1
Οἴδαμεν γὰρ ὅτι ἐὰν ἡ ἐπίγειος ἡμῶν οἰκία τοῦ σκήνους καταλυθῇ, οἰκοδομὴν ἐκ θεοῦ ἔχομεν, οἰκίαν ἀχειροποίητον αἰώνιον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς.
For we know that if our earthly house, the tent, is dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
γάρ grounds the courage of 4:16–18: the seen body wastes, but we know an unseen, eternal dwelling awaits. The chapter opens the consolation that frames the whole argument.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
Οἴδαμενwe knowPerf Act Indic 1 Pl · οἶδαmain verb→ intensive perfect (present sense: settled knowledge)οἶδα: 'know' (perfect with present force); confident, assured knowledge — the bedrock of Christian hope here.
γὰρforexplanatory/causal conjunctionγάρ: 'for'; grounds the preceding confidence amid affliction (4:16–18).
ὅτιthatconjunction (object clause)
ἐὰνifconjunction (third-class condition)ἐάν: 'if'; with subjunctive, a contingent condition — the dissolution is possible, not asserted.
ἡtheNominativearticle
ἐπίγειοςearthlyNominativeattributive adjectiveἐπίγειος: 'earthly, on the earth' (ἐπί + γῆ); the body belongs to the present, perishable order.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
οἰκίαhouseNominativesubject of καταλυθῇοἰκία: 'house, dwelling'; a metaphor for the body as the soul's residence.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
σκήνουςtentGenitivegenitive of apposition (the house = the tent)σκῆνος: 'tent, tabernacle'; the body as a temporary, collapsible dwelling — flimsy compared with the permanent building.
καταλυθῇis dissolved/taken downAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · καταλύωverb of the protasis (subjunctive)→ constative aoristκαταλύω: 'tear down, dismantle' (κατά + λύω); fittingly used of striking a tent — death as the folding-up of the body.
οἰκοδομὴνa buildingAccusativedirect object of ἔχομενοἰκοδομή: 'building, structure'; solid and permanent — contrasted with the collapsible σκῆνος.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of source (object of ἐκ)θεός: God; the heavenly dwelling is divinely made, not humanly built.
ἔχομενwe havePres Act Indic 1 Pl · ἔχωmain verb (apodosis)→ futuristic present (assured possession)ἔχω: 'have, possess'; the present underscores the certainty — already 'ours,' though future in enjoyment.
οἰκίανa houseAccusativeaccusative in apposition to οἰκοδομήνοἰκία: here the heavenly counterpart to the earthly οἰκία — the resurrection body as permanent home.
ἀχειροποίητονnot made with handsAccusativeattributive adjectiveἀχειροποίητος: 'not made by hands' (ἀ- + χείρ + ποιέω); of divine, non-human origin (cf. Mark 14:58; Col 2:11).
αἰώνιονeternalAccusativeattributive adjectiveαἰώνιος: 'eternal, everlasting'; the heavenly house is imperishable, unlike the transient tent.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τοῖςtheDativearticle
οὐρανοῖςheavensDativedat. of place (location of the building)οὐρανός: 'heaven'; the plural reflects Semitic idiom — the realm where the eternal dwelling is kept.
2
καὶ γὰρ ἐν τούτῳ στενάζομεν, τὸ οἰκητήριον ἡμῶν τὸ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ ἐπενδύσασθαι ἐπιποθοῦντες,
For indeed in this we groan, longing to be clothed over with our dwelling which is from heaven,
καὶ γάρ ('for indeed') intensifies: the present groaning itself testifies to the longing for the heavenly habitation.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
καὶindeedadverbial (with γάρ, 'for indeed')
γὰρforexplanatory conjunctionκαὶ γάρ: 'for indeed/in fact'; corroborates v.1 by appeal to present experience.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/cause)
τούτῳthisDativedemonstrative (sphere: 'in this [tent/state]')οὗτος: 'this'; likely 'in this [tent]' (the present body) — the locus of the groaning.
στενάζομενwe groanPres Act Indic 1 Pl · στενάζωmain verb→ customary present (ongoing groaning)στενάζω: 'groan, sigh'; the inward longing under present mortality (cf. Rom 8:23) — not despair but yearning.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
οἰκητήριονdwellingAccusativeobject of ἐπενδύσασθαιοἰκητήριον: 'dwelling-place, habitation'; the heavenly body, here pictured as a garment to be put on.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of possession
τὸthe (one)Accusativearticle (substantizes the prep. phrase)
ἐξfrompreposition + genitive (source)
οὐρανοῦheavenGenitivegenitive of source (object of ἐξ)οὐρανός: 'heaven'; the origin of the dwelling — answering v.1's 'in the heavens.'
ἐπενδύσασθαιto be clothed overAor Mid Inf · ἐπενδύομαιcomplementary infinitive (of ἐπιποθοῦντες)→ constative aoristἐπενδύομαι: 'put on over' (ἐπί + ἐνδύομαι); to don the heavenly body over the earthly — Paul's hope to be transformed, not merely stripped.
ἐπιποθοῦντεςlongingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐπιποθέωadverbial participle (cause/manner)→ present (concurrent yearning)ἐπιποθέω: 'long for, yearn' (ἐπί-intensive); the groaning is positive longing for the resurrection state.
3
εἴ γε καὶ ἐνδυσάμενοι οὐ γυμνοὶ εὑρεθησόμεθα.
if indeed, having put it on, we shall not be found naked.
A qualifying clause: the hope assumes that, clothed with the heavenly body, we will not be found 'naked' — bereft of any dwelling.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
εἴifconjunction (first-class condition)
γεindeedemphatic particleγε: an intensive enclitic; εἴ γε = 'if indeed, assuming that' — a confident but careful qualification.
καὶalso/indeedadverbial (ascensive)
ἐνδυσάμενοιhaving put onAor Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐνδύομαιadverbial participle (temporal/conditional)→ constative aorist (antecedent)ἐνδύομαι: 'put on, clothe oneself'; the clothing-image again — having been clothed with the heavenly body.
οὐnotnegative adverbοὐ: objective negation, denying the fact — we will decidedly not be found naked.
γυμνοὶnakedNominativepredicate adjective (with εὑρεθησόμεθα)γυμνός: 'naked, unclothed'; here the dreaded state of a disembodied existence — being without any dwelling.
εὑρεθησόμεθαwe shall be foundFut Pass Indic 1 Pl · εὑρίσκωmain verb→ predictive futureεὑρίσκω: 'find'; passive 'be found,' i.e. be discovered to be — a forensic nuance, how one is found at the last.
4
καὶ γὰρ οἱ ὄντες ἐν τῷ σκήνει στενάζομεν βαρούμενοι, ἐφ' ᾧ οὐ θέλομεν ἐκδύσασθαι ἀλλ' ἐπενδύσασθαι, ἵνα καταποθῇ τὸ θνητὸν ὑπὸ τῆς ζωῆς.
For indeed we who are in the tent groan, being burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed over, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
Restates and clarifies v.2: the groaning is not a death-wish (to be 'unclothed') but a longing to be 'clothed over,' that life may swallow mortality.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
καὶindeedadverbial (with γάρ)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunctionκαὶ γάρ: 'for indeed'; re-grounds the groaning of v.2.
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ὄντεςwho arePres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · εἰμίsubstantival participle (subject)→ stative presentεἰμί: 'be'; 'those being in the tent' — we who still inhabit the mortal body.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τῷtheDativearticle
σκήνειtentDativedat. of place (location of dwelling)σκῆνος: 'tent'; resumes v.1 — the present body as temporary lodging.
στενάζομενwe groanPres Act Indic 1 Pl · στενάζωmain verb→ customary presentστενάζω: 'groan'; resumes v.2 — the burdened sighing of those awaiting redemption.
βαρούμενοιbeing burdenedPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · βαρέωadverbial participle (manner/cause)→ present (concurrent)βαρέω: 'weigh down, burden'; the oppressive weight of mortality and affliction (cf. 1:8; 4:17).
ἐφ'becausepreposition + dative (ground: ἐφ' ᾧ = 'because/inasmuch as')ἐπί: with the dative relative, the idiom ἐφ' ᾧ = 'because, for the reason that' (cf. Rom 5:12).
ᾧwhichDativerelative pronoun (in the idiom ἐφ' ᾧ)
οὐnotnegative adverb
θέλομενwe wishPres Act Indic 1 Pl · θέλωmain verb→ stative present (settled desire)θέλω: 'wish, will, want'; the resolved disposition — what we positively desire.
ἐκδύσασθαιto be unclothedAor Mid Inf · ἐκδύομαιcomplementary infinitive (of θέλομεν)→ constative aoristἐκδύομαι: 'strip off, put off' (ἐκ + δύομαι); to be divested of the body — the bare death Paul does not crave.
ἀλλ'butstrong adversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but'; sharp contrast — not the negative (unclothing) but the positive (over-clothing).
ἐπενδύσασθαιto be clothed overAor Mid Inf · ἐπενδύομαιcomplementary infinitive (of θέλομεν)→ constative aoristἐπενδύομαι: 'put on over'; the resurrection hope — the mortal absorbed into life, not annihilated.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose/result)
καταποθῇmay be swallowed upAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · καταπίνωverb of the ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ constative aoristκαταπίνω: 'swallow down, engulf' (κατά + πίνω); echoes Isa 25:8 — death/mortality engulfed by life (cf. 1 Cor 15:54).
τὸtheNominativearticle (substantizes adj.)
θνητὸνwhat is mortalNominativesubject of καταποθῇ (substantival adj.)θνητός: 'mortal, subject to death'; the perishable element of present existence to be absorbed by life.
ὑπὸbypreposition + genitive (agency)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ζωῆςlifeGenitivegenitive of agency (object of ὑπό)ζωή: 'life'; the resurrection life that overwhelms and transforms mortality.
5
ὁ δὲ κατεργασάμενος ἡμᾶς εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο θεός, ὁ δοὺς ἡμῖν τὸν ἀρραβῶνα τοῦ πνεύματος.
Now the one who prepared us for this very thing is God, who gave us the down-payment of the Spirit.
δέ caps the section: the longing is no wishful fancy — God himself fashioned us for this and pledged it by the Spirit's deposit.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δὲnowtransitional/developmental conjunctionδέ: 'now, but'; mild progression to the divine guarantee underlying the hope.
κατεργασάμενοςwho prepared/fashionedAor Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · κατεργάζομαιsubstantival participle (subject, with θεός)→ constative aoristκατεργάζομαι: 'work out, produce, prepare fully' (κατά-intensive); God has thoroughly fitted us for the resurrection destiny.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object of the participle
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (goal/purpose)
αὐτὸthis veryAccusativeintensive pronoun (with τοῦτο)αὐτός: intensive 'very' — αὐτὸ τοῦτο = 'this very thing,' the transformation just described.
τοῦτοthingAccusativedemonstrative (object of εἰς)
θεόςGodNominativepredicate nominative / subject (the one who… is God)θεός: God; emphatically the agent of our preparation — the hope rests on him.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δοὺςwho gaveAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · δίδωμιsubstantival participle (apposition to θεός)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; God gave the Spirit as the concrete pledge of what is prepared.
ἡμῖνto usDativeindirect object
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἀρραβῶναdown-payment/pledgeAccusativedirect object of δούςἀρραβών: a Semitic commercial loanword, 'earnest, first installment guaranteeing the rest'; the Spirit guarantees the coming glory (cf. 1:22; Eph 1:14).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
πνεύματοςSpiritGenitivegenitive of apposition (the down-payment = the Spirit)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the Holy Spirit himself is the deposit — God's own presence as guarantee.
6
Θαρροῦντες οὖν πάντοτε καὶ εἰδότες ὅτι ἐνδημοῦντες ἐν τῷ σώματι ἐκδημοῦμεν ἀπὸ τοῦ κυρίου,
Therefore, being always confident and knowing that while at home in the body we are away from the Lord —
οὖν draws the practical consequence of the guarantee: settled confidence, even knowing that bodily life means distance from the Lord. The sentence is resumed (anacoluthon) at v.8.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
Θαρροῦντεςbeing confidentPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · θαρρέωadverbial participle (attendant circumstance)→ present (ongoing)θαρρέω: 'be of good courage, be confident'; the settled boldness flowing from the Spirit's pledge.
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore'; draws the conclusion from vv.1–5.
πάντοτεalwaysadverb (time)πάντοτε: 'always, at all times'; the confidence is unbroken, in every circumstance.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἰδότεςknowingPerf Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · οἶδαadverbial participle (concession/attendant circ.)→ intensive perfect (present sense)οἶδα: 'know'; the confidence is clear-eyed — held alongside knowledge of present distance from the Lord.
ὅτιthatconjunction (object clause)
ἐνδημοῦντεςbeing at homePres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐνδημέωadverbial participle (temporal: 'while at home')→ present (concurrent)ἐνδημέω: 'be at home, be among one's own people' (ἐν + δῆμος); dwelling in the body as one's present residence.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τῷtheDativearticle
σώματιbodyDativedat. of placeσῶμα: 'body'; present bodily existence — 'home' now, but not the final home with the Lord.
ἐκδημοῦμενwe are awayPres Act Indic 1 Pl · ἐκδημέωmain verb (ὅτι clause)→ stative presentἐκδημέω: 'be away from home, be abroad' (ἐκ + δῆμος); the antithesis of ἐνδημέω — bodily life is exile from the Lord's immediate presence.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitivegenitive of separation (object of ἀπό)κύριος: 'Lord'; the risen Christ, from whose visible presence we are presently distant.
7
διὰ πίστεως γὰρ περιπατοῦμεν, οὐ διὰ εἴδους·
for we walk by faith, not by sight;
A parenthetical ground explaining why bodily life is 'away from the Lord': our present relation to him is by faith, not yet by sight.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
διὰbypreposition + genitive (manner/means)
πίστεωςfaithGenitiveobject of διά (means/manner)πίστις: 'faith, trust'; faith — not visual perception — is the mode of present Christian existence.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunctionγάρ: 'for'; explains the 'away from the Lord' of v.6.
περιπατοῦμενwe walkPres Act Indic 1 Pl · περιπατέωmain verb→ customary presentπεριπατέω: 'walk about'; a Hebraic idiom for 'conduct one's life' — our whole manner of life is faith-governed.
οὐnotnegative adverb
διὰbypreposition + genitive (means/manner)
εἴδουςsight/appearanceGenitiveobject of διάεἶδος: 'form, appearance, that which is seen'; here 'sight' as the contrast to faith — outward visible reality.
8
θαρροῦμεν δὲ καὶ εὐδοκοῦμεν μᾶλλον ἐκδημῆσαι ἐκ τοῦ σώματος καὶ ἐνδημῆσαι πρὸς τὸν κύριον.
we are confident, I say, and are well pleased rather to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Resumes the suspended sentence of v.6 after the parenthesis: the confidence resolves into a preference — to leave the body and be at home with the Lord.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
θαρροῦμενwe are confidentPres Act Indic 1 Pl · θαρρέωmain verb (resuming v.6)→ stative presentθαρρέω: 'be confident, of good courage'; picks up Θαρροῦντες of v.6 as the finite main statement.
δὲindeed/andresumptive conjunctionδέ: here resumptive after the parenthesis of v.7.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εὐδοκοῦμενwe are well pleasedPres Act Indic 1 Pl · εὐδοκέωmain verb (coordinate)→ stative presentεὐδοκέω: 'think well of, be pleased, prefer' (εὖ + δοκέω); a glad, willing preference, not mere resignation.
μᾶλλονratheradverb (comparative)μᾶλλον: 'rather, more'; the comparative preference — being with the Lord over present bodily life.
ἐκδημῆσαιto be awayAor Act Inf · ἐκδημέωcomplementary infinitive (of εὐδοκοῦμεν)→ constative aoristἐκδημέω: 'be away from home'; here to depart from the body — to leave bodily life behind.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
σώματοςbodyGenitivegenitive of separation (object of ἐκ)σῶμα: 'body'; the present mortal frame, to be left in death/transformation.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐνδημῆσαιto be at homeAor Act Inf · ἐνδημέωcomplementary infinitive (coordinate)→ constative aoristἐνδημέω: 'be at home'; to take up residence in the Lord's immediate presence — the goal of the preference.
πρὸςwithpreposition + accusative (relational nearness)πρός: with the accusative of persons, 'with, in the presence of, face to face with' — intimate nearness to the Lord.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
κύριονLordAccusativeobject of πρόςκύριος: 'Lord'; the risen Christ, in whose presence the believer is finally 'at home.'
9
διὸ καὶ φιλοτιμούμεθα, εἴτε ἐνδημοῦντες εἴτε ἐκδημοῦντες, εὐάρεστοι αὐτῷ εἶναι.
Therefore also we make it our ambition, whether at home or away, to be pleasing to him.
διό draws the governing aim: since presence with the Lord is the goal, the single ambition — in life or death — is to please him.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
διὸthereforeinferential conjunctionδιό: 'for which reason, therefore'; a strong inferential drawing the practical conclusion.
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive)
φιλοτιμούμεθαwe make it our ambitionPres Mid Indic 1 Pl · φιλοτιμέομαιmain verb→ customary presentφιλοτιμέομαι: lit. 'love honor,' hence 'be ambitious, strive eagerly' (φίλος + τιμή); to make something one's earnest aim (cf. Rom 15:20; 1 Thess 4:11).
εἴτεwhethercorrelative conjunctionεἴτε … εἴτε: 'whether … or'; pairs the two states indifferently — neither alters the aim.
ἐνδημοῦντεςat homePres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐνδημέωadverbial participle (condition)→ present (concurrent)ἐνδημέω: 'be at home'; here = while still in the body.
εἴτεorcorrelative conjunction
ἐκδημοῦντεςawayPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐκδημέωadverbial participle (condition)→ present (concurrent)ἐκδημέω: 'be away from home'; here = having left the body.
εὐάρεστοιpleasingNominativepredicate adjective (with εἶναι)εὐάρεστος: 'well-pleasing, acceptable' (εὖ + ἀρέσκω); the content of the ambition — to gain his approval.
αὐτῷto himDativedat. of reference (with εὐάρεστοι)
εἶναιto bePres Act Inf · εἰμίcomplementary infinitive (of φιλοτιμούμεθα)→ stative presentεἰμί: 'be'; completes the ambition — 'to be pleasing to him.'
10
τοὺς γὰρ πάντας ἡμᾶς φανερωθῆναι δεῖ ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ βήματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ, ἵνα κομίσηται ἕκαστος τὰ διὰ τοῦ σώματος πρὸς ἃ ἔπραξεν, εἴτε ἀγαθὸν εἴτε φαῦλον.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive what is due for the things done through the body, according to what he practiced, whether good or evil.
γάρ grounds the ambition to please: all must stand before Christ's tribunal and receive recompense for deeds done in the body.
Word-by-word analysis· 25 words
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunctionγάρ: 'for'; grounds the aim of v.9 in coming accountability.
πάνταςallAccusativeattributive adjective (with ἡμᾶς)πᾶς: 'all'; no believer is exempt from appearing — universal accountability.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativeaccusative subject of φανερωθῆναι
φανερωθῆναιto be made manifest/appearAor Pass Inf · φανερόωinfinitive subject (of δεῖ)→ constative aoristφανερόω: 'reveal, make manifest'; more than 'appear' — to be laid open, our true selves disclosed before the Judge.
δεῖit is necessaryPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal main verb→ stative present (divine necessity)δεῖ: 'it is necessary, must'; impersonal — an unalterable divine appointment.
ἔμπροσθενbeforeimproper preposition + genitive (place)ἔμπροσθεν: 'in front of, before'; in the presence of the tribunal.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
βήματοςjudgment seatGenitiveobject of ἔμπροσθενβῆμα: 'raised platform, tribunal' (where a magistrate gave verdicts; cf. Acts 18:12); Christ's seat of judgment.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
ΧριστοῦChristGenitivepossessive genitive (whose tribunal)Χριστός: Christ; the Judge before whom all believers are accountable.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose)
κομίσηταιmay receiveAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · κομίζωverb of the ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ constative aoristκομίζω (mid.): 'receive back, carry off for oneself'; to be requited — to get back what corresponds to one's deeds.
ἕκαστοςeachNominativesubject of κομίσηταιἕκαστος: 'each one'; the judgment is individual, person by person.
τὰthe thingsAccusativesubstantival article (object of κομίσηται)
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means/instrument)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
σώματοςbodyGenitivegenitive of means (object of διά)σῶμα: 'body'; the deeds were done by means of the body — the present life is the arena of accountability.
πρὸςaccording topreposition + accusative (standard/correspondence)πρός: with accusative, 'in proportion to, according to' — recompense matched to conduct.
ἃwhatAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἔπραξεν)
ἔπραξενhe practicedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · πράσσωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristπράσσω: 'do, practice, perform'; sums up the whole conduct of life as the basis of recompense.
εἴτεwhethercorrelative conjunctionεἴτε … εἴτε: 'whether … or'; the two possible verdicts of conduct.
ἀγαθὸνgoodAccusativepredicate/substantival adjectiveἀγαθός: 'good'; morally good deeds, yielding a favorable recompense.
εἴτεorcorrelative conjunction
φαῦλονevil/worthlessAccusativepredicate/substantival adjectiveφαῦλος: 'worthless, base, evil'; bad deeds as the foil — not merely 'wicked' (κακός) but 'good-for-nothing.'
11
Εἰδότες οὖν τὸν φόβον τοῦ κυρίου ἀνθρώπους πείθομεν, θεῷ δὲ πεφανερώμεθα· ἐλπίζω δὲ καὶ ἐν ταῖς συνειδήσεσιν ὑμῶν πεφανερῶσθαι.
Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade people; but we are made manifest to God, and I hope also to be made manifest in your consciences.
οὖn turns from the tribunal to ministry: the prospect of judgment ('the fear of the Lord') drives Paul's open, transparent persuasion of others.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
ΕἰδότεςknowingPerf Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · οἶδαadverbial participle (cause)→ intensive perfect (present sense)οἶδα: 'know'; the settled awareness of accountability shapes the ministry that follows.
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore'; ties the ministry to the judgment of v.10.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
φόβονfearAccusativedirect object of Εἰδότεςφόβος: 'fear, reverence'; not terror but the awe-filled reverence owed the Lord who judges (cf. Prov 1:7).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουLordGenitiveobjective genitive (fear directed at the Lord)κύριος: 'Lord'; the object of reverent fear — Christ the Judge of v.10.
ἀνθρώπουςpeopleAccusativedirect object of πείθομενἄνθρωπος: 'human being, person'; the objects of Paul's gospel persuasion.
πείθομενwe persuadePres Act Indic 1 Pl · πείθωmain verb→ customary presentπείθω: 'persuade, win over'; the apostolic appeal to people's minds — perhaps also 'we seek to convince [people of our integrity].'
θεῷto GodDativedat. of reference (with πεφανερώμεθα)θεός: God; to whom Paul's true character is already fully open.
δὲbutadversative conjunction
πεφανερώμεθαwe have been made manifestPerf Pass Indic 1 Pl · φανερόωmain verb→ intensive perfect (settled state)φανερόω: 'make manifest, lay open'; Paul's life lies fully disclosed before God — a clear conscience.
ἐλπίζωI hopePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἐλπίζωmain verb→ stative presentἐλπίζω: 'hope, expect'; confident expectation, not mere wishing.
δὲandconnective conjunction
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ταῖςtheDativearticle
συνειδήσεσινconsciencesDativedat. of sphere (where manifest)συνείδησις: 'conscience, moral awareness' (lit. 'co-knowing'); Paul hopes his integrity is plain to their inner judgment too.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
πεφανερῶσθαιto have been made manifestPerf Pass Inf · φανερόωcomplementary infinitive (of ἐλπίζω)→ intensive perfectφανερόω: 'make manifest'; the perfect infinitive — to stand revealed (a settled openness) in their consciences.
12
οὐ πάλιν ἑαυτοὺς συνιστάνομεν ὑμῖν, ἀλλὰ ἀφορμὴν διδόντες ὑμῖν καυχήματος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν, ἵνα ἔχητε πρὸς τοὺς ἐν προσώπῳ καυχωμένους καὶ μὴ ἐν καρδίᾳ.
We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an occasion to boast on our behalf, so that you may have an answer for those who boast in appearance and not in heart.
Asyndeton sharpens the point: this is not self-commendation but arming the Corinthians to answer the rival 'super-apostles' who boast in externals.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
οὐnotnegative adverb
πάλινagainadverb (repetition)πάλιν: 'again'; alluding to earlier charges that Paul commends himself (cf. 3:1).
ἑαυτοὺςourselvesAccusativedirect object (reflexive)ἑαυτοῦ: reflexive pronoun, 'ourselves'; Paul disclaims self-promotion.
συνιστάνομενwe commendPres Act Indic 1 Pl · συνιστάνωmain verb→ customary presentσυνιστάνω/συνίστημι: 'commend, present, recommend'; to put someone forward favorably (cf. 3:1; Rom 16:1).
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but'; the corrective contrast — not self-commendation but provision for them.
ἀφορμὴνoccasion/groundAccusativedirect object of διδόντεςἀφορμή: 'starting-point, occasion, opportunity' (a military term for a base of operations); a basis from which to act.
διδόντεςgivingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · δίδωμιadverbial participle (means; loosely for finite verb)→ present (concurrent)δίδωμι: 'give'; supplying the Corinthians the resource to defend Paul.
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
καυχήματοςof boastingGenitiveobjective/content genitive (with ἀφορμήν)καύχημα: 'ground of boasting, the thing boasted in'; here legitimate pride in Paul's genuine ministry.
ὑπὲρon behalf ofpreposition + genitive (advantage)
ἡμῶνusGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose)
ἔχητεyou may havePres Act Subj 2 Pl · ἔχωverb of the ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ present (ongoing possession)ἔχω: 'have'; here 'have [a reply ready]' — an ellipsis supplying an answer against the critics.
πρὸςagainst/towardpreposition + accusative (reference/opposition)
τοὺςthoseAccusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (basis/sphere)
προσώπῳappearance/faceDativedat. of sphere (basis of boasting)πρόσωπον: 'face, outward appearance'; the opponents boast in externals — surface, not substance.
καυχωμένουςboastingPres Mid Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · καυχάομαιsubstantival participle (object of πρός)→ customary presentκαυχάομαι: 'boast, glory'; the self-vaunting of the rival teachers.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μὴnotnegative adverb (with ptc.)μή: subjective negation, fitting the participial phrase — 'and not in heart.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (basis/sphere)
καρδίᾳheartDativedat. of sphereκαρδία: 'heart'; the inner reality — what God sees — as opposed to mere outward show.
13
εἴτε γὰρ ἐξέστημεν, θεῷ· εἴτε σωφρονοῦμεν, ὑμῖν.
For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are sober-minded, it is for you.
γάρ grounds v.12: whatever others say of Paul — ecstatic or restrained — both extremes are God-ward and for the church's good, never self-serving.
Word-by-word analysis· 7 words
εἴτεwhether/ifcorrelative conjunctionεἴτε … εἴτε: 'whether … or'; the two alternatives concerning Paul's demeanor.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἐξέστημενwe are beside ourselvesAor Act Indic 1 Pl · ἐξίστημιmain verb (first protasis)→ constative aorist (here of a state entered)ἐξίστημι: 'stand outside (oneself), be out of one's mind, be in ecstasy' (ἐκ + ἵστημι); the charge of madness/ecstatic excess (cf. Mark 3:21; Acts 26:24).
θεῷfor GodDativedat. of advantage/reference (elliptical apodosis)θεός: God; if ecstatic, it is God-ward — between Paul and God alone.
εἴτεifcorrelative conjunction
σωφρονοῦμενwe are sober-mindedPres Act Indic 1 Pl · σωφρονέωmain verb (second protasis)→ stative presentσωφρονέω: 'be of sound mind, sensible, self-controlled' (σῶς + φρήν); the opposite of ecstatic excess — measured rationality.
ὑμῖνfor youDativedat. of advantage (elliptical apodosis)
14
ἡ γὰρ ἀγάπη τοῦ Χριστοῦ συνέχει ἡμᾶς, κρίναντας τοῦτο ὅτι εἷς ὑπὲρ πάντων ἀπέθανεν· ἄρα οἱ πάντες ἀπέθανον·
For the love of Christ compels us, having concluded this: that one died for all, therefore all died;
γάρ reaches the deepest motive: Christ's love grips Paul. The reasoning is stated as a settled judgment — one died for all, so all died with him.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ἡtheNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunctionγάρ: 'for'; reaches behind v.13 to the controlling motive of the whole ministry.
ἀγάπηloveNominativesubject of συνέχειἀγάπη: 'love'; here most likely Christ's love for us (subjective gen.), the constraining force of Paul's life.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
ΧριστοῦChristGenitivesubjective genitive (Christ's love for us)Χριστός: Christ; the genitive read subjectively — the love Christ showed, supremely at the cross.
συνέχειcompels/constrainsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · συνέχωmain verb→ customary present (ongoing constraint)συνέχω: 'hold together, press in on, control, constrain' (σύν + ἔχω); to grip and impel, hemming one in to a single course.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object
κρίνανταςhaving concludedAor Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · κρίνωadverbial participle (cause; agrees with ἡμᾶς)→ constative aorist (settled judgment)κρίνω: 'judge, decide, reach a verdict'; the reasoned conviction underlying the constraint.
τοῦτοthisAccusativedirect object of κρίναντας (cataphoric)οὗτος: 'this'; points forward to the ὅτι clause — the content of the judgment.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause)
εἷςoneNominativesubject of ἀπέθανενεἷς: 'one'; the one man, Christ — the representative whose death counts for all.
ὑπὲρfor/on behalf ofpreposition + genitive (representation/benefit)ὑπέρ: 'on behalf of, in place of'; representative and substitutionary — for the benefit of all.
πάντωνallGenitiveobject of ὑπέρπᾶς: 'all'; the many for whom the one died.
ἀπέθανενdiedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποθνῄσκωmain verb (content clause)→ constative aorist (the historic death)ἀποθνῄσκω: 'die'; the one decisive death of Christ on the cross.
ἄραthereforeinferential particleἄρα: 'consequently, so then'; draws the corporate conclusion from the representative death.
οἱtheNominativearticle
πάντεςallNominativesubject of ἀπέθανονπᾶς: 'all'; the same 'all' — those represented died with Christ in his death.
ἀπέθανονdiedAor Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀποθνῄσκωmain verb (inferential clause)→ constative aoristἀποθνῄσκω: 'die'; the corporate death — all died representatively in the one (cf. Rom 6:6–8).
15
καὶ ὑπὲρ πάντων ἀπέθανεν ἵνα οἱ ζῶντες μηκέτι ἑαυτοῖς ζῶσιν ἀλλὰ τῷ ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν ἀποθανόντι καὶ ἐγερθέντι.
and he died for all so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for the one who died for them and was raised.
Continues v.14 with the aim of the death: to redirect life — no longer self-centered but lived for the crucified and risen Lord.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὑπὲρforpreposition + genitive (benefit/representation)ὑπέρ: 'on behalf of'; resumes the substitutionary thrust of v.14.
πάντωνallGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ
ἀπέθανενhe diedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποθνῄσκωmain verb→ constative aoristἀποθνῄσκω: 'die'; restates Christ's death as the purposeful ground of the new life.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose)
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ζῶντεςwho livePres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ζάωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (ongoing)ζάω: 'live'; 'the living' — those now alive by virtue of Christ's death and resurrection.
μηκέτιno longernegative adverb (time)μηκέτι: 'no longer' (μή + ἔτι); the decisive break with the old self-centered existence.
ἑαυτοῖςfor themselvesDativedat. of advantage (reflexive)ἑαυτοῦ: reflexive; the self as the discarded center of life.
ζῶσινthey might livePres Act Subj 3 Pl · ζάωverb of the ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ present (continual living)ζάω: 'live'; the whole orientation of life, now reoriented away from self.
ἀλλὰbutstrong adversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but'; the new center over against the old.
τῷfor the (one)Dativearticle (substantizes ptc.; dat. of advantage)
ὑπὲρforpreposition + genitive (benefit)
αὐτῶνthemGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ
ἀποθανόντιwho diedAor Act Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · ἀποθνῄσκωsubstantival participle (in apposition to τῷ)→ constative aoristἀποθνῄσκω: 'die'; identifies the new Lord of life by his death for them.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐγερθέντιand was raisedAor Pass Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · ἐγείρωsubstantival participle (coordinate)→ constative aoristἐγείρω: 'raise up'; the passive points to God as the raiser — the risen Christ as the living goal of life.
16
Ὥστε ἡμεῖς ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν οὐδένα οἴδαμεν κατὰ σάρκα· εἰ καὶ ἐγνώκαμεν κατὰ σάρκα Χριστόν, ἀλλὰ νῦν οὐκέτι γινώσκομεν.
So then, from now on we regard no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know him so no longer.
ὥστε draws the consequence of the cross-and-resurrection logic: a wholly new way of evaluating — no longer by worldly standards, not even of Christ.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
Ὥστεso theninferential conjunction (result)ὥστε: 'so that, therefore'; draws the practical result from vv.14–15.
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)ἡμεῖς: emphatic 'we' — the new-creation people who evaluate differently.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (temporal source)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (substantizes adverb)
νῦνnowadverb (substantized: 'the now')νῦν: 'now'; ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν = 'from now on' — the decisive turning marked by the new creation.
οὐδέναno oneAccusativedirect object of οἴδαμενοὐδείς: 'no one'; no person is now assessed by fleshly criteria.
οἴδαμενwe regard/knowPerf Act Indic 1 Pl · οἶδαmain verb→ intensive perfect (present sense)οἶδα: 'know, regard'; here 'estimate, evaluate' — to size someone up.
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard/norm)
σάρκαfleshAccusativeobject of κατά (standard of judgment)σάρξ: 'flesh'; here the merely human standard of evaluation — outward, worldly criteria, not the moral 'flesh' of Romans.
εἰifconjunction (concessive: 'even if/though')εἰ καί: 'even if, although'; a concession Paul grants but now leaves behind.
καὶevenadverbial (concessive, with εἰ)
ἐγνώκαμενwe have knownPerf Act Indic 1 Pl · γινώσκωmain verb (concessive clause)→ intensive perfect (state from past knowing)γινώσκω: 'know'; once estimated Christ by fleshly, this-worldly standards (e.g. as a mere national-political Messiah).
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard)
σάρκαfleshAccusativeobject of κατά (standard)σάρξ: 'flesh'; the discarded worldly mode of knowing — even of Christ.
ΧριστόνChristAccusativedirect object of ἐγνώκαμενΧριστός: Christ; the supreme case — even he is no longer assessed by fleshly standards.
ἀλλὰyetstrong adversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but, yet'; the decisive reversal — the apodosis of the concession.
νῦνnowadverb (time)νῦν: 'now'; the present age of the new creation, with its new mode of knowing.
οὐκέτιno longernegative adverb (time)οὐκέτι: 'no longer' (οὐκ + ἔτι); a definitive break with the old way of knowing.
γινώσκομενwe knowPres Act Indic 1 Pl · γινώσκωmain verb→ customary presentγινώσκω: 'know'; now Christ is known as the risen, glorified Lord, not by fleshly estimate.
17
ὥστε εἴ τις ἐν Χριστῷ, καινὴ κτίσις· τὰ ἀρχαῖα παρῆλθεν, ἰδοὺ γέγονεν καινά.
So then, if anyone is in Christ, there is new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.
A second ὥστε universalizes the truth: union with Christ means a whole new order — the old swept away, the new arrived. The verbless punch of the Greek heightens the proclamation.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ὥστεso theninferential conjunction (result)ὥστε: 'therefore'; broadens v.16 into the universal principle of new creation.
εἴifconjunction (first-class condition, assumed real)εἰ: 'if'; with the indicative, a condition taken as true — 'if (as is the case) anyone is in Christ.'
τιςanyoneNominativesubject (indefinite pronoun)τις: 'anyone, someone'; universal scope — the truth holds for every believer.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (union)ἐν Χριστῷ: the sphere of union with Christ — the condition of new creation.
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐν (union)Χριστός: Christ; incorporation into him is the locus of the new creation.
καινὴnewNominativeattributive adjective (predicate in verbless clause)καινός: 'new in kind, fresh' (not merely new in time, νέος); a qualitatively new order of existence.
κτίσιςcreationNominativesubject (verbless clause: 'there is new creation')κτίσις: 'creation, that which is created'; the eschatological new creation breaking in — both the person and the new world-order (cf. Isa 65:17; Gal 6:15).
τὰtheNominativearticle (substantizes adj.)
ἀρχαῖαold thingsNominativesubject of παρῆλθεν (substantival adj.)ἀρχαῖος: 'ancient, old, original' (from ἀρχή); the former order of the old age, now obsolete.
παρῆλθενhave passed awayAor Act Indic 3 Sg · παρέρχομαιmain verb→ constative aorist (decisive event)παρέρχομαι: 'pass by, pass away, come to an end' (παρά + ἔρχομαι); the old order has gone — a finished transition.
ἰδοὺbeholddemonstrative particle (attention-marker)ἰδού: 'behold, look!' (a frozen imperatival form of εἶδον); summons attention to the startling new reality (echoing Isa 43:19).
γέγονενhave come/becomePerf Act Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb→ intensive perfect (abiding result)γίνομαι: 'become, come to be'; the perfect stresses the standing result — the new things have arrived and remain.
καινάnew thingsNominativesubject of γέγονεν (substantival adj.)καινός: 'new (in kind)'; the realities of the new creation now present and abiding.
18
τὰ δὲ πάντα ἐκ τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ καταλλάξαντος ἡμᾶς ἑαυτῷ διὰ Χριστοῦ καὶ δόντος ἡμῖν τὴν διακονίαν τῆς καταλλαγῆς,
Now all this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,
δέ traces the new creation to its origin: it is all 'from God,' the reconciling God, who both reconciles and commissions the ministry of reconciliation.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
τὰtheNominativearticle (substantizes adj.)
δὲnowdevelopmental conjunctionδέ: 'now, and'; advances to the divine source of the new creation.
πάνταall thingsNominativesubject (verbless clause: 'all this is')πᾶς: 'all'; τὰ πάντα = 'the whole of this' — the new-creation reality just described.
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of source (object of ἐκ)θεός: God; the origin and author of the whole work of reconciliation.
τοῦthe (one)Genitivearticle (substantizes ptc.)
καταλλάξαντοςwho reconciledAor Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · καταλλάσσωattributive participle (modifying θεοῦ)→ constative aoristκαταλλάσσω: 'reconcile, change from enmity to friendship' (κατά + ἀλλάσσω, 'exchange'); God is the reconciler who takes the initiative.
ἡμᾶςusAccusativedirect object of the participle
ἑαυτῷto himselfDativedat. of relationship/reference (reflexive)ἑαυτοῦ: reflexive; the reconciliation restores us to God himself.
διὰthroughpreposition + genitive (means/agency)
ΧριστοῦChristGenitivegenitive of means (object of διά)Χριστός: Christ; the mediator through whom God effects the reconciliation.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
δόντοςwho gaveAor Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · δίδωμιattributive participle (coordinate, modifying θεοῦ)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; the same God who reconciles also entrusts the reconciling ministry.
ἡμῖνto usDativeindirect object
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
διακονίανministryAccusativedirect object of δόντοςδιακονία: 'service, ministry'; the apostolic commission as a stewardship of reconciliation.
τῆςofGenitivearticle
καταλλαγῆςreconciliationGenitiveobjective/content genitive (the ministry about reconciliation)καταλλαγή: 'reconciliation'; the noun of the verb — the restored relationship that the ministry proclaims (cf. Rom 5:11).
19
ὡς ὅτι θεὸς ἦν ἐν Χριστῷ κόσμον καταλλάσσων ἑαυτῷ, μὴ λογιζόμενος αὐτοῖς τὰ παραπτώματα αὐτῶν, καὶ θέμενος ἐν ἡμῖν τὸν λόγον τῆς καταλλαγῆς.
namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
ὡς ὅτι unpacks the 'reconciliation' of v.18: God himself, in Christ, reconciling the world, not reckoning sin, and lodging the gospel-word with the apostles.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
ὡςnamelyconjunction (with ὅτι, epexegetic)ὡς ὅτι: 'namely that, to wit' — introduces the content/definition of the reconciliation.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause)
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: God; the emphatic, anarthrous subject — God himself is the reconciler.
ἦνwasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (with ptc.: periphrastic or 'was in Christ')→ imperfect (continuous past action)εἰμί: 'be'; either 'God was in Christ, reconciling' or periphrastic 'God was reconciling' — both stress the ongoing divine work in Christ.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/agency)ἐν Χριστῷ: in/through Christ — the locus and means of the reconciling act.
ΧριστῷChristDativeobject of ἐνΧριστός: Christ; in whom God carried out the reconciliation of the world.
κόσμονworldAccusativedirect object of καταλλάσσωνκόσμος: 'world'; the world of humanity as the object of God's reconciling work — the scope is universal.
καταλλάσσωνreconcilingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · καταλλάσσωadverbial/periphrastic participle (with ἦν)→ present (ongoing action in past time)καταλλάσσω: 'reconcile'; the durative present — the sustained reconciling activity of God in Christ.
ἑαυτῷto himselfDativedat. of relationship (reflexive)ἑαυτοῦ: reflexive; the reconciliation is directed to God himself.
μὴnotnegative adverb (with ptc.)μή: subjective negation, fitting the participial construction.
λογιζόμενοςcounting/reckoningPres Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λογίζομαιadverbial participle (manner/means)→ present (concurrent)λογίζομαι: 'reckon, count, charge to one's account' (a commercial/legal term); God does not enter their trespasses in the ledger (cf. Rom 4:8; Ps 32:2).
αὐτοῖςagainst themDativedat. of disadvantage
τὰtheAccusativearticle
παραπτώματαtrespassesAccusativedirect object of λογιζόμενοςπαράπτωμα: 'false step, trespass, transgression' (lit. 'a falling beside'); deviations from the right path — not charged to the reconciled.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
θέμενοςentrusting/placingAor Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · τίθημιadverbial participle (attendant circumstance)→ constative aoristτίθημι (mid.): 'place, deposit, entrust'; God has lodged the reconciling word with the apostles as a deposit.
ἐνin/withpreposition + dative (recipient/sphere)
ἡμῖνusDativeobject of ἐν (recipient)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
λόγονmessage/wordAccusativedirect object of θέμενοςλόγος: 'word, message, account'; the proclaimed message of reconciliation — the gospel itself.
τῆςofGenitivearticle
καταλλαγῆςreconciliationGenitiveobjective/content genitive (the message about reconciliation)καταλλαγή: 'reconciliation'; the content of the entrusted word — God's offer of peace.
20
ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν ὡς τοῦ θεοῦ παρακαλοῦντος δι' ἡμῶν· δεόμεθα ὑπὲρ Χριστοῦ, καταλλάγητε τῷ θεῷ.
Therefore we are ambassadors on Christ's behalf, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: be reconciled to God.
οὖν draws the office from the deposit: Paul is Christ's ambassador, the very voice of God's appeal — culminating in the direct plea, 'Be reconciled to God.'
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ὑπὲρon behalf ofpreposition + genitive (representation)ὑπέρ: 'on behalf of, in the place of'; the ambassador represents and stands in for Christ.
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveobject of ὑπέρΧριστός: Christ; the sovereign whom the ambassador represents.
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore'; concludes the office from the ministry of vv.18–19.
πρεσβεύομενwe are ambassadorsPres Act Indic 1 Pl · πρεσβεύωmain verb→ customary presentπρεσβεύω: 'serve as an ambassador, act as an envoy' (from πρέσβυς, 'elder/envoy'); the official imperial term for a representative of the sovereign.
ὡςas thoughconjunction (manner/comparison)ὡς: 'as, as though'; introduces the manner — God appealing through the ambassador.
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive (subject of genitive-absolute ptc.)θεός: God; the one whose appeal is voiced through the ambassador.
παρακαλοῦντοςmaking appeal/entreatingPres Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · παρακαλέωgenitive-absolute participle (with τοῦ θεοῦ)→ present (ongoing appeal)παρακαλέω: 'call alongside, exhort, entreat, comfort' (παρά + καλέω); God's own entreaty sounds through the preacher.
δι'throughpreposition + genitive (agency/means)
ἡμῶνusGenitivegenitive of means (object of διά)
δεόμεθαwe implorePres Mid Indic 1 Pl · δέομαιmain verb→ customary presentδέομαι: 'beg, beseech, implore'; the urgent entreaty of the envoy — appeal rather than command.
ὑπὲρon behalf ofpreposition + genitive (representation)ὑπέρ: 'on behalf of'; the appeal is made in Christ's stead.
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ
καταλλάγητεbe reconciledAor Pass Impv 2 Pl · καταλλάσσωmain verb (imperative — the gospel plea)→ constative aorist imperative (decisive appeal)καταλλάσσω: 'reconcile'; the passive imperative — 'let yourselves be reconciled, accept the reconciliation God has accomplished.'
τῷtoDativearticle
θεῷGodDativedat. of relationship (with καταλλάγητε)θεός: God; the one to whom sinners are restored — the goal of reconciliation.
21
τὸν μὴ γνόντα ἁμαρτίαν ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἁμαρτίαν ἐποίησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς γενώμεθα δικαιοσύνη θεοῦ ἐν αὐτῷ.
The one who knew no sin he made to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Asyndeton lends weight to the climactic ground of the appeal: the sinless Christ made 'sin' for us, that we might become God's righteousness in him — the heart of the gospel of reconciliation.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
τὸνthe (one)Accusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
μὴno/notnegative adverb (with ptc.)μή: subjective negation suiting the participle — 'the one not having known sin.'
γνόνταwho knewAor Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · γινώσκωsubstantival participle (object of ἐποίησεν)→ constative aoristγινώσκω: 'know (by experience)'; Christ had no experiential acquaintance with sin — he was sinless (cf. Heb 4:15).
ἁμαρτίανsinAccusativedirect object of γνόνταἁμαρτία: 'sin' (lit. 'a missing of the mark'); here the personal sin Christ never committed.
ὑπὲρforpreposition + genitive (benefit/substitution)ὑπέρ: 'on behalf of, in place of'; the substitutionary exchange — for our sake and in our stead.
ἡμῶνusGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ
ἁμαρτίανsinAccusativedouble accusative (object complement of ἐποίησεν)ἁμαρτία: 'sin'; here possibly 'sin-offering' (LXX usage) or, more likely, 'sin' itself — Christ identified with our sin at the cross.
ἐποίησενhe madeAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (with double accusative)→ constative aorist (the decisive act)ποιέω: 'make, do'; God 'made him sin' — the great exchange at the cross, where the sinless bore sin.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose)
ἡμεῖςweNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)ἡμεῖς: emphatic 'we' — the beneficiaries of the exchange, set in deliberate contrast to 'him.'
γενώμεθαmight becomeAor Mid Subj 1 Pl · γίνομαιverb of the ἵνα clause (subjunctive)→ constative aoristγίνομαι: 'become, come to be'; the purposed outcome — we become what we were not.
δικαιοσύνηrighteousnessNominativepredicate nominativeδικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness'; the righteous standing-before-God that is from God — the counterpart to Christ's being 'made sin.'
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of source/authorθεός: God; the righteousness has God as its source — his own gift and verdict (cf. Rom 1:17; 3:21–26).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (union)ἐν αὐτῷ: 'in him' — the union with Christ in which alone we become God's righteousness.
αὐτῷhimDativeobject of ἐν (union)