1
Τὰ τέκνα, ὑπακούετε τοῖς γονεῦσιν ὑμῶν ἐν κυρίῳ, τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν δίκαιον.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
The second pair of the household code, governed by the 'submitting' of 5:21. The address shifts to children with a direct imperative, grounded by a γάρ clause: it is simply right.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ΤὰtheNominativearticle (nominative for vocative)
τέκναchildrenNominativenominative of address (for vocative)τέκνον: 'child' (from τίκτω, 'bear, beget'); stresses offspring/relation, the addressees of the imperative.
ὑπακούετεobeyPres Act Impv 2 Pl · ὑπακούωimperative (command)→ customary present (habitual)ὑπακούω: 'obey, submit to' (lit. 'hear under'); ongoing obedience as a settled pattern, not a single act.
τοῖςtheDativearticle
γονεῦσινparentsDativedative complement of ὑπακούωγονεύς: 'parent, begetter' (from γίνομαι); the plural names both father and mother.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/union)
κυρίῳthe LordDativedat. of sphere (Christian frame of the duty)κύριος: 'Lord'; 'in the Lord' makes the obedience an expression of life in Christ, not mere social custom.
τοῦτοthisNominativesubject (demonstrative pronoun)
γάρforexplanatory/causal conjunction
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
δίκαιονrightNominativepredicate nominativeδίκαιος: 'righteous, just, right'; here 'morally fitting' — obedience accords with the created and revealed order.
2
Τίμα τὸν πατέρα σου καὶ τὴν μητέρα, ἥτις ἐστὶν ἐντολὴ πρώτη ἐν ἐπαγγελίᾳ,
"Honor your father and mother" — which is the first commandment with a promise —
The imperative is undergirded by the Decalogue (Exod 20:12; Deut 5:16). A relative clause notes its distinction: the first command attaching an explicit promise.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ΤίμαhonorPres Act Impv 2 Sg · τιμάωimperative (cited command)→ customary present (standing obligation)τιμάω: 'honor, value, prize' (from τιμή, 'worth'); more than obey — to esteem and regard as weighty.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
πατέραfatherAccusativedirect objectπατήρ: 'father'; head of the citation from the fifth commandment.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
μητέραmotherAccusativedirect object (coordinate)μήτηρ: 'mother'; honor is owed equally to both parents.
ἥτιςwhichNominativerelative pronoun (qualitative, subject)ὅστις: 'which (very) one'; the qualitative relative — 'such a one as is the first…'.
ἐστὶνisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula, rel. clause)→ stative present
ἐντολὴcommandmentNominativepredicate nominativeἐντολή: 'commandment, charge' (from ἐντέλλομαι); a specific directive within the law.
πρώτηfirstNominativeattributive adjective (predicate)πρῶτος: 'first'; 'first' in rank/precedence among commands carrying a promise, not strictly first in order.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (accompaniment)
ἐπαγγελίᾳa promiseDativedat. of accompanying circumstanceἐπαγγελία: 'promise' (from ἐπαγγέλλομαι, 'announce, profess'); the attached pledge that distinguishes this command.
3
ἵνα εὖ σοι γένηται καὶ ἔσῃ μακροχρόνιος ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς.
"that it may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth."
The promise itself, drawn from Deut 5:16: well-being and long life. Paul universalizes the land-promise to 'the earth,' fitting his Gentile readers.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
ἵναthatconjunction (purpose/result)ἵνα: introducing the promised outcome quoted from the commandment.
εὖwelladverb (manner)εὖ: 'well, rightly'; the adverb of well-being heading the promise.
σοιwith youDativedat. of advantage/reference
γένηταιit may beAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · γίνομαιsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ ingressive/consummative aoristγίνομαι: 'become, come to be'; impersonal 'that it may go well for you.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἔσῃyou will beFut Mid Indic 2 Sg · εἰμίfuture indic. (continuing ἵνα sense)→ predictive futureεἰμί: 'be'; the shift to future indicative after ἵνα echoes the LXX wording of the promise.
μακροχρόνιοςlong-livedNominativepredicate nominativeμακροχρόνιος: 'long-lived' (μακρός 'long' + χρόνος 'time'); a compound from the LXX of Deut 5:16.
ἐπὶonpreposition + genitive (place)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
γῆςearthGenitiveobject of ἐπί (place)γῆ: 'earth, land'; the original 'land' (of Canaan) here broadened to 'the earth' for a universal readership.
4
Καὶ οἱ πατέρες, μὴ παροργίζετε τὰ τέκνα ὑμῶν, ἀλλὰ ἐκτρέφετε αὐτὰ ἐν παιδείᾳ καὶ νουθεσίᾳ κυρίου.
And fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
The reciprocal address: authority is not license. A prohibition (μή + present, 'stop provoking') is set against a positive command — nurture in the Lord's training.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
Καὶandcoordinating conjunction (transition)
οἱtheNominativearticle (nominative for vocative)
πατέρεςfathersNominativenominative of address (for vocative)πατήρ: 'father'; the addressees — possibly 'parents' generally, but primarily fathers as household heads.
μὴnotnegative (prohibition w/ present impv.)μή: negative of command; μή + present imperative typically forbids a continuing action — 'do not keep on…'.
παροργίζετεprovoke to angerPres Act Impv 2 Pl · παροργίζωprohibitive imperative→ customary present (ongoing pattern forbidden)παροργίζω: 'provoke, exasperate' (παρά + ὀργίζω, 'make angry'); to embitter by harshness or injustice.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
τέκναchildrenAccusativedirect objectτέκνον: 'child'; the same objects of duty, now under a father's care.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction (strong contrast)ἀλλά: 'but rather'; sets the positive duty against the prohibition.
ἐκτρέφετεbring upPres Act Impv 2 Pl · ἐκτρέφωimperative (positive command)→ customary present (continual nurture)ἐκτρέφω: 'nourish, rear to maturity' (ἐκ-intensive of τρέφω, 'feed'); the same verb used of a husband's care in 5:29.
αὐτὰthemAccusativedirect object (pronoun)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (means/sphere)
παιδείᾳdisciplineDativedat. of means/mannerπαιδεία: 'training, discipline, upbringing' (from παῖς, 'child'); formative correction, including but not limited to chastening.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
νουθεσίᾳinstructionDativedat. of means/manner (coordinate)νουθεσία: 'admonition, instruction' (νοῦς 'mind' + τίθημι, 'put in mind'); verbal correction and counsel.
κυρίουof the LordGenitivegenitive of source/possessionκύριος: 'Lord'; the training belongs to and originates with Christ — its character and standard are his.
5
Οἱ δοῦλοι, ὑπακούετε τοῖς κατὰ σάρκα κυρίοις μετὰ φόβου καὶ τρόμου ἐν ἁπλότητι τῆς καρδίας ὑμῶν ὡς τῷ Χριστῷ,
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ —
The third and longest pair. The imperative echoes v.1 (ὑπακούετε), but the motive is transposed into a wholly Christ-ward key: service to a human master is service 'as to Christ.'
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
ΟἱtheNominativearticle (nominative for vocative)
δοῦλοιslavesNominativenominative of address (for vocative)δοῦλος: 'slave, bondservant'; the addressees — household slaves, a large part of the early church.
ὑπακούετεobeyPres Act Impv 2 Pl · ὑπακούωimperative (command)→ customary present (habitual)ὑπακούω: 'obey'; the same verb addressed to children (v.1), here re-keyed to slave-master relations.
τοῖςtheDativearticle
κατὰaccording topreposition + accusative (standard/reference)
σάρκαthe fleshAccusativeobject of κατά (sphere of reference)σάρξ: 'flesh'; 'masters according to the flesh' = earthly, human masters — contrasted with the heavenly Master (v.9).
κυρίοιςmastersDativedative complement of ὑπακούωκύριος: 'master, lord'; the same word as 'Lord' — Paul exploits the overlap throughout the passage.
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (attendant manner)
φόβουfearGenitivegenitive of accompaniment (manner)φόβος: 'fear, reverence'; here respectful seriousness, ultimately rooted in fear of Christ (cf. 5:21).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τρόμουtremblingGenitivegenitive of accompaniment (coordinate)τρόμος: 'trembling' (from τρέμω); 'fear and trembling' is a Pauline idiom for conscientious earnestness (cf. Phil 2:12).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (manner/sphere)
ἁπλότητιsincerityDativedat. of mannerἁπλότης: 'singleness, sincerity, simplicity' (from ἁπλοῦς, 'single'); undivided, unmixed motive — no duplicity.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
καρδίαςheartGenitivegenitive of source (sincerity of heart)καρδία: 'heart'; the inner self — will, mind, motive — the seat of genuine obedience.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)ὡς: 'as'; recasts the whole obedience under the figure of serving Christ.
τῷtheDativearticle
ΧριστῷChristDativedative complement (object of service implied)Χριστός: 'Christ'; the true Lord behind the earthly master — the controlling motive of the whole unit.
6
μὴ κατ' ὀφθαλμοδουλίαν ὡς ἀνθρωπάρεσκοι ἀλλ' ὡς δοῦλοι Χριστοῦ ποιοῦντες τὸ θέλημα τοῦ θεοῦ ἐκ ψυχῆς,
not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the soul,
An expansion of 'as to Christ': not the superficial diligence performed only when watched, but wholehearted obedience that does God's will from within.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
μὴnotnegative (of manner)
κατ'by way ofpreposition + accusative (manner/norm)
ὀφθαλμοδουλίανeye-serviceAccusativeobject of κατά (manner)ὀφθαλμοδουλία: 'eye-service' (ὀφθαλμός 'eye' + δουλεία 'service'); apparently a Pauline coinage — work done only while the master watches.
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)
ἀνθρωπάρεσκοιpeople-pleasersNominativepredicate nominative (subject complement)ἀνθρωπάρεσκος: 'man-pleaser' (ἄνθρωπος 'man' + ἀρέσκω 'please'); one whose aim is human approval rather than God's.
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but rather'; the antithesis to people-pleasing eye-service.
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)
δοῦλοιslavesNominativepredicate nominative (subject complement)δοῦλος: 'slave'; the social slaves are redefined as 'slaves of Christ' — their true ownership.
Χριστοῦof ChristGenitivegenitive of possession
ποιοῦντεςdoingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ποιέωadverbial participle (manner)→ present (concurrent/ongoing)ποιέω: 'do, perform'; describes how the slaves of Christ serve — by doing God's will.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
θέλημαwillAccusativedirect object of ποιοῦντεςθέλημα: 'will'; ordinary servile labor reconceived as the very will of God.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivesubjective/possessive genitive
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
ψυχῆςthe soulGenitiveobject of ἐκ (source — 'from the soul')ψυχή: 'soul, self, life'; 'from the soul' = wholeheartedly, with one's whole being (cf. Col 3:23).
7
μετ' εὐνοίας δουλεύοντες, ὡς τῷ κυρίῳ καὶ οὐκ ἀνθρώποις,
serving with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to people,
A second participle parallels v.6: the service is rendered with eager goodwill, and again referred past the human master to the Lord.
Word-by-word analysis· 9 words
μετ'withpreposition + genitive (attendant manner)
εὐνοίαςgoodwillGenitivegenitive of accompaniment (manner)εὔνοια: 'goodwill, kindly disposition' (εὖ 'well' + νοῦς 'mind'); ready, well-meaning service, not grudging compliance.
δουλεύοντεςservingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · δουλεύωadverbial participle (manner, parallel to ποιοῦντες)→ present (ongoing)δουλεύω: 'serve as a slave, render service' (from δοῦλος); the slave's labor named as true service.
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)
τῷtheDativearticle
κυρίῳLordDativedative complement (object of service)κύριος: 'Lord'; the true recipient of the service stands behind the earthly κύριος.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐκnotnegative (objective)
ἀνθρώποιςto peopleDativedative (negated alternative)ἄνθρωπος: 'human being'; the merely human master is not the ultimate object — a relativizing, not a denial, of earthly duty.
8
εἰδότες ὅτι ἕκαστος, ἐάν τι ποιήσῃ ἀγαθόν, τοῦτο κομίσεται παρὰ κυρίου, εἴτε δοῦλος εἴτε ἐλεύθερος.
knowing that whatever good each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.
A participial ground: the slave's wholehearted service rests on knowledge of recompense. The Lord, not the master, repays good — and impartially, regardless of social status.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
εἰδότεςknowingPerf Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · οἶδαadverbial participle (cause/ground)→ intensive perfect (settled knowledge)οἶδα: 'know' (perfect with present sense); a confident, established conviction that grounds the conduct.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of knowing)
ἕκαστοςeach oneNominativesubject (distributive)ἕκαστος: 'each, every one'; individual accountability — every person is repaid for his own deeds.
ἐάνifconjunction (3rd-class condition/indefinite)ἐάν: 'if, whenever'; with the subjunctive, an indefinite/generalizing condition — 'whatever good one may do.'
τιanythingAccusativedirect object (indefinite pronoun)τις: 'someone, something'; the indefinite 'any good thing.'
ποιήσῃhe doesAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ποιέωsubjunctive (protasis of condition)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do, perform'; the good deed contemplated.
ἀγαθόνgoodAccusativeattributive/predicate adjective (w/ τι)ἀγαθός: 'good'; morally good, beneficial — the kind of action the Lord rewards.
τοῦτοthisAccusativedirect object (resumptive, fronted)
κομίσεταιhe will receive backFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · κομίζωmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive futureκομίζω (mid.): 'receive back, recover, be repaid'; the middle stresses receiving in return what corresponds to one's deed.
παρὰfrompreposition + genitive (source)
κυρίουthe LordGenitiveobject of παρά (source of reward)κύριος: 'Lord'; Christ himself is the paymaster — the assurance that levels slave and free.
εἴτεwhetherdisjunctive particleεἴτε … εἴτε: 'whether … or'; introduces the two social categories embraced equally.
δοῦλοςslaveNominativenominative in apposition to ἕκαστοςδοῦλος: 'slave'; one pole of the impartial reckoning.
εἴτεordisjunctive particle
ἐλεύθεροςfreeNominativenominative in apposition (coordinate)ἐλεύθερος: 'free, freeman'; the other pole — status is irrelevant to the Lord's recompense.
9
Καὶ οἱ κύριοι, τὰ αὐτὰ ποιεῖτε πρὸς αὐτούς, ἀνιέντες τὴν ἀπειλήν, εἰδότες ὅτι καὶ αὐτῶν καὶ ὑμῶν ὁ κύριός ἐστιν ἐν οὐρανοῖς, καὶ προσωπολημψία οὐκ ἔστιν παρ' αὐτῷ.
And masters, do the same toward them, giving up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.
The reciprocal command closes the slave-master pair. Masters are leveled with their slaves under one heavenly Master who shows no partiality — a quietly revolutionary equalizing.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
Καὶandcoordinating conjunction (transition)
οἱtheNominativearticle (nominative for vocative)
κύριοιmastersNominativenominative of address (for vocative)κύριος: 'master, lord'; the slaveholders — addressed with the very word that will be turned against their pretension (their own κύριος is in heaven).
τὰtheAccusativearticle
αὐτὰsame thingsAccusativedirect object (intensive/identical pronoun)αὐτός: here 'the same'; masters owe the same goodwill and Christ-ward service in reverse.
ποιεῖτεdoPres Act Impv 2 Pl · ποιέωimperative (command)→ customary present (habitual)ποιέω: 'do, act'; the reciprocal imperative answering the slaves' ὑπακούετε.
πρὸςtowardpreposition + accusative (relation/direction)
αὐτούςthemAccusativeobject of πρός (the slaves)
ἀνιέντεςgiving upPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἀνίημιadverbial participle (manner/means)→ present (ongoing)ἀνίημι: 'let go, relax, give up' (ἀνά + ἵημι); to cease/slacken the practice of threatening.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἀπειλήνthreateningAccusativedirect object of ἀνιέντεςἀπειλή: 'threat, menace'; the article points to threatening as the characteristic abuse of a master's power.
εἰδότεςknowingPerf Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · οἶδαadverbial participle (cause/ground)→ intensive perfect (settled knowledge)οἶδα: 'know'; the same grounding participle as v.8 — masters too act in light of a known reality.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content of knowing)
καὶbothcorrelative conjunction (καὶ … καί)καὶ … καί: 'both … and'; binds master and slave under one Lord.
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivepossessive genitive (of κύριος)
καὶandcorrelative conjunction
ὑμῶνyourGenitivepossessive genitive (of κύριος)
ὁtheNominativearticle
κύριόςMasterNominativesubject (predicate of location follows)κύριος: 'Lord, Master'; the one Master in heaven over both parties — the climactic leveler of the social order.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (locative predication)→ stative present
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
οὐρανοῖςheavenDativedat. of place (object of ἐν)οὐρανός: 'heaven'; the plural ('the heavens') is idiomatic — the Master's transcendent location above all earthly masters.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
προσωπολημψίαpartialityNominativesubjectπροσωπολημψία: 'partiality, favoritism' (lit. 'face-receiving,' a Semitism); judging by outward status — alien to God (cf. Rom 2:11).
οὐκnotnegative
ἔστινthere isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (existential)→ stative present
παρ'withpreposition + dative (in the presence/judgment of)
αὐτῷhimDativeobject of παρά (the Master)
10
Τοῦ λοιποῦ ἐνδυναμοῦσθε ἐν κυρίῳ καὶ ἐν τῷ κράτει τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the might of his strength.
The peroration of the whole letter. A genitive of time ('from now on / finally') marks the turn; the imperative gathers all that precedes into one call to be empowered in the Lord.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ΤοῦtheGenitivearticle (w/ adverbial genitive)
λοιποῦfinallyGenitivegenitive of time ('from now on, finally')λοιπός: 'remaining'; τοῦ λοιποῦ = 'for the rest, henceforth, finally' — a closing transition.
ἐνδυναμοῦσθεbe strongPres Pass Impv 2 Pl · ἐνδυναμόωimperative (likely passive: 'be strengthened')→ customary present (continual empowerment)ἐνδυναμόω: 'empower, strengthen' (ἐν + δύναμις); the passive points to a strength received from the Lord, not self-generated.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/means)
κυρίῳthe LordDativedat. of sphere/means (source of strength)κύριος: 'Lord'; the locus and source of the believer's strength.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐνinpreposition + dative (means)
τῷtheDativearticle
κράτειmightDativedat. of meansκράτος: 'might, dominion, exercised power'; the same word for God's might in 1:19, now the believer's resource.
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
ἰσχύοςstrengthGenitiveattributive/possessive genitiveἰσχύς: 'strength, ability'; piled-up synonyms (κράτος + ἰσχύς) stress the sheer abundance of God's power available.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivepossessive genitive
11
ἐνδύσασθε τὴν πανοπλίαν τοῦ θεοῦ πρὸς τὸ δύνασθαι ὑμᾶς στῆναι πρὸς τὰς μεθοδείας τοῦ διαβόλου·
Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil;
How to 'be strong': by clothing oneself in God's own armor. An articular infinitive of purpose states the aim — to stand firm against the devil's cunning stratagems.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ἐνδύσασθεput onAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἐνδύωimperative (decisive command)→ ingressive/constative aoristἐνδύω (mid.): 'put on, clothe oneself'; the aorist calls for a decisive arming — clothe yourselves once for all.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
πανοπλίανfull armorAccusativedirect objectπανοπλία: 'full armor, panoply' (πᾶς 'all' + ὅπλον 'weapon'); the complete equipment of a heavy infantryman — nothing left off.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of source (God-supplied armor)θεός: God; the armor is God's own — provided by him, and his in character (cf. Isa 59:17).
πρὸςso thatpreposition + articular infinitive (purpose)πρὸς τό + inf.: a purpose construction — 'in order that.'
τὸtheAccusativearticle (nominalizes infinitive)
δύνασθαιto be ablePres Mid Inf · δύναμαιarticular infinitive (purpose)→ present (capacity, ongoing)δύναμαι: 'be able, have power'; the ability the armor confers.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive
στῆναιto standAor Act Inf · ἵστημιcomplementary infinitive (of δύνασθαι)→ constative aoristἵστημι: 'stand (firm), hold one's ground'; the keynote verb of the passage (cf. vv.13, 14) — the goal is to stand, not advance.
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (opposition)
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
μεθοδείαςschemesAccusativeobject of πρός (opposition)μεθοδεία: 'scheme, stratagem, cunning' (cf. 'method'); the devil fights by craft and trickery, not open force.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
διαβόλουdevilGenitivesubjective genitive (the devil's schemes)διάβολος: 'slanderer, accuser' (from διαβάλλω, 'throw across, accuse'); the LXX/NT title for Satan, the adversary.
12
ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν ἡμῖν ἡ πάλη πρὸς αἷμα καὶ σάρκα, ἀλλὰ πρὸς τὰς ἀρχάς, πρὸς τὰς ἐξουσίας, πρὸς τοὺς κοσμοκράτορας τοῦ σκότους τούτου, πρὸς τὰ πνευματικὰ τῆς πονηρίας ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις.
for our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Why such armor is needed: the foe is not human but a hierarchy of malign spiritual powers. A fourfold anaphora of πρός hammers the point — the conflict is cosmic, not merely earthly.
Word-by-word analysis· 31 words
ὅτιforcausal conjunction
οὐκnotnegative
ἔστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula)→ stative present
ἡμῖνfor usDativedat. of possession ('we have a struggle')
ἡtheNominativearticle
πάληstruggleNominativesubjectπάλη: 'wrestling, hand-to-hand struggle'; a metaphor from the wrestling-ring set within the military imagery — close, personal combat.
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (opposition)
αἷμαbloodAccusativeobject of πρόςαἷμα: 'blood'; 'blood and flesh' is an idiom for frail human beings — the enemy is precisely not human.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
σάρκαfleshAccusativeobject of πρός (coordinate)σάρξ: 'flesh'; with 'blood,' denotes mortal humanity.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but rather'; pivots from the human to the spiritual adversary.
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (opposition; anaphora 1)
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
ἀρχάςrulersAccusativeobject of πρόςἀρχή: 'ruler, principality' (here of spiritual powers); the same hostile cosmic ranks Christ rules over (1:21; cf. Col 2:15).
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (anaphora 2)
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
ἐξουσίαςauthoritiesAccusativeobject of πρόςἐξουσία: 'authority, power'; paired with ἀρχαί for the spiritual powers wielding delegated authority in the present order.
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (anaphora 3)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
κοσμοκράτοραςcosmic powersAccusativeobject of πρόςκοσμοκράτωρ: 'world-ruler' (κόσμος 'world' + κρατέω 'rule'); a rare term — the powers that dominate this dark age.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
σκότουςdarknessGenitivegenitive of subordination/sphere ('rulers of the darkness')σκότος: 'darkness'; the moral/spiritual realm these powers govern (cf. 5:8, 11).
τούτουthisGenitivedemonstrative (attributive)οὗτος: 'this'; 'this present darkness' — the current evil age awaiting Christ's consummation.
πρὸςagainstpreposition + accusative (anaphora 4)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
πνευματικὰspiritual forcesAccusativeobject of πρός (substantival adjective)πνευματικός: 'spiritual'; the neuter plural substantive 'the spiritual (forces/beings)' — the immaterial nature of the foe.
τῆςofGenitivearticle
πονηρίαςevilGenitiveattributive genitive (quality)πονηρία: 'wickedness, evil' (from πονηρός, 'evil'); a genitive of quality — 'the forces characterized by evil.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τοῖςtheDativearticle
ἐπουρανίοιςheavenly placesDativedat. of place (object of ἐν, substantival adj.)ἐπουράνιος: 'heavenly' (ἐπί + οὐρανός); 'the heavenlies' — the unseen spiritual realm, a recurring Ephesians locale (1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10).
13
διὰ τοῦτο ἀναλάβετε τὴν πανοπλίαν τοῦ θεοῦ, ἵνα δυνηθῆτε ἀντιστῆναι ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ πονηρᾷ καὶ ἅπαντα κατεργασάμενοι στῆναι.
Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having accomplished everything, to stand.
An inferential resumption of v.11 ('therefore'), drawing the conclusion from v.12. The verb shifts to ἀναλάβετε ('take up,' a soldier's act of arming), and the purpose clause restates the goal: to withstand and, having done all, to stand.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
διὰbecause ofpreposition + accusative (cause/inference)
τοῦτοthisAccusativeobject of διά (διὰ τοῦτο = 'therefore')διὰ τοῦτο: 'for this reason, therefore'; draws the inference from the nature of the enemy (v.12).
ἀναλάβετεtake upAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ἀναλαμβάνωimperative (decisive command)→ ingressive/constative aoristἀναλαμβάνω: 'take up, pick up' (ἀνά + λαμβάνω); the technical term for taking up arms — a soldier readying himself.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
πανοπλίανfull armorAccusativedirect objectπανοπλία: 'full armor'; repeated from v.11 to frame the section (inclusio).
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivegenitive of source
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose)
δυνηθῆτεyou may be ableAor Pass Subj 2 Pl · δύναμαιsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ constative aoristδύναμαι: 'be able'; the deponent aorist passive form — the capacity the armor grants.
ἀντιστῆναιto withstandAor Act Inf · ἀνθίστημιcomplementary infinitive (of δυνηθῆτε)→ constative aoristἀνθίστημι: 'resist, withstand, stand against' (ἀντί + ἵστημι); to hold the line against assault.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (time)
τῇtheDativearticle
ἡμέρᾳdayDativedat. of time (when)ἡμέρα: 'day'; 'the evil day' — the time of concentrated assault, whether a crisis or the whole present age.
τῇtheDativearticle (second attributive)
πονηρᾷevilDativeattributive adjectiveπονηρός: 'evil, malignant'; characterizes the day of testing as one of active malice.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἅπανταeverythingAccusativedirect object of κατεργασάμενοιἅπας: 'all, every' (strengthened πᾶς); the totality of what the conflict demands.
κατεργασάμενοιhaving accomplishedAor Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · κατεργάζομαιadverbial participle (antecedent time)→ constative aorist (completed prior action)κατεργάζομαι: 'accomplish, do thoroughly, achieve' (κατά-intensive of ἐργάζομαι); 'having carried everything through.' Some render 'having overcome all,' but 'having done all' is more likely.
στῆναιto standAor Act Inf · ἵστημιcomplementary infinitive (coordinate w/ ἀντιστῆναι)→ constative aoristἵστημι: 'stand (firm)'; the section's refrain — the aim is to be left standing when the battle ends.
14
στῆτε οὖν περιζωσάμενοι τὴν ὀσφὺν ὑμῶν ἐν ἀληθείᾳ, καὶ ἐνδυσάμενοι τὸν θώρακα τῆς δικαιοσύνης,
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
The central imperative — 'stand!' — now governs a chain of aorist participles itemizing the armor (vv.14–16). First: the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness (cf. Isa 11:5; 59:17).
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
στῆτεstandAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ἵστημιimperative (central command)→ ingressive aorist (take your stand)ἵστημι: 'stand, take a stand'; the governing imperative of the armor section — defensive steadfastness.
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore, then'; resumes and applies the call to arm (vv.11, 13).
περιζωσάμενοιhaving girdedAor Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · περιζώννυμιadverbial participle (means/manner)→ constative aoristπεριζώννυμι: 'gird around, fasten a belt' (περί + ζώννυμι); the soldier's belt that secured the tunic for action.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ὀσφὺνwaistAccusativedirect object of περιζωσάμενοιὀσφῦς: 'loins, waist'; the part girded for readiness and exertion.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (means)
ἀληθείᾳtruthDativedat. of means (the belt = truth)ἀλήθεια: 'truth'; perhaps both the gospel truth and personal truthfulness/integrity that hold one together for battle.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐνδυσάμενοιhaving put onAor Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἐνδύωadverbial participle (means/manner)→ constative aoristἐνδύω (mid.): 'put on, clothe oneself'; here donning the breastplate.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
θώρακαbreastplateAccusativedirect object of ἐνδυσάμενοιθώραξ: 'breastplate, chest-armor'; protection for the vital organs (cf. Isa 59:17, where God wears righteousness as a breastplate).
τῆςofGenitivearticle
δικαιοσύνηςrighteousnessGenitivegenitive of apposition (the breastplate = righteousness)δικαιοσύνη: 'righteousness'; the genitive identifies the armor with righteousness — both God's gift and the believer's upright life.
15
καὶ ὑποδησάμενοι τοὺς πόδας ἐν ἑτοιμασίᾳ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου τῆς εἰρήνης,
and having shod your feet with the readiness of the gospel of peace,
The third piece, continuing the participial chain: footwear. The soldier's hobnailed sandals become the firm footing that the gospel of peace supplies.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὑποδησάμενοιhaving shodAor Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ὑποδέωadverbial participle (means/manner)→ constative aoristὑποδέω (mid.): 'bind under (the feet), put on footwear' (ὑπό + δέω, 'bind'); to be shod, ready to march or hold ground.
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
πόδαςfeetAccusativedirect object (accusative of respect/object shod)πούς: 'foot'; the feet equipped for stable, sure footing in battle.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (means)
ἑτοιμασίᾳreadinessDativedat. of means (the footwear = readiness)ἑτοιμασία: 'readiness, preparedness' (from ἑτοιμάζω, 'prepare'); possibly also 'firm footing/foundation' — the stability the gospel gives.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
εὐαγγελίουgospelGenitivegenitive of source (readiness from the gospel)εὐαγγέλιον: 'good news, gospel'; the source of the readiness — cf. Isa 52:7, the beautiful feet of the herald of peace.
τῆςofGenitivearticle
εἰρήνηςpeaceGenitiveattributive/objective genitive (gospel of peace)εἰρήνη: 'peace'; the gospel that proclaims and produces peace — with God and across the dividing wall (2:14–17).
16
ἐν πᾶσιν ἀναλαβόντες τὸν θυρεὸν τῆς πίστεως, ἐν ᾧ δυνήσεσθε πάντα τὰ βέλη τοῦ πονηροῦ τὰ πεπυρωμένα σβέσαι·
in all circumstances taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
The fourth piece, with a function clause: the shield of faith, raised 'in all circumstances,' is the means by which every fiery missile of the evil one is quenched.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ἐνinpreposition + dative (circumstance)
πᾶσινall (circumstances)Dativesubstantival adjective (object of ἐν)πᾶς: 'all'; 'in all (things/circumstances)' — possibly 'above all,' but 'in every situation' best fits the battle imagery.
ἀναλαβόντεςtaking upAor Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἀναλαμβάνωadverbial participle (means/manner)→ constative aoristἀναλαμβάνω: 'take up'; the same verb as v.13 — taking up a weapon, here the shield.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
θυρεὸνshieldAccusativedirect object of ἀναλαβόντεςθυρεός: the large, door-shaped Roman shield (scutum; from θύρα, 'door'); full-body protection, not a small buckler.
τῆςofGenitivearticle
πίστεωςfaithGenitivegenitive of apposition (the shield = faith)πίστις: 'faith, trust'; faith in God is the shield that absorbs the enemy's attacks.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (means/instrument)
ᾧwhichDativerelative pronoun (means; antecedent θυρεόν)
δυνήσεσθεyou will be ableFut Mid Indic 2 Pl · δύναμαιmain verb (rel. clause, result)→ predictive futureδύναμαι: 'be able'; the assured capacity the shield provides.
πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; not one missile excepted — total protection by faith.
τὰtheAccusativearticle
βέληdartsAccusativedirect object of σβέσαιβέλος: 'missile, arrow, dart' (from βάλλω, 'throw'); the enemy's projectiles — temptations, doubts, assaults.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
πονηροῦevil oneGenitivesubjective genitive (substantival adj.)πονηρός: 'evil'; ὁ πονηρός = 'the evil one,' the devil (cf. Matt 6:13), source of the darts.
τὰtheAccusativearticle (second attributive)
πεπυρωμέναflamingPerf Pass Ptc · Acc Pl Neut · πυρόωattributive participle (modifies βέλη)→ intensive perfect (set ablaze, in a fiery state)πυρόω: 'set on fire, make fiery' (from πῦρ, 'fire'); ancient arrows wrapped in pitch and ignited — vivid, dangerous attacks.
σβέσαιto extinguishAor Act Inf · σβέννυμιcomplementary infinitive (of δυνήσεσθε)→ constative aoristσβέννυμι: 'quench, put out'; the shield does not merely deflect but extinguishes — faith neutralizes the fiery attack.
17
καὶ τὴν περικεφαλαίαν τοῦ σωτηρίου δέξασθε, καὶ τὴν μάχαιραν τοῦ πνεύματος, ὅ ἐστιν ῥῆμα θεοῦ·
and receive the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
The chain breaks into a fresh imperative (δέξασθε, 'receive'), capping the list with the last two pieces: helmet of salvation and the one offensive weapon — the Spirit's sword, defined as God's spoken word.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
περικεφαλαίανhelmetAccusativedirect object of δέξασθεπερικεφαλαία: 'helmet' (περί 'around' + κεφαλή 'head'); the head's protection (cf. Isa 59:17, the helmet of salvation).
τοῦofGenitivearticle
σωτηρίουsalvationGenitivegenitive of apposition (the helmet = salvation)σωτήριον: 'salvation, deliverance' (neuter substantive); the assurance of salvation that guards the mind.
δέξασθεreceiveAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · δέχομαιimperative (command)→ ingressive/constative aoristδέχομαι: 'receive, accept, take'; 'receive' (rather than 'put on') — the helmet and sword are given to be taken up.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
μάχαιρανswordAccusativedirect object (coordinate w/ helmet)μάχαιρα: 'sword' — the short Roman gladius for close combat; the sole offensive weapon in the list.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
πνεύματοςSpiritGenitivegenitive of source/origin (sword the Spirit supplies)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the sword the Spirit provides and wields — the Spirit's instrument.
ὅwhichNominativerelative pronoun (subject; neuter by attraction to ῥῆμα)
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (copula, rel. clause)→ stative present
ῥῆμαwordNominativepredicate nominativeῥῆμα: 'word, spoken utterance, saying' (from a root for 'speak'); the concrete spoken word of God — the gospel proclaimed/applied, not λόγος in the abstract.
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive of source/authorθεός: God; the word is God's own utterance — its authority and power are his.
18
διὰ πάσης προσευχῆς καὶ δεήσεως προσευχόμενοι ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ ἐν πνεύματι, καὶ εἰς αὐτὸ ἀγρυπνοῦντες ἐν πάσῃ προσκαρτερήσει καὶ δεήσει περὶ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων,
praying at all times in the Spirit with all prayer and supplication, and to this end keeping alert with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints,
Two participles ('praying… keeping alert') describe the atmosphere in which the armor is worn: ceaseless, Spirit-empowered prayer and vigilant intercession for all God's people. Note the fourfold 'all' (πᾶς).
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
διὰwithpreposition + genitive (means/manner)
πάσηςallGenitiveattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all, every'; the first of four 'alls' saturating the verse — prayer of every kind.
προσευχῆςprayerGenitiveobject of διά (means)προσευχή: 'prayer'; the general word for addressing God.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
δεήσεωςsupplicationGenitiveobject of διά (coordinate)δέησις: 'petition, supplication' (from δέομαι); specific, urgent request arising from need.
προσευχόμενοιprayingPres Mid Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · προσεύχομαιadverbial participle (manner/means of standing)→ present (continual, ongoing)προσεύχομαι: 'pray'; the present stresses unceasing prayer, the air the soldier breathes.
ἐνatpreposition + dative (time)
παντὶeveryDativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'every'; the second 'all' — no time excluded from prayer.
καιρῷtime/seasonDativedat. of timeκαιρός: 'time, opportune moment, season'; 'at every opportunity' — continual readiness to pray.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere/agency)
πνεύματιthe SpiritDativedat. of sphere/agency (Spirit-empowered prayer)πνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; 'in the Spirit' — prayer enabled and directed by the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom 8:26).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (purpose/end)
αὐτὸthis endAccusativeobject of εἰς (εἰς αὐτό = 'to this very end')αὐτός: 'this very (thing)'; 'to this end' — namely, the matter of prayer just named.
ἀγρυπνοῦντεςkeeping alertPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἀγρυπνέωadverbial participle (manner, coordinate)→ present (continual vigilance)ἀγρυπνέω: 'be sleepless, stay awake, watch' (ἀ- 'not' + ὕπνος 'sleep'); spiritual vigilance, the opposite of drowsy negligence.
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner)
πάσῃallDativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; the third 'all' — perseverance of every degree.
προσκαρτερήσειperseveranceDativedat. of mannerπροσκαρτέρησις: 'perseverance, steadfast persistence' (from προσκαρτερέω, 'devote oneself to'); dogged constancy in prayer.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
δεήσειsupplicationDativedat. of manner (coordinate)δέησις: 'supplication'; repeated from above — the specific petition that vigilance sustains.
περὶforpreposition + genitive (reference/benefit)
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all'; the fourth 'all' — the whole body of believers, none excluded from intercession.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἁγίωνsaintsGenitiveobject of περί (substantival adj.)ἅγιος: 'holy one, saint'; the consecrated people of God — the fellow-soldiers prayed for.
19
καὶ ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ, ἵνα μοι δοθῇ λόγος ἐν ἀνοίξει τοῦ στόματός μου, ἐν παρρησίᾳ γνωρίσαι τὸ μυστήριον τοῦ εὐαγγελίου,
and for me, that utterance may be given to me when I open my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,
The intercession narrows to Paul himself: not for release, but for bold, God-given speech to proclaim the gospel's mystery. A ἵνα clause states the content of the prayer.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (additive)
ὑπὲρforpreposition + genitive (benefit/behalf)
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of ὑπέρ (emphatic personal pronoun)
ἵναthatconjunction (content of the request)ἵνα: here introducing the content/aim of the prayer, not strict purpose.
μοιto meDativedat. of recipient (indirect object)
δοθῇmay be givenAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · δίδωμιsubjunctive (ἵνα clause; divine passive)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; the passive implies God as giver — bold speech is a gift, not native eloquence.
λόγοςutteranceNominativesubject of δοθῇλόγος: 'word, message, utterance'; here the right words to speak — the message to be given.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (temporal/circumstance)
ἀνοίξειthe openingDativedat. of time/circumstance ('when I open')ἄνοιξις: 'opening' (from ἀνοίγω); 'in the opening of my mouth' — a Semitic idiom for beginning to speak (cf. Ps 78:2).
τοῦofGenitivearticle
στόματόςmouthGenitiveobjective/possessive genitiveστόμα: 'mouth'; the organ of the proclamation.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐνwithpreposition + dative (manner)
παρρησίᾳboldnessDativedat. of mannerπαρρησία: 'boldness, frankness, freedom of speech' (πᾶν 'all' + ῥῆσις 'speech'); openness to say everything plainly — the hallmark of gospel witness in Acts.
γνωρίσαιto make knownAor Act Inf · γνωρίζωinfinitive of purpose/epexegetical (of λόγος)→ constative aoristγνωρίζω: 'make known, reveal' (from γινώσκω); to disclose the mystery — the aim of the given utterance.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
μυστήριονmysteryAccusativedirect object of γνωρίσαιμυστήριον: 'mystery'; in Paul, a once-hidden purpose now revealed — here the gospel uniting Jew and Gentile in Christ (cf. 3:3–6).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
εὐαγγελίουgospelGenitivegenitive of apposition/content (the mystery = the gospel)εὐαγγέλιον: 'gospel'; the mystery just is the good news — the content Paul is to proclaim boldly.
20
ὑπὲρ οὗ πρεσβεύω ἐν ἁλύσει, ἵνα ἐν αὐτῷ παρρησιάσωμαι ὡς δεῖ με λαλῆσαι.
for which I am an ambassador in chains, that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
A relative clause grounds the petition: Paul is the gospel's ambassador — paradoxically, an ambassador 'in a chain.' A second ἵνα restates the request for bold speech, fitting what he ought to say.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ὑπὲρforpreposition + genitive (behalf/reference)
οὗwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (object of ὑπέρ; antecedent the gospel/mystery)
πρεσβεύωI am an ambassadorPres Act Indic 1 Sg · πρεσβεύωmain verb→ stative/customary presentπρεσβεύω: 'be an ambassador, act as envoy' (from πρέσβυς, 'elder, envoy'); to represent a sovereign — here Christ's envoy (cf. 2 Cor 5:20).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (circumstance)
ἁλύσειa chainDativedat. of circumstance/mannerἅλυσις: 'chain, fetter'; the prisoner's chain — the oxymoron of 'an ambassador in chains' frames Paul's imprisonment as embassy.
ἵναthatconjunction (purpose/content)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (reference)
αὐτῷitDativeobject of ἐν (= in the gospel/its proclamation)
παρρησιάσωμαιI may speak boldlyAor Mid Subj 1 Sg · παρρησιάζομαιsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ constative aoristπαρρησιάζομαι: 'speak freely/boldly' (cognate of παρρησία, v.19); to declare the message with frank courage.
ὡςascomparative particle (manner)
δεῖit is necessaryPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal verb (obligation)→ stative present (standing necessity)δεῖ: 'it is necessary, one must'; impersonal — the divine 'ought' that governs Paul's witness.
μεmeAccusativeaccusative subject of λαλῆσαι
λαλῆσαιto speakAor Act Inf · λαλέωcomplementary infinitive (of δεῖ)→ constative aoristλαλέω: 'speak, talk'; the obligatory speaking — Paul must proclaim, and prays to do so rightly.
21
Ἵνα δὲ εἰδῆτε καὶ ὑμεῖς τὰ κατ' ἐμέ, τί πράσσω, πάντα γνωρίσει ὑμῖν Τυχικὸς ὁ ἀγαπητὸς ἀδελφὸς καὶ πιστὸς διάκονος ἐν κυρίῳ,
But that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you,
The closing turns (δέ) to practical news. A fronted ἵνα clause states the purpose — that they too may know Paul's circumstances — fulfilled by the sending of Tychicus, warmly commended.
Word-by-word analysis· 22 words
Ἵναthatconjunction (purpose, fronted)
δὲbut/nowtransitional/mild adversative conjunctionδέ: 'but, now'; marks the turn from exhortation to closing personal matters.
εἰδῆτεyou may knowPerf Act Subj 2 Pl · οἶδαsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ intensive perfect (with present sense)οἶδα: 'know'; the purpose of sending Tychicus — that they be informed.
καὶalsoadverbial/ascensive conjunctionκαί: 'also'; 'you too' — as others (e.g. the Colossians) will know, so will they.
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic pronoun)
τὰthe thingsAccusativesubstantival article (object of εἰδῆτε)
κατ'concerningpreposition + accusative (reference)τὰ κατ' ἐμέ: 'my affairs, how things are with me' — an idiom for one's circumstances.
ἐμέmeAccusativeobject of κατά
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative pronoun (object; indirect question)
πράσσωI am doingPres Act Indic 1 Sg · πράσσωmain verb (indirect question)→ present (ongoing activity)πράσσω: 'do, practice, be occupied with'; 'how I am faring' — explains τὰ κατ' ἐμέ.
πάνταeverythingAccusativedirect object of γνωρίσειπᾶς: 'all'; the full account Tychicus will relay.
γνωρίσειwill make knownFut Act Indic 3 Sg · γνωρίζωmain verb→ predictive futureγνωρίζω: 'make known, inform'; the same verb as v.19 — Tychicus discloses Paul's situation.
ὑμῖνto youDativedat. of recipient
ΤυχικὸςTychicusNominativesubjectΤυχικός: Tychicus, a co-worker from Asia (Acts 20:4); the letter-carrier and bearer of news (cf. Col 4:7).
ὁtheNominativearticle
ἀγαπητὸςbelovedNominativeattributive adjectiveἀγαπητός: 'beloved'; a term of warm affection for a fellow worker.
ἀδελφὸςbrotherNominativeapposition to Τυχικόςἀδελφός: 'brother'; a fellow believer in the family of God.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πιστὸςfaithfulNominativeattributive adjectiveπιστός: 'faithful, trustworthy'; the quality that makes him a reliable envoy.
διάκονοςministerNominativeapposition (coordinate)διάκονος: 'servant, minister, attendant'; one who serves — here in the Lord's work.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
κυρίῳthe LordDativedat. of sphereκύριος: 'Lord'; 'in the Lord' frames Tychicus's faithfulness and service as Christian.
22
ὃν ἔπεμψα πρὸς ὑμᾶς εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο, ἵνα γνῶτε τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν καὶ παρακαλέσῃ τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν.
whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
A relative clause restates the mission of Tychicus with a double ἵνα: that they learn Paul's situation and that their hearts be encouraged — pastoral comfort, not mere information.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ὃνwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἔπεμψα)
ἔπεμψαI have sentAor Act Indic 1 Sg · πέμπωmain verb (epistolary aorist)→ epistolary aorist (from the reader's standpoint)πέμπω: 'send'; the epistolary aorist — 'I am sending,' viewed as past by the time they read.
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose)
αὐτὸthis veryAccusativeintensive pronoun (w/ τοῦτο)αὐτός: 'this very'; εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο = 'for this very purpose' — emphatic.
τοῦτοpurposeAccusativedemonstrative (object of εἰς)
ἵναthatconjunction (purpose)
γνῶτεyou may knowAor Act Subj 2 Pl · γινώσκωsubjunctive (ἵνα clause)→ ingressive aorist (come to know)γινώσκω: 'know, come to know'; that they gain knowledge of Paul's circumstances.
τὰthe thingsAccusativesubstantival article (object of γνῶτε)
περὶconcerningpreposition + genitive (reference)τὰ περὶ ἡμῶν: 'the things about us, our affairs' — the situation of Paul and his companions.
ἡμῶνusGenitiveobject of περί
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
παρακαλέσῃhe may encourageAor Act Subj 3 Sg · παρακαλέωsubjunctive (second ἵνα verb)→ constative aoristπαρακαλέω: 'encourage, comfort, exhort' (παρά + καλέω, 'call alongside'); to hearten and strengthen them.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
καρδίαςheartsAccusativedirect object of παρακαλέσῃκαρδία: 'heart'; the inner person to be comforted — the goal of the visit is pastoral.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
23
Εἰρήνη τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς καὶ ἀγάπη μετὰ πίστεως ἀπὸ θεοῦ πατρὸς καὶ κυρίου Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.
Peace to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The closing blessing — unusually in the third person ('to the brothers'). Peace, love, and faith are invoked as gifts flowing from the one source: the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ΕἰρήνηpeaceNominativesubject (nominative in benediction)εἰρήνη: 'peace'; the šālôm that opened the letter (1:2) now closes it — wholeness with God and one another.
τοῖςto theDativearticle
ἀδελφοῖςbrothersDativedat. of recipientἀδελφός: 'brother'; the family of believers — the unusual third-person address gives the blessing a liturgical ring.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀγάπηloveNominativesubject (coordinate)ἀγάπη: 'love'; the self-giving love that is the letter's great theme (cf. 5:2).
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
πίστεωςfaithGenitivegenitive of accompaniment (object of μετά)πίστις: 'faith'; love and faith joined — the inseparable pair of Christian life.
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source)
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ἀπό (source)
πατρὸςthe FatherGenitiveapposition to θεοῦπατήρ: 'Father'; God named as Father, the relational source of the blessing.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
κυρίουthe LordGenitiveobject of ἀπό (coordinate source)κύριος: 'Lord'; Father and Lord paired as one source — the same coupling as the opening greeting (1:2).
ἸησοῦJesusGenitiveapposition
ΧριστοῦChristGenitiveapposition
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Ἡ χάρις μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἀγαπώντων τὸν κύριον ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦν Χριστὸν ἐν ἀφθαρσίᾳ.
Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love.
The grace-benediction seals the letter. Grace rests on all who love Christ 'in incorruptibility' — a love that, like its object, is undying and imperishable.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
ἩtheNominativearticle
χάριςgraceNominativesubject (nominative in benediction)χάρις: 'grace'; God's unmerited favor — the note on which Paul's letters characteristically end (cf. 1:2).
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (accompaniment)
πάντωνallGenitiveattributive adjective (substantival)πᾶς: 'all'; the blessing embraces every true lover of Christ, not a select few.
τῶνthoseGenitivearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἀγαπώντωνwho lovePres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · ἀγαπάωsubstantival participle (object of μετά)→ present (ongoing, characteristic love)ἀγαπάω: 'love'; the present marks a continuing love for Christ as the mark of the truly grace-blessed.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
κύριονLordAccusativedirect object of ἀγαπώντωνκύριος: 'Lord'; the object of the love that grace accompanies.
ἡμῶνourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἸησοῦνJesusAccusativeapposition to κύριον
ΧριστὸνChristAccusativeapposition
ἐνwith/inpreposition + dative (manner)
ἀφθαρσίᾳincorruptionDativedat. of manner (incorruptible love)ἀφθαρσία: 'incorruptibility, imperishability' (ἀ- 'not' + φθορά 'decay'); 'in incorruption' — an undying, unfading love (or, taken with 'grace,' immortal life).