusativeobject of comparisonμήτηρ: 'mother'; the relational model of honor for the older women.
νεωτέραςyounger womenAccusativeobject of comparisonνεωτέρα: 'younger woman'; the group requiring the special guard of purity.
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)
ἀδελφὰςsistersAccusativeobject of comparisonἀδελφή: 'sister'; the chaste, familial regard owed the younger women.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner/sphere)
πάσῃallDativeattributive adjective
ἁγνείᾳpurityDativedat. of manner (the governing safeguard)ἁγνεία: 'purity, chastity'; moral and sexual blamelessness — the boundary within which younger women are pastored.
3
Χήρας τίμα τὰς ὄντως χήρας.
Honor widows who are truly widows.
The widow section opens with its thesis: honor — including material support — is owed to those who are genuinely widows, with no one else to provide.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
ΧήραςwidowsAccusativedirect object (proleptic, resumed by τὰς ὄντως χήρας)χήρα: 'widow'; the topic-word of vv.3–16 — set forward for emphasis.
τίμαhonorPres Act Impv 2 Sg · τιμάωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present (standing duty)τιμάω: 'honor, value'; here including financial support (cf. 'double honor,' v.17), echoing the fifth commandment.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle (restrictive)
ὄντωςtrulyadverb (qualifying χήρας)ὄντως: 'really, genuinely' (from the ptc. of εἰμί); marks the 'real' widow — destitute and alone, the leitmotif of the section.
χήραςwidowsAccusativeapposition (defines the object)
4
εἰ δέ τις χήρα τέκνα ἢ ἔκγονα ἔχει, μανθανέτωσαν πρῶτον τὸν ἴδιον οἶκον εὐσεβεῖν καὶ ἀμοιβὰς ἀποδιδόναι τοῖς προγόνοις· τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν ἀπόδεκτον ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ.
But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety to their own household and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable before God.
A limiting case: the widow with family is not the church's charge; her descendants must learn piety begins at home, repaying the care once given them.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
εἰifconjunction (1st-class condition)
δέbutadversative/developmental conjunction
τιςanyNominativeattributive indefinite pronoun
χήραwidowNominativesubject of ἔχειχήρα: 'widow'; here the widow who is not 'truly' alone — she has surviving family.
τέκναchildrenAccusativedirect object of ἔχειτέκνον: 'child'; from τίκτω, 'beget' — the immediate offspring liable for her care.
ἢordisjunctive conjunction
ἔκγοναgrandchildrenAccusativedirect object (coordinate)ἔκγονος: 'descendant, grandchild' (ἐκ + γίνομαι); the obligation extends to the second generation.
ἔχειhasPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔχωmain verb (protasis)→ stative presentἔχω: 'have, hold'; the condition that disqualifies her from the church's roll.
μανθανέτωσανlet them learnPres Act Impv 3 Pl · μανθάνωmain verb (apodosis; subj. = the descendants)→ customary present (ongoing practice)μανθάνω: 'learn'; the plural subject shifts to the children/grandchildren — piety is something to be practiced and learned.
πρῶτονfirstadverb (priority)πρῶτον: 'first(ly)'; the home is the primary, prior school of godliness.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἴδιονtheir ownAccusativeattributive adjectiveἴδιος: 'one's own'; emphasizes the personal, domestic sphere of the duty.
οἶκονhouseholdAccusativedirect object of εὐσεβεῖνοἶκος: 'house, household'; the family as the object of reverent care.
εὐσεβεῖνto show pietyPres Act Inf · εὐσεβέωcomplementary infinitive (object of μανθανέτωσαν)→ customary presentεὐσεβέω: 'be reverent/dutiful' (εὖ + σέβομαι, 'worship'); piety here directed toward one's own family — a key Pastoral virtue.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀμοιβὰςa return/recompenseAccusativedirect object of ἀποδιδόναιἀμοιβή: 'requital, recompense' (from ἀμείβω, 'exchange'); a NT hapax — repaying the debt of one's upbringing.
ἀποδιδόναιto make/renderPres Act Inf · ἀποδίδωμιcomplementary infinitive (coordinate)→ customary presentἀποδίδωμι: 'give back, repay' (ἀπό + δίδωμι); the ἀπό- stresses returning what is due.
τοῖςto theDativearticle
προγόνοιςparents/forebearsDativedat. of recipient (indirect object)πρόγονος: 'forebear, parent' (προ- + γίνομαι); the elders who gave them life and nurture.
τοῦτοthisNominativesubject (resumptive demonstrative)
γάρforexplanatory conjunction
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ stative present
ἀπόδεκτονacceptableNominativepredicate adjectiveἀπόδεκτος: 'acceptable, welcome' (from ἀποδέχομαι); what God gladly receives — a Pastorals term (cf. 2:3).
ἐνώπιονbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (in the sight of)ἐνώπιον: 'in the presence/sight of'; the divine vantage from which the act is judged pleasing.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον
5
ἡ δὲ ὄντως χήρα καὶ μεμονωμένη ἤλπικεν ἐπὶ θεὸν καὶ προσμένει ταῖς δεήσεσιν καὶ ταῖς προσευχαῖς νυκτὸς καὶ ἡμέρας·
Now she who is truly a widow, and left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day;
Over against the widow with family, the genuine widow is portrayed: bereft of all human support, she has fixed her settled hope on God and lives in prayer.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
ἡshe/theNominativearticle (with χήρα)
δὲnow/butdevelopmental/contrastive conjunction
ὄντωςtrulyadverb (qualifying χήρα)ὄντως: 'genuinely'; resumes the key term of v.3, now defined by isolation.
χήραwidowNominativesubjectχήρα: 'widow'; the 'real' widow, the church's proper charge.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μεμονωμένηleft alonePerf Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Fem · μονόωattributive participle (with χήρα)→ intensive perfect (a settled, isolated state)μονόω: 'leave alone, make solitary' (from μόνος); a NT hapax — the perfect marks her abiding desolation, having no one left.
ἤλπικενhas set her hopePerf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐλπίζωmain verb→ intensive perfect (a fixed, abiding hope)ἐλπίζω: 'hope, trust'; the perfect denotes hope set on God once and now permanently resting there.
ἐπὶonpreposition + accusative (direction of hope)
θεὸνGodAccusativeobject of ἐπί (object of hope)θεός: God; the anarthrous noun stresses the character of the one hoped in.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
προσμένειcontinuesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · προσμένωmain verb (coordinate)→ customary present (persistent practice)προσμένω: 'remain with, continue in' (πρός + μένω); steadfast perseverance in prayer.
ταῖςtheDativearticle
δεήσεσινsupplicationsDativedat. complement of προσμένειδέησις: 'petition, supplication' (from δέομαι); prayer arising out of specific need and lack.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ταῖςtheDativearticle
προσευχαῖςprayersDativedat. complement (coordinate)προσευχή: 'prayer'; the more general, godward word, paired with the specific δέησις.
νυκτὸςnightGenitivegenitive of time (within which)νύξ: 'night'; the genitive marks the time during which — round-the-clock devotion.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἡμέραςdayGenitivegenitive of time (within which)ἡμέρα: 'day'; 'night and day' — a merism for unceasing prayer (cf. Anna, Luke 2:37).
6
ἡ δὲ σπαταλῶσα ζῶσα τέθνηκεν.
but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.
The dark foil to the praying widow: the one given to pleasure is, despite her physical life, already spiritually dead — a stark paradox.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
ἡshe/theNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δὲbutadversative conjunction
σπαταλῶσαliving for pleasurePres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Fem · σπαταλάωsubstantival participle (subject)→ customary present (a characteristic life)σπαταλάω: 'live luxuriously, indulge' (cf. Jas 5:5); wanton, self-pampering living — the opposite of prayerful dependence.
ζῶσα(while) livingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Fem · ζάωadverbial ptc. (concessive)→ present (concurrent)ζάω: 'live, be alive'; the concessive participle sets up the paradox — though biologically alive.
τέθνηκενhas died/is deadPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · θνῄσκωmain verb→ intensive perfect (a present state of death)θνῄσκω: 'die'; the perfect 'is dead' — a fixed condition of spiritual death amid physical life.
7
καὶ ταῦτα παράγγελλε, ἵνα ἀνεπίλημπτοι ὦσιν.
Command these things as well, so that they may be above reproach.
Timothy is to lay these widow-duties on the church as a binding charge, aiming at a blameless reputation for those involved.
Word-by-word analysis· 6 words
καὶalso/andconnective conjunction
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object (the foregoing instructions)
παράγγελλεcommandPres Act Impv 2 Sg · παραγγέλλωmain verb (imperative)→ customary present (standing instruction)παραγγέλλω: 'charge, command' (a military/official term); to pass on an authoritative order.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose)
ἀνεπίλημπτοιabove reproachNominativepredicate adjectiveἀνεπίλημπτος: 'irreproachable' (ἀ- + ἐπιλαμβάνομαι, 'lay hold of'); giving no handle for blame — a Pastorals key term (3:2).
ὦσινthey may bePres Act Subj 3 Pl · εἰμίverb of purpose clause (ἵνα + subj.)→ stative present
8
εἰ δέ τις τῶν ἰδίων καὶ μάλιστα οἰκείων οὐ προνοεῖ, τὴν πίστιν ἤρνηται καὶ ἔστιν ἀπίστου χείρων.
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
The sharpest sanction in the section: neglect of one's own family is so grave a failure of love that it amounts to a denial of the faith itself.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
εἰifconjunction (1st-class condition)
δέbutdevelopmental conjunction
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἰδίωνhis ownGenitivegenitive object of προνοεῖἴδιος: 'one's own'; here substantival, 'one's own people' — relatives broadly.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μάλισταespeciallyadverb (superlative, intensifying)μάλιστα: 'most of all, especially'; narrows from kin in general to the immediate household.
οἰκείωνhousehold membersGenitivegenitive object (coordinate, narrowed)οἰκεῖος: 'of the household, domestic' (from οἶκος); those of one's own home — the nearest dependents.
οὐnotnegative (with indicative)
προνοεῖprovides forPres Act Indic 3 Sg · προνοέωmain verb (protasis)→ customary presentπρονοέω: 'provide for, take thought beforehand' (πρό + νοέω); forethought for others' needs.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
πίστινfaithAccusativedirect object of ἤρνηταιπίστις: here 'the faith,' the Christian profession; to fail in basic love is to repudiate what one claims to believe.
ἤρνηταιhas deniedPerf Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀρνέομαιmain verb (apodosis)→ intensive perfect (a standing repudiation)ἀρνέομαι: 'deny, disown'; the perfect marks the denial as an accomplished, abiding fact.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἔστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (coordinate apodosis)→ stative present
ἀπίστουthan an unbelieverGenitivegenitive of comparison (with χείρων)ἄπιστος: 'unbelieving (one)' (ἀ- + πιστός); even pagans honor natural family bonds, so the negligent believer falls below them.
χείρωνworseNominativepredicate adjective (comparative)χείρων: 'worse'; the suppletive comparative of κακός — the verdict on such neglect.
9
Χήρα καταλεγέσθω μὴ ἔλαττον ἐτῶν ἑξήκοντα γεγονυῖα, ἑνὸς ἀνδρὸς γυνή,
Let a widow be enrolled who is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one husband,
A formal qualification list begins for the recognized order of widows supported by the church: an age threshold and a record of marital faithfulness.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
Χήραa widowNominativesubject of καταλεγέσθωχήρα: 'widow'; now the enrolled widow — a recognized, supported order.
καταλεγέσθωlet her be enrolledPres Pass Impv 3 Sg · καταλέγωmain verb (3rd-person imperative)→ customary presentκαταλέγω: 'enroll, put on a list' (κατά + λέγω, 'reckon'); a NT hapax — to register on the official roll of widows.
μὴnotnegative (qualifying the participle)
ἔλαττονlessadverbial accusative (comparative)ἐλάττων: 'less, smaller'; the comparative of μικρός — fixing a lower age limit.
ἐτῶνyearsGenitivegenitive of comparison/measureἔτος: 'year'; the measure of the age requirement.
ἑξήκονταsixtyindeclinable numeral (attributive to ἐτῶν)ἑξήκοντα: 'sixty'; the threshold marking the age beyond likely remarriage.
γεγονυῖαhaving become/beingPerf Act Ptc · Nom Sg Fem · γίνομαιadverbial ptc. (condition/circumstance)→ intensive perfect (a present qualifying state)γίνομαι: 'become, come to be'; here 'having reached' the age of sixty.
ἑνὸςof oneGenitiveattributive (with ἀνδρός)εἷς: 'one'; the emphasis falls on singular marital fidelity.
ἀνδρὸςhusband/manGenitivegenitive of relationship (with γυνή)ἀνήρ: 'man, husband'; 'wife of one husband' (cf. 3:2's 'husband of one wife') — a record of faithful monogamy.
γυνήwifeNominativeapposition to Χήραγυνή: 'woman, wife'; the appositive describes her past marital standing — having been a one-man wife.
10
ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς μαρτυρουμένη, εἰ ἐτεκνοτρόφησεν, εἰ ἐξενοδόχησεν, εἰ ἁγίων πόδας ἔνιψεν, εἰ θλιβομένοις ἐπήρκεσεν, εἰ παντὶ ἔργῳ ἀγαθῷ ἐπηκολούθησεν.
well attested for her good works: if she has raised children, if she has shown hospitality, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has devoted herself to every good work.
The enrollment criteria continue: a life documented by deeds of love — the conditional 'if' clauses enumerate the proven record required.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ἐνin/forpreposition + dative (sphere/respect)
ἔργοιςworksDativedat. of respect (with μαρτυρουμένη)ἔργον: 'work, deed'; the concrete acts that bear witness to her life.
καλοῖςgoodDativeattributive adjectiveκαλός: 'good, fine, noble'; 'good works' as visibly admirable — a Pastorals refrain.
μαρτυρουμένηbeing attestedPres Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Fem · μαρτυρέωadverbial ptc. (further qualification)→ present (characterizing)μαρτυρέω: 'bear witness, attest'; passive — she has a good public reputation, vouched for by her deeds.
εἰifconjunction (enumerating conditions)εἰ: 'if'; here the repeated εἰ functions to itemize evidences ('whether she...') rather than to doubt.
ἐτεκνοτρόφησενshe raised childrenAor Act Indic 3 Sg · τεκνοτροφέωverb of conditional clause→ constative aorist (summing a life's record)τεκνοτροφέω: 'rear children' (τέκνον + τρέφω, 'nourish'); a NT hapax — the maternal nurture of the young.
εἰifconjunction (enumerating)
ἐξενοδόχησενshe showed hospitalityAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ξενοδοχέωverb of conditional clause→ constative aoristξενοδοχέω: 'receive strangers, be hospitable' (ξένος + δέχομαι); a NT hapax — opening one's home to travelers and the needy.
εἰifconjunction (enumerating)
ἁγίωνof the saintsGenitivegenitive of possession (with πόδας)ἅγιος: 'holy one, saint'; fellow believers, whose feet she humbly served.
πόδαςfeetAccusativedirect object of ἔνιψενπούς: 'foot'; foot-washing — the menial service of love (cf. John 13).
ἔνιψενshe washedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · νίπτωverb of conditional clause→ constative aoristνίπτω: 'wash' (esp. part of the body); the lowliest hospitality, emblem of humble service.
εἰifconjunction (enumerating)
θλιβομένοιςthe afflictedPres Pass Ptc · Dat Pl Masc · θλίβωsubstantival ptc. (indirect object of ἐπήρκεσεν)→ present (those in ongoing distress)θλίβω: 'press, afflict'; the participle names the distressed she helped.
ἐπήρκεσενshe relieved/helpedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπαρκέωverb of conditional clause→ constative aoristἐπαρκέω: 'aid, give relief, suffice for' (ἐπί + ἀρκέω); to come to the help of those in need.
εἰifconjunction (enumerating)
παντὶeveryDativeattributive adjective
ἔργῳworkDativedat. complement of ἐπηκολούθησενἔργον: 'work, deed'; the comprehensive summary — every kind of good deed.
ἀγαθῷgoodDativeattributive adjectiveἀγαθός: 'good'; morally good — the quality of her every endeavor.
ἐπηκολούθησενshe devoted herself to/followed afterAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπακολουθέωverb of conditional clause (summarizing)→ constative aoristἐπακολουθέω: 'follow after, pursue' (ἐπί + ἀκολουθέω); she earnestly pursued every good work.
11
νεωτέρας δὲ χήρας παραιτοῦ· ὅταν γὰρ καταστρηνιάσωσιν τοῦ Χριστοῦ, γαμεῖν θέλουσιν,
But refuse younger widows; for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry,
The roll is not for young widows; their natural desires, Paul reasons, will pull them from devotion to Christ back toward marriage — and so from the pledge of the order.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
νεωτέραςyoungerAccusativeattributive adjective (with χήρας)νεωτέρα: 'younger (woman)'; those below the age threshold of v.9.
δὲbutadversative conjunction
χήραςwidowsAccusativedirect object of παραιτοῦχήρα: 'widow'; younger widows excluded from the enrolled order.
παραιτοῦrefuse/declinePres Mid Impv 2 Sg · παραιτέομαιmain verb (imperative)→ customary presentπαραιτέομαι: 'beg off, decline, refuse' (παρά + αἰτέω); to turn away a request — here, not to enroll them.
ὅτανwhen(ever)conjunction (indefinite temporal)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
καταστρηνιάσωσινtheir passions grow strong againstAor Act Subj 3 Pl · καταστρηνιάωverb of temporal clause (ὅταν + subj.)→ ingressive aorist (passions overtaking)καταστρηνιάω: 'feel sensual impulses against' (κατά + στρῆνος, 'strong desire'); a NT hapax — physical desire pulling them away from their consecration to Christ.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ΧριστοῦChristGenitivegenitive of separation (away from Christ)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the genitive marks the one from whom their desire turns them aside.
γαμεῖνto marryPres Act Inf · γαμέωcomplementary infinitive (object of θέλουσιν)→ customary presentγαμέω: 'marry'; the natural desire that conflicts with a lifelong pledge to the widows' order.
θέλουσινthey desirePres Act Indic 3 Pl · θέλωmain verb (apodosis)→ customary presentθέλω: 'will, desire, wish'; the impulse to remarry.
12
ἔχουσαι κρίμα ὅτι τὴν πρώτην πίστιν ἠθέτησαν·
incurring condemnation because they have set aside their first pledge;
The result of that reversal: they bring a verdict of guilt upon themselves, having broken the initial pledge of devotion made on entering the order.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
ἔχουσαιhaving/incurringPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Fem · ἔχωadverbial ptc. (result)→ present (resultant state)ἔχω: 'have, hold'; the participle of result — they 'come to have' a charge against them.
κρίμαcondemnationAccusativedirect object of ἔχουσαικρίμα: 'judgment, verdict' (from κρίνω); here adverse — guilt/condemnation.
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunction
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
πρώτηνfirstAccusativeattributive adjectiveπρῶτος: 'first'; the original commitment made when enrolled — their initial pledge.
πίστινpledge/faithAccusativedirect object of ἠθέτησανπίστις: here 'pledge, troth' (the sense of plighted faith); the solemn promise of devoted widowhood now abandoned.
ἠθέτησανthey have set asideAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀθετέωmain verb (causal clause)→ constative aoristἀθετέω: 'set aside, nullify, break faith' (ἀ- + τίθημι); to render a pledge void — covenant-breaking language.
13
ἅμα δὲ καὶ ἀργαὶ μανθάνουσιν, περιερχόμεναι τὰς οἰκίας, οὐ μόνον δὲ ἀργαὶ ἀλλὰ καὶ φλύαροι καὶ περίεργοι, λαλοῦσαι τὰ μὴ δέοντα.
and at the same time they also learn to be idle, going around from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they ought not.
A further reason against enrolling the young: enforced idleness breeds an escalating ladder of vices — from idleness to gossip to meddling.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
ἅμαat the same timeadverb (simultaneity)ἅμα: 'at once, together'; the vices accompany the idleness.
δὲandconnective conjunction
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive)
ἀργαὶidleNominativepredicate adjective (complement of μανθάνουσιν)ἀργός: 'idle, lazy' (ἀ- + ἔργον, 'without work'); the root failing that breeds the rest.
μανθάνουσινthey learn (to be)Pres Act Indic 3 Pl · μανθάνωmain verb→ customary presentμανθάνω: 'learn'; here with predicate adj. — 'learn to be idle,' picking up idleness as a habit.
περιερχόμεναιgoing aroundPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Fem · περιέρχομαιadverbial ptc. (manner)→ present (ongoing activity)περιέρχομαι: 'go about, wander around' (περί + ἔρχομαι); the restless drifting from home to home.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
οἰκίαςhousesAccusativeaccusative of place (extent traversed)οἰκία: 'house, home'; the round of households they circulate through.
οὐnotnegative (part of οὐ μόνον … ἀλλά)
μόνονonlyadverb (in correlative construction)μόνον: 'only'; 'not only … but also' intensifies from idleness to graver faults.
δὲbutconjunction (in correlative)
ἀργαὶidleNominativepredicate adjective (resumed)
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction (correlative)
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive)
φλύαροιgossipsNominativepredicate adjectiveφλύαρος: 'babbling, gossiping' (cf. φλύαρος, 'nonsense-talker'); a NT hapax — those who chatter idle, harmful talk.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
περίεργοιbusybodiesNominativepredicate adjectiveπερίεργος: 'meddlesome, busybody' (περί + ἔργον, 'over-busy'); prying into others' affairs.
λαλοῦσαιsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Fem · λαλέωadverbial ptc. (manner/result)→ present (habitual speech)λαλέω: 'speak, talk'; here of loose, improper talk.
τὰthe thingsAccusativearticle (substantizes the ptc.)
μὴnotnegative (with participle)
δέονταproper/that oughtPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Neut · δεῖ (δέω)substantival ptc. (object of λαλοῦσαι)→ present (what is fitting)δεῖ/δέον: 'it is necessary/fitting'; 'the things not fitting' — speech that propriety forbids.
14
βούλομαι οὖν νεωτέρας γαμεῖν, τεκνογονεῖν, οἰκοδεσποτεῖν, μηδεμίαν ἀφορμὴν διδόναι τῷ ἀντικειμένῳ λοιδορίας χάριν·
Therefore I want younger widows to marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for reviling;
Drawing the conclusion: rather than enrolling the young, Paul directs them to the wholesome path of marriage and household life, denying the enemy any pretext for slander.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
βούλομαιI want/willPres Mid Indic 1 Sg · βούλομαιmain verb→ customary present (settled resolve)βούλομαι: 'will, intend, desire'; an apostolic determination, weightier than mere wish.
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore'; draws the practical conclusion from vv.11–13.
νεωτέραςyounger (widows)Accusativeaccusative subject of the infinitivesνεωτέρα: 'younger woman'; the same group, now positively directed.
γαμεῖνto marryPres Act Inf · γαμέωinfinitive (object of βούλομαι)→ customary presentγαμέω: 'marry'; the first of the wholesome roles commended.
τεκνογονεῖνto bear childrenPres Act Inf · τεκνογονέωinfinitive (coordinate)→ customary presentτεκνογονέω: 'bear children' (τέκνον + γεννάω); a NT hapax — childbearing as an honorable calling (cf. 2:15).
οἰκοδεσποτεῖνto manage the householdPres Act Inf · οἰκοδεσποτέωinfinitive (coordinate)→ customary presentοἰκοδεσποτέω: 'rule a household' (οἶκος + δεσπότης, 'master'); a NT hapax — to be mistress of the home.
μηδεμίανnoAccusativeattributive (with ἀφορμήν)μηδείς: 'no one, none'; the absolute negation — not the slightest opening.
ἀφορμὴνoccasionAccusativedirect object of διδόναιἀφορμή: 'opportunity, base of operations, pretext' (originally a military springboard); a foothold for attack.
διδόναιto givePres Act Inf · δίδωμιinfinitive (purpose/result of the foregoing)→ customary presentδίδωμι: 'give'; here 'give no occasion' — the aim of the wholesome life.
τῷthe (one)Dativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἀντικειμένῳadversary/opponentPres Mid Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · ἀντίκειμαιsubstantival ptc. (indirect object of διδόναι)→ present (the standing opponent)ἀντίκειμαι: 'be opposed, set against' (ἀντί + κεῖμαι); 'the adversary' — a human opponent or, ultimately, Satan (cf. v.15).
λοιδορίαςof revilingGenitivegenitive object of χάριν (purpose)λοιδορία: 'abuse, reviling' (from λοιδορέω); the slander an idle, scandalous life would invite.
χάρινfor the sake ofimproper preposition + genitive (purpose, postpositive)χάριν: 'for the sake of, on account of' (acc. of χάρις used as a preposition); 'for the sake of reviling' = giving cause for it.
15
ἤδη γάρ τινες ἐξετράπησαν ὀπίσω τοῦ Σατανᾶ.
for some have already turned aside after Satan.
The directive is urgent because it is not hypothetical: some young widows have already defected, following Satan rather than Christ.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
ἤδηalreadyadverb (time)ἤδη: 'already, now'; the danger is present and proven, not merely possible.
γάρforexplanatory conjunction
τινεςsomeNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)
ἐξετράπησανhave turned asideAor Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἐκτρέπωmain verb→ constative aoristἐκτρέπω: 'turn aside, deviate' (ἐκ + τρέπω); to wander off the path — apostasy imagery (cf. 1:6).
ὀπίσωafterimproper preposition + genitive (following behind)ὀπίσω: 'behind, after'; 'to go after' as a disciple — here, tragically, of Satan.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ΣατανᾶSatanGenitiveobject of ὀπίσωΣατανᾶς: 'Satan, the Adversary' (a Hebrew loanword); the true power behind the 'adversary' of v.14.
16
εἴ τις πιστὴ ἔχει χήρας, ἐπαρκείτω αὐταῖς, καὶ μὴ βαρείσθω ἡ ἐκκλησία, ἵνα ταῖς ὄντως χήραις ἐπαρκέσῃ.
If any believing woman has widows in her family, let her relieve them; and let the church not be burdened, so that it may relieve those who are truly widows.
A capstone rule binding the section together: family responsibility comes first, freeing the church's limited resources for the genuinely destitute widows.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
εἴifconjunction (1st-class condition)
τιςanyNominativeattributive indefinite pronoun
πιστὴbelieving womanNominativesubject (substantival adjective)πιστός: 'believing, faithful'; the feminine 'a believing woman' — a Christian with widowed relatives.
ἔχειhasPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔχωmain verb (protasis)→ stative presentἔχω: 'have'; here 'has (in her family).'
χήραςwidowsAccusativedirect object of ἔχειχήρα: 'widow'; the widowed kin who are her responsibility.
ἐπαρκείτωlet her relievePres Act Impv 3 Sg · ἐπαρκέωmain verb (apodosis, 3rd-person imperative)→ customary presentἐπαρκέω: 'aid, relieve' (cf. v.10); the family member's duty of support.
αὐταῖςthemDativedat. complement of ἐπαρκείτω
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μὴnotnegative (with imperative)
βαρείσθωlet it be burdenedPres Pass Impv 3 Sg · βαρέωmain verb (3rd-person imperative)→ customary presentβαρέω: 'weigh down, burden' (from βάρος, 'weight'); the financial load the church should be spared.
ἡtheNominativearticle
ἐκκλησίαchurchNominativesubject of βαρείσθωἐκκλησία: 'assembly, church' (ἐκ + καλέω, 'called out'); the congregation as a corporate body with limited means.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose)
ταῖςtheDativearticle
ὄντωςtrulyadverb (qualifying χήραις)ὄντως: 'genuinely'; once more the section's keyword — the real widows the church should serve.
χήραιςwidowsDativedat. complement of ἐπαρκέσῃχήρα: 'widow'; those truly alone, the church's rightful charge.
ἐπαρκέσῃit may relieveAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐπαρκέωverb of purpose clause (ἵνα + subj.)→ constative aoristἐπαρκέω: 'relieve, help'; the church's freed-up resource directed to the truly needy.
17
Οἱ καλῶς προεστῶτες πρεσβύτεροι διπλῆς τιμῆς ἀξιούσθωσαν, μάλιστα οἱ κοπιῶντες ἐν λόγῳ καὶ διδασκαλίᾳ.
Let the elders who lead well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and teaching.
The chapter turns to elders: those who govern well — preeminently the preachers and teachers — deserve 'double honor,' i.e. both esteem and material support.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ΟἱtheNominativearticle (with πρεσβύτεροι)
καλῶςwelladverb (manner, with προεστῶτες)καλῶς: 'well, finely'; the quality of leadership that merits the honor.
προεστῶτεςwho lead/rulePerf Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · προΐστημιattributive participle (with πρεσβύτεροι)→ intensive perfect (settled office of leadership)προΐστημι: 'stand before, lead, manage' (πρό + ἵστημι); to preside or care for — the elders' governing function.
πρεσβύτεροιeldersNominativesubject of ἀξιούσθωσανπρεσβύτερος: 'elder'; here the church office (cf. v.19), not mere age as in v.1.
διπλῆςdoubleGenitiveattributive adjective (with τιμῆς)διπλοῦς: 'double, twofold'; either generous, or 'honor and honorarium' (esteem plus stipend, cf. v.18).
τιμῆςhonorGenitivegenitive complement of ἀξιούσθωσαν (worthy of)τιμή: 'honor, value, price'; embracing both respect and remuneration — the same root as 'honor' in v.3.
ἀξιούσθωσανlet them be counted worthyPres Pass Impv 3 Pl · ἀξιόωmain verb (3rd-person imperative)→ customary presentἀξιόω: 'deem worthy, count deserving' (from ἄξιος); the congregation is to render them their due.
μάλισταespeciallyadverb (singling out)μάλιστα: 'most of all'; narrows to the teaching elders as the prime recipients.
οἱthe (ones)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
κοπιῶντεςwho laborPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · κοπιάωsubstantival participle→ present (ongoing toil)κοπιάω: 'toil, grow weary' (from κόπος, 'wearying labor'); strenuous, exhausting work — preaching and teaching as real labor.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
λόγῳwordDativedat. of sphereλόγος: 'word'; here the ministry of preaching/proclamation.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
διδασκαλίᾳteachingDativedat. of sphere (coordinate)διδασκαλία: 'teaching, instruction' (from διδάσκω); the doctrinal labor especially prized in the Pastorals.
18
λέγει γὰρ ἡ γραφή· Βοῦν ἀλοῶντα οὐ φιμώσεις, καί· Ἄξιος ὁ ἐργάτης τοῦ μισθοῦ αὐτοῦ.
For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."
Two citations justify the elders' support: Deuteronomy's muzzled ox and a dominical saying — the worker deserves his pay.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
λέγειsaysPres Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ gnomic/customary present (standing testimony)λέγω: 'say, speak'; the present 'Scripture says' treats the text as a living voice.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἡtheNominativearticle
γραφήScriptureNominativesubjectγραφή: 'writing, Scripture'; the authoritative sacred text — the basis of the argument.
Βοῦνan oxAccusativedirect object of φιμώσεις (cited)βοῦς: 'ox'; the threshing ox of Deut 25:4, applied to the gospel worker (cf. 1 Cor 9:9).
ἀλοῶνταtreading out grainPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · ἀλοάωadverbial ptc. (temporal, 'while')→ present (during the work)ἀλοάω: 'thresh, tread out grain'; the ox at work — entitled to eat as it labors.
οὐnotnegative (with future as prohibition)
φιμώσειςyou shall muzzleFut Act Indic 2 Sg · φιμόωmain verb (future for prohibition, cited)→ imperatival future (legal prohibition)φιμόω: 'muzzle, silence' (from φιμός, 'muzzle'); not to deny the laboring ox its food.
καίandcoordinating conjunction (joining citations)
ἌξιοςworthyNominativepredicate adjective (cited saying)ἄξιος: 'worthy, deserving'; the laborer's just claim — echoing Jesus' words (Luke 10:7).
ὁtheNominativearticle
ἐργάτηςlaborerNominativesubject (cited)ἐργάτης: 'worker, laborer' (from ἔργον); the one who toils — applied to the ministering elder.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
μισθοῦwagesGenitivegenitive complement of Ἄξιος (worthy of)μισθός: 'wage, pay, reward'; the recompense owed for labor.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
19
κατὰ πρεσβυτέρου κατηγορίαν μὴ παραδέχου, ἐκτὸς εἰ μὴ ἐπὶ δύο ἢ τριῶν μαρτύρων.
Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.
Protecting elders from frivolous charges: an accusation is admissible only when corroborated by the scriptural standard of multiple witnesses.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
κατὰagainstpreposition + genitive (opposition)κατά: 'against' (with gen.); the hostile direction of the charge.
πρεσβυτέρουan elderGenitiveobject of κατάπρεσβύτερος: 'elder' (the office); the one shielded by due process.
κατηγορίανaccusationAccusativedirect object of παραδέχουκατηγορία: 'accusation, charge' (from κατηγορέω, 'speak against'); a formal complaint.
μὴnotnegative (with imperative)
παραδέχουreceive/entertainPres Mid Impv 2 Sg · παραδέχομαιmain verb (imperative)→ customary presentπαραδέχομαι: 'receive, admit, accept' (παρά + δέχομαι); to take up a charge for consideration.
ἐκτὸςexceptadverb/improper prep. (exception)ἐκτός: 'outside, except'; ἐκτὸς εἰ μή = 'unless,' a pleonastic 'except if not.'
εἰifconjunction (in the exceptive phrase)
μὴnotnegative (in exceptive phrase)
ἐπὶon (the basis of)preposition + genitive (basis/condition)ἐπί: 'on, upon'; with gen., 'on the testimony of' — the legal ground.
δύοtwoGenitiveattributive numeral (with μαρτύρων)δύο: 'two'; the minimum corroboration of Deut 19:15.
ἢordisjunctive conjunction
τριῶνthreeGenitiveattributive numeral (with μαρτύρων)τρεῖς: 'three'; the alternative number of required witnesses.
μαρτύρωνwitnessesGenitiveobject of ἐπί (basis)μάρτυς: 'witness'; the corroborating testimony required to admit the charge.
20
τοὺς ἁμαρτάνοντας ἐνώπιον πάντων ἔλεγχε, ἵνα καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ φόβον ἔχωσιν.
Those who persist in sin reprove before all, so that the rest may also stand in fear.
Once a charge is proven, the discipline must be public: open reproof of the persistent sinner serves as a deterrent to the whole body.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
τοὺςthoseAccusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἁμαρτάνονταςwho sin/persist in sinPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · ἁμαρτάνωsubstantival ptc. (object of ἔλεγχε)→ present (continuing/persistent action)ἁμαρτάνω: 'sin, miss the mark'; the present aspect suggests ongoing, unrepentant sin (likely elders, in context).
ἐνώπιονbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (in the presence of)ἐνώπιον: 'in the sight/presence of'; the public setting of the rebuke.
πάντωνallGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον (substantival adj.)πᾶς: 'all'; the whole congregation as witnesses to the reproof.
ἔλεγχεreprovePres Act Impv 2 Sg · ἐλέγχωmain verb (imperative)→ customary presentἐλέγχω: 'expose, convict, reprove'; to bring sin to light and call to account — not mere scolding.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose)
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive)
οἱtheNominativearticle
λοιποὶrestNominativesubject (substantival adjective)λοιπός: 'remaining, rest'; the others who are warned by the example.
φόβονfearAccusativedirect object of ἔχωσινφόβος: 'fear, reverence'; a wholesome dread of sin and its public consequence.
ἔχωσινmay havePres Act Subj 3 Pl · ἔχωverb of purpose clause (ἵνα + subj.)→ stative present
21
Διαμαρτύρομαι ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ καὶ τῶν ἐκλεκτῶν ἀγγέλων, ἵνα ταῦτα φυλάξῃς χωρὶς προκρίματος, μηδὲν ποιῶν κατὰ πρόσκλισιν.
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to keep these things without prejudgment, doing nothing out of partiality.
A weighty adjuration, invoking the heavenly tribunal, that Timothy administer the foregoing rules with strict impartiality, free of bias either way.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ΔιαμαρτύρομαιI solemnly chargePres Mid Indic 1 Sg · διαμαρτύρομαιmain verb (performative)→ customary/instantaneous present (a charge enacted in the speaking)διαμαρτύρομαι: 'testify solemnly, adjure' (διά intensive + μαρτύρομαι); to charge with the force of an oath before witnesses.
ἐνώπιονbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (in the presence of)ἐνώπιον: 'in the presence of'; the divine-and-angelic court before which Timothy is charged.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιονθεός: God; the first witness invoked.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον (coordinate)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the second witness — the coming Judge.
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition to Χριστοῦ
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἐκλεκτῶνelectGenitiveattributive adjective (with ἀγγέλων)ἐκλεκτός: 'chosen, elect' (from ἐκλέγομαι); the holy, chosen angels — distinguished from the fallen.
ἀγγέλωνangelsGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον (coordinate)ἄγγελος: 'messenger, angel'; the angelic witnesses to the charge (cf. their role at judgment).
ἵναto/thatconjunction (content of the charge)
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object of φυλάξῃς
φυλάξῃςyou keep/observeAor Act Subj 2 Sg · φυλάσσωverb of ἵνα-clause (content of charge)→ constative aoristφυλάσσω: 'guard, keep, observe'; to maintain these directives intact.
χωρὶςwithoutimproper preposition + genitive (separation)χωρίς: 'apart from, without'; the absence of prejudgment required.
προκρίματοςprejudgmentGenitiveobject of χωρίςπρόκριμα: 'prejudgment, prejudice' (προ- + κρίνω); a NT hapax — deciding a case in advance, against one party.
μηδὲνnothingAccusativedirect object of ποιῶνμηδείς: 'nothing, no one'; the absolute exclusion of partial conduct.
ποιῶνdoingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ποιέωadverbial ptc. (manner, with φυλάξῃς)→ present (concurrent manner)ποιέω: 'do, make'; the manner in which the charge is to be kept — acting in nothing by favoritism.
κατὰaccording to/out ofpreposition + accusative (standard/manner)
πρόσκλισινpartialityAccusativeobject of κατάπρόσκλισις: 'inclination, partiality' (πρός + κλίνω, 'lean toward'); a NT hapax — favoring one side, the opposite of impartial justice.
22
χεῖρας ταχέως μηδενὶ ἐπιτίθει, μηδὲ κοινώνει ἁμαρτίαις ἀλλοτρίαις· σεαυτὸν ἁγνὸν τήρει.
Do not lay hands hastily on anyone, nor share in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
Three terse charges flowing from the call to impartiality: deliberate care in ordination (or restoration), refusal to be implicated in another's sin, and the keeping of personal purity.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
χεῖραςhandsAccusativedirect object of ἐπιτίθειχείρ: 'hand'; 'laying on of hands' — ordination/commissioning, or possibly restoring the penitent.
ταχέωςhastilyadverb (manner)ταχέως: 'quickly, hastily'; the very fault to be avoided — premature action.
μηδενὶon no oneDativedat. complement of ἐπιτίθειμηδείς: 'no one'; caution toward every candidate without exception.
ἐπιτίθειlay onPres Act Impv 2 Sg · ἐπιτίθημιmain verb (imperative)→ customary presentἐπιτίθημι: 'lay/place upon' (ἐπί + τίθημι); the formal gesture of ordination or blessing.
μηδὲnornegative conjunction
κοινώνειshare inPres Act Impv 2 Sg · κοινωνέωmain verb (imperative)→ customary presentκοινωνέω: 'share, partake, be a partner' (from κοινός, 'common'); to become complicit — here in others' sins.
ἁμαρτίαιςsinsDativedat. complement of κοινώνειἁμαρτία: 'sin'; the wrongs of another in which one might wrongly partake (e.g. by careless ordination).
ἀλλοτρίαιςof othersDativeattributive adjective (with ἁμαρτίαις)ἀλλότριος: 'belonging to another, others'' (from ἄλλος); sins not one's own, yet shareable through endorsement.
σεαυτὸνyourselfAccusativedirect object of τήρει (reflexive)σεαυτοῦ: 'yourself'; the reflexive turning the charge inward.
ἁγνὸνpureAccusativeobject complement (predicate accusative)ἁγνός: 'pure, chaste, holy'; the personal integrity Timothy must guard (cf. ἁγνείᾳ, v.2).
τήρειkeepPres Act Impv 2 Sg · τηρέωmain verb (imperative)→ customary presentτηρέω: 'keep, guard, watch over'; the ongoing vigilance over one's own purity.
23
μηκέτι ὑδροπότει, ἀλλὰ οἴνῳ ὀλίγῳ χρῶ διὰ τὸν στόμαχον καὶ τὰς πυκνάς σου ἀσθενείας.
No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
A pastoral parenthesis, lest 'keep yourself pure' be taken as harsh asceticism: Timothy may take a little wine medicinally for his recurrent ill health.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
μηκέτιno longernegative adverb (with imperative)μηκέτι: 'no longer' (μή + ἔτι); reversing a former abstinence.
ὑδροπότειdrink (only) waterPres Act Impv 2 Sg · ὑδροποτέωmain verb (negated imperative)→ customary presentὑδροποτέω: 'drink water (only)' (ὕδωρ + πίνω); a NT hapax — total abstinence from wine, here gently set aside.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
οἴνῳwineDativedat. complement of χρῶ (use of)οἶνος: 'wine'; here as a remedy, not for indulgence — note the qualifying 'a little.'
ὀλίγῳa littleDativeattributive adjective (with οἴνῳ)ὀλίγος: 'little, small'; the moderating measure — temperance is preserved.
χρῶusePres Mid Impv 2 Sg · χράομαιmain verb (imperative)→ customary presentχράομαι: 'use, make use of' (takes the dative); the medicinal employment of wine.
διὰfor the sake of/because ofpreposition + accusative (cause/reason)διά: 'because of' (with acc.); the medical ground for the counsel.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
στόμαχονstomachAccusativeobject of διά (cause)στόμαχος: 'stomach' (orig. 'throat, opening'); a NT hapax — the seat of Timothy's digestive trouble.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
πυκνάςfrequentAccusativeattributive adjective (with ἀσθενείας)πυκνός: 'frequent, dense'; the recurring nature of the ailments.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἀσθενείαςailments/weaknessesAccusativeobject of διά (coordinate cause)ἀσθένεια: 'weakness, sickness' (ἀ- + σθένος, 'strength'); here bodily illnesses.
24
Τινῶν ἀνθρώπων αἱ ἁμαρτίαι πρόδηλοί εἰσιν, προάγουσαι εἰς κρίσιν, τισὶν δὲ καὶ ἐπακολουθοῦσιν·
The sins of some people are evident, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others follow after them;
Returning to the caution of v.22, Paul observes that sins differ in visibility — some manifest, some hidden for now — encouraging patient discernment in appointing and judging.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
Τινῶνof someGenitiveattributive (with ἀνθρώπων)
ἀνθρώπωνpeopleGenitivegenitive of possession (with ἁμαρτίαι)ἄνθρωπος: 'human being, person'; the people whose sins are in view.
αἱtheNominativearticle
ἁμαρτίαιsinsNominativesubjectἁμαρτία: 'sin'; here viewed as either open or concealed.
πρόδηλοίevident/obviousNominativepredicate adjectiveπρόδηλος: 'manifest, evident beforehand' (προ- + δῆλος, 'clear'); plain for all to see in advance.
εἰσινarePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula→ gnomic present (general truth)
προάγουσαιgoing beforePres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Fem · προάγωadverbial ptc. (manner/result)→ present (characterizing)προάγω: 'lead/go before' (προ- + ἄγω); these sins run ahead, openly leading the way to judgment.
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal)
κρίσινjudgmentAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)κρίσις: 'judgment, decision'; the verdict toward which sins move — whether human assessment or final judgment.
τισὶν(of) someDativedat. of reference (with ἐπακολουθοῦσιν)τις: 'some, certain'; the contrasting group whose sins are not yet manifest.
δὲbutadversative conjunction
καὶeven/alsoadverbial (ascensive)
ἐπακολουθοῦσινthey follow afterPres Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπακολουθέωmain verb (subj. = ἁμαρτίαι)→ gnomic present (general truth)ἐπακολουθέω: 'follow after, come behind' (ἐπί + ἀκολουθέω); these sins lag behind, surfacing only later.
25
ὡσαύτως καὶ τὰ ἔργα τὰ καλὰ πρόδηλα, καὶ τὰ ἄλλως ἔχοντα κρυβῆναι οὐ δύνανται.
So also good works are evident, and even those that are otherwise cannot remain hidden.
The same holds in reverse for good works: most are plain, and even the hidden ones cannot stay concealed forever — a reassurance that truth will out, vindicating patient judgment.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ὡσαύτωςlikewise/so alsoadverb (drawing the parallel)ὡσαύτως: 'in like manner' (ὡς + αὐτως); marks the corresponding truth about good works.
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive)
τὰtheNominativearticle (with ἔργα)
ἔργαworksNominativesubjectἔργον: 'work, deed'; here the good deeds that, like sins, vary in visibility.
τὰtheNominativearticle (attributive position)
καλὰgoodNominativeattributive adjective (with ἔργα)καλός: 'good, fine, noble'; the admirable works in view.
πρόδηλαevidentNominativepredicate adjective (copula implied)πρόδηλος: 'manifest, evident'; most good works are plainly visible (cf. v.24).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὰthoseNominativearticle (substantizes the ptc. phrase)
ἄλλωςotherwiseadverb (with ἔχοντα)ἄλλως: 'otherwise, differently'; 'the ones being otherwise' — i.e. not at once apparent.
ἔχονταbeing/standingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Neut · ἔχωsubstantival ptc. (subject of δύνανται)→ present (a state)ἔχω: 'have, hold'; with an adverb (ἄλλως ἔχοντα), 'being otherwise' — the idiom for a state or condition.
κρυβῆναιto be hiddenAor Pass Inf · κρύπτωcomplementary infinitive (with δύνανται)→ constative aoristκρύπτω: 'hide, conceal' (cf. 'crypt'); even concealed good works cannot stay hidden forever.
οὐnotnegative (with δύνανται)
δύνανταιthey can/are ablePres Mid Indic 3 Pl · δύναμαιmain verb→ gnomic present (general truth)δύναμαι: 'be able, can'; the impossibility of permanent concealment — truth comes to light.