Greek Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Gospel according to Luke, Chapter 12ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ ΙΒ′

Each verse opens with the running Greek, an English translation, and a discourse note (its connective, relation, and role in the argument). Below follows the word-by-word breakdown in six tiers: gloss, case (color), parsing, syntax, semantic force, and a lexical note.

Case Nominative Genitive Dative Accusative Vocative Verb (no case) Indeclinable

Discourse notes head each verse: relation · connective · clause-flow. Indentation marks prominence — flush-left = main line of argument; indented = supporting / subordinate material.

1

Ἐν οἷς ἐπισυναχθεισῶν τῶν μυριάδων τοῦ ὄχλου, ὥστε καταπατεῖν ἀλλήλους, ἤρξατο λέγειν πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ πρῶτον· Προσέχετε ἑαυτοῖς ἀπὸ τῆς ζύμης, ἥτις ἐστὶν ὑπόκρισις, τῶν Φαρισαίων.

Meanwhile, when the myriads of the crowd had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, he began to say to his disciples first: Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

Scene-setting / warningἘν οἷςA vast crowd presses in, yet Jesus turns first to the disciples with a warning: the Pharisees' leaven is hypocrisy.
Ἐνinpreposition + dative (temporal)
οἷςwhich (times)Dativerelative pronoun (object of ἐν); idiom 'meanwhile'ἐν οἷς: idiom, 'in the meantime, meanwhile.'
ἐπισυναχθεισῶνhaving gathered togetherAor Pass Ptc · Gen Pl Fem · ἐπισυνάγωgenitive absolute (temporal)→ antecedent aoristἐπισυνάγω: 'gather together' (ἐπί + συν + ἄγω); crowds massing upon one another.
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
μυριάδωνmyriadsGenitivesubject of gen. absoluteμυριάς: 'ten thousand,' a myriad; hyperbolic for an immense throng.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
ὄχλουcrowdGenitivepartitive/possessive genitiveὄχλος: 'crowd, multitude.'
ὥστεso thatconjunction (result) + infinitive
καταπατεῖνto tramplePres Act Inf · καταπατέωinfinitive of result→ present (ongoing)καταπατέω: 'trample down' (κατά + πατέω); the press is so great they tread on each other.
ἀλλήλουςone anotherAccusativeobject of καταπατεῖν (reciprocal)
ἤρξατοhe beganAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἄρχομαιmain verb→ ingressive aoristἄρχομαι: 'begin'; a common Lukan narrative auxiliary.
λέγεινto sayPres Act Inf · λέγωcomplementary infinitive→ present (ongoing)
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction/addressee)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
μαθητὰςdisciplesAccusativeobject of πρόςμαθητής: 'disciple, learner.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
πρῶτονfirstadverb (sequence)πρῶτον: 'first(ly)'; he addresses the disciples before turning to the crowd.
ΠροσέχετεbewarePres Act Impv 2 Pl · προσέχωimperative (command)→ present (ongoing vigilance)προσέχω: 'pay attention, take heed'; with ἑαυτοῖς + ἀπό, 'guard yourselves against.'
ἑαυτοῖςyourselvesDativedat. of reference (reflexive)
ἀπὸof/frompreposition + genitive (separation)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
ζύμηςleavenGenitiveobject of ἀπόζύμη: 'leaven, yeast'; a metaphor for a pervasive, corrupting influence.
ἥτιςwhichNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἐστίν)ὅστις: 'which (of such a kind)'; explanatory relative.
ἐστὶνisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ stative present
ὑπόκρισιςhypocrisyNominativepredicate nominativeὑπόκρισις: 'play-acting, hypocrisy'; from the stage — wearing a mask.
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
ΦαρισαίωνPhariseesGenitivegenitive of source (the leaven that is theirs)Φαρισαῖος: 'Pharisee' (likely 'separated one'); the leaven of their hypocrisy.
2

οὐδὲν δὲ συγκεκαλυμμένον ἐστὶν ὃ οὐκ ἀποκαλυφθήσεται, καὶ κρυπτὸν ὃ οὐ γνωσθήσεται.

But nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known.

Ground (against hypocrisy)δὲHypocrisy is futile: everything covered will be uncovered, everything hidden made known.
οὐδὲνnothingNominativesubjectοὐδείς: 'no one, nothing.'
δὲbutconjunction (development/contrast)
συγκεκαλυμμένονconcealedPerf Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Neut · συγκαλύπτωpredicate participle (periphrastic w/ ἐστίν)→ intensive perfect (settled state)συγκαλύπτω: 'cover up completely' (συν + καλύπτω).
ἐστὶνisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (periphrastic)→ stative present
thatNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἀποκαλυφθήσεται)
οὐκnotnegative
ἀποκαλυφθήσεταιwill be revealedFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀποκαλύπτωmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive futureἀποκαλύπτω: 'uncover, reveal' (ἀπό + καλύπτω); the eschatological unveiling.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
κρυπτὸνhiddenNominativepredicate adjective (ellipsis of ἐστίν)κρυπτός: 'hidden, secret.'
thatNominativerelative pronoun (subject)
οὐnotnegative
γνωσθήσεταιwill be knownFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive futureγινώσκω: 'know'; the secret will be brought to light.
3

ἀνθ' ὧν ὅσα ἐν τῇ σκοτίᾳ εἴπατε ἐν τῷ φωτὶ ἀκουσθήσεται, καὶ ὃ πρὸς τὸ οὖς ἐλαλήσατε ἐν τοῖς ταμείοις κηρυχθήσεται ἐπὶ τῶν δωμάτων.

Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

Inferenceἀνθ' ὧνSince nothing stays hidden, secret words will be publicly broadcast — from dark to light, from whisper to housetop.
ἀνθ'instead of/thereforepreposition + genitive (idiom)ἀντί: 'instead of'; ἀνθ' ὧν = 'wherefore, because, therefore.'
ὧνwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (object of ἀντί)
ὅσαwhateverAccusativerelative pronoun (object of εἴπατε)ὅσος: 'as much/many as, whatever.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
τῇtheDativearticle
σκοτίᾳdarknessDativedat. of place (sphere)σκοτία: 'darkness'; secrecy and concealment.
εἴπατεyou have saidAor Act Indic 2 Pl · λέγωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aorist
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
τῷtheDativearticle
φωτὶlightDativedat. of place (sphere)φῶς: 'light'; public disclosure.
ἀκουσθήσεταιwill be heardFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀκούωmain verb→ predictive futureἀκούω: 'hear.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
whatAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἐλαλήσατε)
πρὸςto/intopreposition + accusative (direction)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
οὖςearAccusativeobject of πρόςοὖς: 'ear'; πρὸς τὸ οὖς = 'in someone's ear,' i.e. a whisper.
ἐλαλήσατεyou have spokenAor Act Indic 2 Pl · λαλέωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristλαλέω: 'speak, talk.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τοῖςtheDativearticle
ταμείοιςinner roomsDativedat. of placeταμεῖον: 'storeroom, inner chamber'; a private room for secrets.
κηρυχθήσεταιwill be proclaimedFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · κηρύσσωmain verb→ predictive futureκηρύσσω: 'proclaim, herald'; the verb of public preaching.
ἐπὶonpreposition + genitive (place)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
δωμάτωνhousetopsGenitiveobject of ἐπίδῶμα: 'house, roof'; flat rooftops were places of public announcement.
4

Λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν τοῖς φίλοις μου, μὴ φοβηθῆτε ἀπὸ τῶν ἀποκτεινόντων τὸ σῶμα καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα μὴ ἐχόντων περισσότερόν τι ποιῆσαι.

And I say to you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more they can do.

Exhortation (fearless)δὲJesus calls the disciples 'friends' and forbids fear of human killers, whose power ends with the body.
ΛέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ present (performative)
δὲandconjunction (development)
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
τοῖςtheDativearticle
φίλοιςfriendsDativeapposition to ὑμῖνφίλος: 'friend, dear one'; the warm address frames the hard saying.
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
μὴnotnegative (with subjunctive)
φοβηθῆτεbe afraidAor Pass Subj 2 Pl · φοβέομαιprohibitive subjunctive→ ingressive aorist (do not start fearing)φοβέομαι: 'fear, be afraid.'
ἀπὸof/frompreposition + genitive (cause of fear)
τῶνthoseGenitivearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἀποκτεινόντωνwho killPres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · ἀποκτείνωsubstantival participle (object of ἀπό)→ present (general/customary)ἀποκτείνω: 'kill, put to death.'
τὸtheAccusativearticle
σῶμαbodyAccusativeobject of ἀποκτεινόντωνσῶμα: 'body'; all that human violence can reach.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μετὰafterpreposition + accusative (time)
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativeobject of μετά
μὴnotnegative
ἐχόντωνhavingPres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Masc · ἔχωsubstantival participle (coordinate)→ present (state)ἔχω: 'have, be able'; with infinitive, 'have it in their power.'
περισσότερόνmoreAccusativeattributive adjective (comparative)περισσός: 'abundant'; comparative 'anything further/more.'
τιanythingAccusativeobject of ποιῆσαιτις: indefinite, 'something, anything.'
ποιῆσαιto doAor Act Inf · ποιέωcomplementary infinitive (of ἔχω)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do, make.'
5

ὑποδείξω δὲ ὑμῖν τίνα φοβηθῆτε· φοβήθητε τὸν μετὰ τὸ ἀποκτεῖναι ἔχοντα ἐξουσίαν ἐμβαλεῖν εἰς τὴν γέενναν· ναί, λέγω ὑμῖν, τοῦτον φοβήθητε.

But I will show you whom you should fear: fear the one who, after killing, has authority to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him.

Exhortation (true fear)δὲThe object of true fear is God, whose authority extends beyond death to final judgment.
ὑποδείξωI will showFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ὑποδείκνυμιmain verb→ predictive futureὑποδείκνυμι: 'show, indicate, warn' (ὑπό + δείκνυμι).
δὲbutconjunction (contrast)
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
τίναwhomAccusativeinterrogative pronoun (object of φοβηθῆτε)τίς: interrogative, 'who? what?'
φοβηθῆτεyou should fearAor Pass Subj 2 Pl · φοβέομαιdeliberative subjunctive (indir. question)→ constative aoristφοβέομαι: 'fear.'
φοβήθητεfearAor Pass Impv 2 Pl · φοβέομαιimperative (command)→ constative aoristφοβέομαι: 'fear, reverence.'
τὸνthe oneAccusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
μετὰafterpreposition + accusative (articular inf.)
τὸtheAccusativearticle (with infinitive)
ἀποκτεῖναιto killAor Act Inf · ἀποκτείνωarticular infinitive (object of μετά, temporal)→ constative aoristἀποκτείνω: 'kill.'
ἔχονταhavingPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · ἔχωattributive participle→ present (state)ἔχω: 'have, hold.'
ἐξουσίανauthorityAccusativeobject of ἔχονταἐξουσία: 'authority, power, right.'
ἐμβαλεῖνto castAor Act Inf · ἐμβάλλωcomplementary infinitive (of ἐξουσίαν)→ constative aoristἐμβάλλω: 'throw in, cast into' (ἐν + βάλλω).
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
γέεννανGehennaAccusativeobject of εἰςγέεννα: 'Gehenna' (Valley of Hinnom); the place of final judgment/fire.
ναίyesaffirmative particleναί: 'yes, indeed.'
λέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (emphatic formula)→ present (performative)
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
τοῦτονhimAccusativeobject of φοβήθητε (emphatic)οὗτος: 'this one'; resumptive, emphatic.
φοβήθητεfearAor Pass Impv 2 Pl · φοβέομαιimperative (repeated for emphasis)→ constative aorist
6

οὐχὶ πέντε στρουθία πωλοῦνται ἀσσαρίων δύο; καὶ ἓν ἐξ αὐτῶν οὐκ ἔστιν ἐπιλελησμένον ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ.

Are not five sparrows sold for two assaria? And not one of them is forgotten before God.

Ground (Father's care)asyndetonThe cheapness of sparrows underscores God's attentive care: not even one is forgotten by him.
οὐχὶnotinterrogative negative (expects 'yes')οὐχί: emphatic οὐ; introduces a question anticipating affirmation.
πέντεfiveNominativenumeral (modifies στρουθία)πέντε: 'five' (indeclinable numeral, here qualifying a nominative).
στρουθίαsparrowsNominativesubjectστρουθίον: 'sparrow, small bird'; diminutive — the cheapest of birds sold.
πωλοῦνταιare soldPres Pass Indic 3 Pl · πωλέωmain verb→ customary presentπωλέω: 'sell.'
ἀσσαρίωνassariaGenitivegenitive of priceἀσσάριον: 'assarion,' a small copper coin (1/16 denarius).
δύοtwoGenitivenumeral (with ἀσσαρίων)δύο: 'two' (numeral).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἓνoneNominativesubject (numeral substantive)εἷς: 'one.'
ἐξofpreposition + genitive (partitive)
αὐτῶνthemGenitivepartitive genitive
οὐκnotnegative
ἔστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula (periphrastic)→ stative present
ἐπιλελησμένονforgottenPerf Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Neut · ἐπιλανθάνομαιpredicate participle (periphrastic perfect)→ resultative perfectἐπιλανθάνομαι: 'forget, neglect.'
ἐνώπιονbeforeimproper preposition + genitiveἐνώπιον: 'in the sight/presence of.'
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιονθεός: God; his all-seeing, remembering attention.
7

ἀλλὰ καὶ αἱ τρίχες τῆς κεφαλῆς ὑμῶν πᾶσαι ἠρίθμηνται. μὴ φοβεῖσθε· πολλῶν στρουθίων διαφέρετε.

But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Application (do not fear)ἀλλὰIf God numbers every hair, the disciples — worth more than sparrows — need not fear.
ἀλλὰbutconjunction (strong contrast)
καὶevenadverbial (ascensive)
αἱtheNominativearticle
τρίχεςhairsNominativesubjectθρίξ: 'hair.'
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
κεφαλῆςheadGenitivegenitive (whole)κεφαλή: 'head.'
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
πᾶσαιallNominativeadjective (predicate position)πᾶς: 'all, every.'
ἠρίθμηνταιhave been numberedPerf Pass Indic 3 Pl · ἀριθμέωmain verb→ resultative perfect (settled state)ἀριθμέω: 'count, number'; God's exhaustive knowledge.
μὴnotnegative (with imperative)
φοβεῖσθεbe afraidPres Mid Impv 2 Pl · φοβέομαιprohibitive imperative→ present (stop/keep from fearing)φοβέομαι: 'fear.'
πολλῶνmanyGenitiveattributive adjectiveπολύς: 'much, many.'
στρουθίωνsparrowsGenitivegenitive of comparison (w/ διαφέρετε)στρουθίον: 'sparrow.'
διαφέρετεyou are worth more / differPres Act Indic 2 Pl · διαφέρωmain verb→ stative presentδιαφέρω: 'differ, be superior, be of more value.'
8

Λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν, πᾶς ὃς ἂν ὁμολογήσῃ ἐν ἐμοὶ ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, καὶ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ὁμολογήσει ἐν αὐτῷ ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀγγέλων τοῦ θεοῦ·

And I tell you, everyone who confesses me before men, the Son of Man will also confess him before the angels of God;

Promise (confession)δὲEarthly confession of Jesus is answered by the Son of Man's confession before God's angels.
ΛέγωI sayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (formula)→ present (performative)
δὲandconjunction (development)
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
πᾶςeveryoneNominativesubject (pendent nominative)πᾶς: 'all, every(one).'
ὃςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ὁμολογήσῃ)
ἂνeverparticle (contingency with subjunctive)ἄν: marks indefiniteness/contingency.
ὁμολογήσῃconfessesAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ὁμολογέωsubjunctive (indefinite rel. clause)→ constative aoristὁμολογέω: 'confess, acknowledge'; with ἐν (Semitic) = 'acknowledge, own.'
ἐν[in]preposition + dative (Semitic idiom w/ ὁμολογέω)
ἐμοὶmeDativeobject of confession (ὁμολογεῖν ἐν)
ἔμπροσθενbeforeimproper preposition + genitiveἔμπροσθεν: 'in front of, before.'
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἀνθρώπωνmenGenitiveobject of ἔμπροσθενἄνθρωπος: 'human being, person.'
καὶalsoadverbial (correlative)
theNominativearticle
υἱὸςSonNominativesubjectυἱός: 'Son'; 'the Son of Man' — Jesus' favored self-designation (cf. Dan 7:13).
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
ἀνθρώπουManGenitivegenitive (title)
ὁμολογήσειwill confessFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ὁμολογέωmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive futureὁμολογέω: 'confess, acknowledge.'
ἐν[in]preposition + dative (Semitic idiom)
αὐτῷhimDativeobject of confession
ἔμπροσθενbeforeimproper preposition + genitive
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἀγγέλωνangelsGenitiveobject of ἔμπροσθενἄγγελος: 'angel, messenger'; the heavenly court of judgment.
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivepossessive genitive
9

ὁ δὲ ἀρνησάμενός με ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀπαρνηθήσεται ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀγγέλων τοῦ θεοῦ.

but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

Antithesis (denial)δὲThe dark counterpart: denial of Jesus before men is met with denial before God's angels.
the oneNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δὲbutconjunction (contrast)
ἀρνησάμενόςwho deniesAor Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀρνέομαιsubstantival participle (subject)→ constative aoristἀρνέομαι: 'deny, disown, refuse.'
μεmeAccusativeobject of ἀρνησάμενος
ἐνώπιονbeforeimproper preposition + genitiveἐνώπιον: 'in the presence of.'
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἀνθρώπωνmenGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιον
ἀπαρνηθήσεταιwill be deniedFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀπαρνέομαιmain verb→ predictive futureἀπαρνέομαι: 'deny utterly, disown' (intensive of ἀρνέομαι); divine passive.
ἐνώπιονbeforeimproper preposition + genitive
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἀγγέλωνangelsGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιονἄγγελος: 'angel.'
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivepossessive genitive
10

καὶ πᾶς ὃς ἐρεῖ λόγον εἰς τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, ἀφεθήσεται αὐτῷ· τῷ δὲ εἰς τὸ ἅγιον πνεῦμα βλασφημήσαντι οὐκ ἀφεθήσεται.

And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but to the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit it will not be forgiven.

Qualification (the unforgivable sin)καὶA word against the Son of Man is forgivable; blasphemy against the Spirit is not.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πᾶςeveryoneNominativesubject (pendent nominative)πᾶς: 'every(one).'
ὃςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of ἐρεῖ)
ἐρεῖwill speakFut Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive/gnomic futureλέγω (fut. ἐρῶ): 'say, speak.'
λόγονa wordAccusativedirect objectλόγος: 'word, saying.'
εἰςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile reference)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
υἱὸνSonAccusativeobject of εἰςυἱός: 'Son'; 'the Son of Man.'
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
ἀνθρώπουManGenitivegenitive (title)
ἀφεθήσεταιit will be forgivenFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀφίημιmain verb (apodosis); divine passive→ predictive futureἀφίημι: 'release, forgive, let go.'
αὐτῷhimDativedat. of advantage
τῷto the oneDativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δὲbutconjunction (contrast)
εἰςagainstpreposition + accusative (hostile reference)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἅγιονHolyAccusativeattributive adjectiveἅγιος: 'holy.'
πνεῦμαSpiritAccusativeobject of εἰςπνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the Holy Spirit, whose work the blasphemer attributes to evil.
βλασφημήσαντιwho blasphemesAor Act Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · βλασφημέωsubstantival participle (in apposition to τῷ)→ constative aoristβλασφημέω: 'blaspheme, slander, revile.'
οὐκnotnegative
ἀφεθήσεταιit will be forgivenFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀφίημιmain verb; divine passive→ predictive futureἀφίημι: 'forgive.'
11

ὅταν δὲ εἰσφέρωσιν ὑμᾶς ἐπὶ τὰς συναγωγὰς καὶ τὰς ἀρχὰς καὶ τὰς ἐξουσίας, μὴ μεριμνήσητε πῶς ἢ τί ἀπολογήσησθε ἢ τί εἴπητε·

And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious how or what you should answer in defense, or what you should say;

Assurance (under trial)δὲWhen dragged before tribunals, the disciples need not fret over their defense.
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (+ subjunctive)ὅταν: 'whenever, when.'
δὲandconjunction (development)
εἰσφέρωσινthey bringPres Act Subj 3 Pl · εἰσφέρωsubjunctive (indefinite temporal)→ present (ongoing)εἰσφέρω: 'bring in, lead in' (εἰς + φέρω).
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ἐπὶbeforepreposition + accusative (before, against)
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
συναγωγὰςsynagoguesAccusativeobject of ἐπίσυναγωγή: 'synagogue, assembly'; here as a place/tribunal of judgment.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
ἀρχὰςrulersAccusativeobject of ἐπίἀρχή: 'ruler, magistracy, authority.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
ἐξουσίαςauthoritiesAccusativeobject of ἐπίἐξουσία: 'authority'; here the civil powers.
μὴnotnegative (with subjunctive)
μεριμνήσητεbe anxiousAor Act Subj 2 Pl · μεριμνάωprohibitive subjunctive→ ingressive aorist (do not begin worrying)μεριμνάω: 'be anxious, worry, care.'
πῶςhowinterrogative adverb (indir. question)πῶς: 'how?'
ordisjunctive conjunction
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative (object of ἀπολογήσησθε)τίς: 'what?'
ἀπολογήσησθεyou should defendAor Mid Subj 2 Pl · ἀπολογέομαιdeliberative subjunctive (indir. question)→ constative aoristἀπολογέομαι: 'make a defense, answer for oneself' (legal term).
ordisjunctive conjunction
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative (object of εἴπητε)τίς: 'what?'
εἴπητεyou should sayAor Act Subj 2 Pl · λέγωdeliberative subjunctive (indir. question)→ constative aorist
12

τὸ γὰρ ἅγιον πνεῦμα διδάξει ὑμᾶς ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ ἃ δεῖ εἰπεῖν.

for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you must say.

Ground (the Spirit's help)γὰρThe reason not to fret: the Spirit himself will supply the words in the very hour of trial.
τὸtheNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἅγιονHolyNominativeattributive adjectiveἅγιος: 'holy.'
πνεῦμαSpiritNominativesubjectπνεῦμα: 'Spirit'; the same Spirit not to be blasphemed now aids the disciples.
διδάξειwill teachFut Act Indic 3 Sg · διδάσκωmain verb→ predictive futureδιδάσκω: 'teach, instruct.'
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
ἐνinpreposition + dative (time)
αὐτῇthat veryDativeintensive adjective (with ὥρᾳ)αὐτός: intensive, 'same, very.'
τῇtheDativearticle
ὥρᾳhourDativedat. of timeὥρα: 'hour, time'; the very moment of the trial.
what thingsAccusativerelative pronoun (object of εἰπεῖν)
δεῖmustPres Act Indic 3 Sg · δεῖimpersonal verb (necessity)→ present (obligation)δεῖ: 'it is necessary, must.'
εἰπεῖνto sayAor Act Inf · λέγωcomplementary infinitive (of δεῖ)→ constative aorist
13

Εἶπεν δέ τις ἐκ τοῦ ὄχλου αὐτῷ· Διδάσκαλε, εἰπὲ τῷ ἀδελφῷ μου μερίσασθαι μετ' ἐμοῦ τὴν κληρονομίαν.

And someone from the crowd said to him: Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.

Scene-setting (a request)δέA bystander interrupts with a property dispute, asking Jesus to arbitrate his inheritance.
ΕἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
δέandconjunction (development)
τιςsomeoneNominativesubjectτις: indefinite, 'someone.'
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (partitive/source)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ὄχλουcrowdGenitiveobject of ἐκ (partitive)ὄχλος: 'crowd.'
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
ΔιδάσκαλεTeacherVocativevocative (address)διδάσκαλος: 'teacher'; rabbis were appealed to as arbiters of Torah-law.
εἰπὲtellAor Act Impv 2 Sg · λέγωimperative (request)→ constative aorist
τῷtheDativearticle
ἀδελφῷbrotherDativeindirect object (of εἰπέ)ἀδελφός: 'brother.'
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
μερίσασθαιto divideAor Mid Inf · μερίζωinfinitive (content of command)→ constative aoristμερίζω: 'divide, share, apportion.'
μετ'withpreposition + genitive (association)
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of μετά
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
κληρονομίανinheritanceAccusativeobject of μερίσασθαικληρονομία: 'inheritance, property.'
14

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Ἄνθρωπε, τίς με κατέστησεν κριτὴν ἢ μεριστὴν ἐφ' ὑμᾶς;

But he said to him: Man, who appointed me a judge or arbitrator over you?

RefusalδὲJesus declines the role of estate-judge, distancing himself from the dispute.
heNominativesubject (article as pronoun)
δὲbutconjunction (development)
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
ἌνθρωπεManVocativevocative (address)ἄνθρωπος: 'man'; vocative of mild distancing/rebuke.
τίςwhoNominativeinterrogative pronoun (subject)τίς: 'who?'
μεmeAccusativedirect object
κατέστησενappointedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · καθίστημιmain verb→ constative aoristκαθίστημι: 'appoint, set, establish'; echoes LXX Exod 2:14 (Moses).
κριτὴνjudgeAccusativedouble accusative (predicate)κριτής: 'judge.'
ordisjunctive conjunction
μεριστὴνarbitratorAccusativedouble accusative (predicate)μεριστής: 'divider, arbitrator' (of property).
ἐφ'overpreposition + accusative (authority)
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of ἐπί
15

εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτούς· Ὁρᾶτε καὶ φυλάσσεσθε ἀπὸ πάσης πλεονεξίας, ὅτι οὐκ ἐν τῷ περισσεύειν τινὶ ἡ ζωὴ αὐτοῦ ἐστιν ἐκ τῶν ὑπαρχόντων αὐτῷ.

And he said to them: Watch out and guard yourselves against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.

Warning (covetousness)δὲThe dispute becomes a teaching moment: beware greed, for life is not measured by possessions.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
δὲandconjunction (development)
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (addressee)
αὐτούςthemAccusativeobject of πρός
Ὁρᾶτεwatch outPres Act Impv 2 Pl · ὁράωimperative (command)→ present (ongoing vigilance)ὁράω: 'see'; imperative 'see to it, beware.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
φυλάσσεσθεguard yourselvesPres Mid Impv 2 Pl · φυλάσσωimperative (command)→ present (ongoing)φυλάσσω: 'guard, keep'; middle 'be on guard.'
ἀπὸagainstpreposition + genitive (separation)
πάσηςallGenitiveattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all, every.'
πλεονεξίαςcovetousnessGenitiveobject of ἀπόπλεονεξία: 'greed, covetousness'; lit. 'desire to have more.'
ὅτιforcausal conjunction
οὐκnotnegative
ἐνinpreposition + dative (articular inf.)
τῷtheDativearticle (with infinitive)
περισσεύεινaboundingPres Act Inf · περισσεύωarticular infinitive (object of ἐν)→ present (state)περισσεύω: 'abound, overflow, have in abundance.'
τινὶto someoneDativedat. of reference (with the inf.)τις: indefinite, 'someone, anyone.'
theNominativearticle
ζωὴlifeNominativesubjectζωή: 'life'; the meaning/substance of one's life.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ stative present
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ὑπαρχόντωνpossessionsPres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Neut · ὑπάρχωsubstantival participle (object of ἐκ)→ present (state)ὑπάρχω: 'exist, be'; τὰ ὑπάρχοντα = 'possessions, goods.'
αὐτῷto himDativedat. of possession
16

Εἶπεν δὲ παραβολὴν πρὸς αὐτοὺς λέγων· Ἀνθρώπου τινὸς πλουσίου εὐφόρησεν ἡ χώρα.

And he told them a parable, saying: The land of a certain rich man produced abundantly.

Parable (introduction)δὲThe parable opens: a rich man's fields yield a bumper crop — the problem of surplus.
ΕἶπενtoldAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
δὲandconjunction (development)
παραβολὴνa parableAccusativedirect objectπαραβολή: 'parable, comparison.'
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (addressee)
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeobject of πρός
λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λέγωadverbial participle (pleonastic, Semitic)→ present (concurrent)λέγω: 'say'; the redundant λέγων introduces direct speech.
Ἀνθρώπουof a manGenitivegenitive of possessionἄνθρωπος: 'man, person.'
τινὸςa certainGenitiveindefinite adjectiveτις: 'a certain.'
πλουσίουrichGenitiveattributive adjectiveπλούσιος: 'rich, wealthy.'
εὐφόρησενproduced abundantlyAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐφορέωmain verb→ constative aoristεὐφορέω: 'bear well, yield a good crop' (εὖ + φέρω).
theNominativearticle
χώραlandNominativesubjectχώρα: 'land, country, field.'
17

καὶ διελογίζετο ἐν ἑαυτῷ λέγων· Τί ποιήσω, ὅτι οὐκ ἔχω ποῦ συνάξω τοὺς καρπούς μου;

And he reasoned within himself, saying: What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?

Parable (inner monologue)καὶThe man's self-absorbed deliberation begins — the 'I/my' soliloquy of a self-centered heart.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
διελογίζετοhe reasonedImpf Mid Indic 3 Sg · διαλογίζομαιmain verb→ imperfect (process)διαλογίζομαι: 'reason, ponder, deliberate.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ἑαυτῷhimselfDativereflexive (object of ἐν)ἑαυτοῦ: reflexive, 'himself.'
λέγωνsayingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · λέγωadverbial participle (introduces speech)→ present (concurrent)
ΤίwhatAccusativeinterrogative (object of ποιήσω)τίς: 'what?'
ποιήσωshall I doFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ποιέωdeliberative future→ deliberative futureποιέω: 'do, make.'
ὅτιforcausal conjunction
οὐκnotnegative
ἔχωI havePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἔχωmain verb→ stative presentἔχω: 'have.'
ποῦwhereinterrogative adverb (indir. question)ποῦ: 'where?'
συνάξωI shall storeFut Act Indic 1 Sg · συνάγωdeliberative future (rel./indir. clause)→ deliberative futureσυνάγω: 'gather together, store up.'
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
καρπούςcropsAccusativedirect objectκαρπός: 'fruit, produce, crop.'
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
18

καὶ εἶπεν· Τοῦτο ποιήσω· καθελῶ μου τὰς ἀποθήκας καὶ μείζονας οἰκοδομήσω, καὶ συνάξω ἐκεῖ πάντα τὸν σῖτον καὶ τὰ ἀγαθά μου,

And he said: This I will do: I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods,

Parable (the plan)καὶHis solution: bigger barns to hoard the surplus — the future organized entirely around self.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἶπενhe saidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
ΤοῦτοthisAccusativedirect object (forward-pointing)οὗτος: 'this.'
ποιήσωI will doFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ποιέωmain verb→ predictive future (resolve)ποιέω: 'do.'
καθελῶI will tear downFut Act Indic 1 Sg · καθαιρέωmain verb→ predictive futureκαθαιρέω: 'take/pull down, demolish' (κατά + αἱρέω).
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
ἀποθήκαςbarnsAccusativedirect objectἀποθήκη: 'storehouse, barn, granary.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μείζοναςbiggerAccusativesubstantival adjective (comparative)μέγας: 'great'; comparative μείζων, 'greater, bigger.'
οἰκοδομήσωI will buildFut Act Indic 1 Sg · οἰκοδομέωmain verb→ predictive futureοἰκοδομέω: 'build, construct.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
συνάξωI will storeFut Act Indic 1 Sg · συνάγωmain verb→ predictive futureσυνάγω: 'gather, store up.'
ἐκεῖthereadverb (place)ἐκεῖ: 'there.'
πάνταallAccusativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all.'
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
σῖτονgrainAccusativedirect objectσῖτος: 'wheat, grain.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ἀγαθάgoodsAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)ἀγαθός: 'good'; τὰ ἀγαθά = 'goods, possessions.'
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
19

καὶ ἐρῶ τῇ ψυχῇ μου· Ψυχή, ἔχεις πολλὰ ἀγαθὰ κείμενα εἰς ἔτη πολλά· ἀναπαύου, φάγε, πίε, εὐφραίνου.

And I will say to my soul: Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; rest, eat, drink, be merry.

Parable (self-address)καὶHe toasts his own soul to a future of ease — the climax of self-sufficient presumption.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐρῶI will sayFut Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ predictive futureλέγω (fut. ἐρῶ): 'say.'
τῇthe/to myDativearticle
ψυχῇsoulDativeindirect objectψυχή: 'soul, life, self.'
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
ΨυχήSoulVocativevocative (self-address)ψυχή: here addressed as one's inmost self.
ἔχειςyou havePres Act Indic 2 Sg · ἔχωmain verb→ stative presentἔχω: 'have.'
πολλὰmanyAccusativeattributive adjectiveπολύς: 'much, many.'
ἀγαθὰgoodsAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)ἀγαθός: 'good'; 'goods.'
κείμεναlaid upPres Mid Ptc · Acc Pl Neut · κεῖμαιattributive participle→ present (state)κεῖμαι: 'lie, be laid'; of goods stored in reserve.
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (extent of time)
ἔτηyearsAccusativeaccusative of extent (object of εἰς)ἔτος: 'year.'
πολλάmanyAccusativeattributive adjectiveπολύς: 'many.'
ἀναπαύουrestPres Mid Impv 2 Sg · ἀναπαύωimperative (self-command)→ present (ongoing)ἀναπαύω: 'give rest'; middle 'take one's ease.'
φάγεeatAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἐσθίωimperative→ constative aoristἐσθίω: 'eat.'
πίεdrinkAor Act Impv 2 Sg · πίνωimperative→ constative aoristπίνω: 'drink.'
εὐφραίνουbe merryPres Mid Impv 2 Sg · εὐφραίνωimperative→ present (ongoing)εὐφραίνω: 'gladden'; middle 'rejoice, make merry.'
20

εἶπεν δὲ αὐτῷ ὁ θεός· Ἄφρων, ταύτῃ τῇ νυκτὶ τὴν ψυχήν σου ἀπαιτοῦσιν ἀπὸ σοῦ· ἃ δὲ ἡτοίμασας, τίνι ἔσται;

But God said to him: Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?

Parable (divine verdict)δὲGod's sudden word shatters the plan: death this very night, and the hoarded goods left to another.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
δὲbutconjunction (contrast)
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
theNominativearticle
θεόςGodNominativesubjectθεός: God; he, not the man, has the last word.
ἌφρωνFoolVocativevocative (address)ἄφρων: 'senseless, foolish' (α- privative + φρήν); the biblical fool who lives as if there were no God.
ταύτῃthisDativedemonstrative (with νυκτί)οὗτος: 'this.'
τῇtheDativearticle
νυκτὶnightDativedat. of timeνύξ: 'night'; the very night of his self-congratulation.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ψυχήνsoulAccusativedirect objectψυχή: 'soul, life'; the very soul he addressed is now demanded back.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἀπαιτοῦσινthey requirePres Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀπαιτέωmain verb (impersonal/divine 'they')→ present (immediate)ἀπαιτέω: 'demand back, require'; the 3rd plural is impersonal (= God requires) — a loan recalled.
ἀπὸof/frompreposition + genitive (separation)
σοῦyouGenitiveobject of ἀπό
the things whichAccusativerelative pronoun (object of ἡτοίμασας)
δὲandconjunction (development)
ἡτοίμασαςyou have preparedAor Act Indic 2 Sg · ἑτοιμάζωmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristἑτοιμάζω: 'prepare, make ready.'
τίνιwhose / to whomDativeinterrogative (predicate dat. of possession)τίς: 'who?'; 'to whom will they belong?'
ἔσταιwill they beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (question)→ predictive future
21

οὕτως ὁ θησαυρίζων ἑαυτῷ καὶ μὴ εἰς θεὸν πλουτῶν.

So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.

Application (the moral)asyndetonThe parable's point: hoarding for self while poor toward God is the fool's path.
οὕτωςsoadverb (comparison)οὕτως: 'thus, in this way.'
the oneNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
θησαυρίζωνwho lays up treasurePres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · θησαυρίζωsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (customary)θησαυρίζω: 'store up, treasure up.'
ἑαυτῷfor himselfDativedat. of advantage (reflexive)ἑαυτοῦ: reflexive, 'himself.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μὴnotnegative (with participle)
εἰςtowardpreposition + accusative (reference)
θεὸνGodAccusativeobject of εἰςθεός: God; the proper direction of true wealth.
πλουτῶνbeing richPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · πλουτέωsubstantival participle (coordinate)→ present (state)πλουτέω: 'be rich, become wealthy.'
22

Εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς τοὺς μαθητὰς αὐτοῦ· Διὰ τοῦτο λέγω ὑμῖν, μὴ μεριμνᾶτε τῇ ψυχῇ τί φάγητε, μηδὲ τῷ σώματι τί ἐνδύσησθε.

And he said to his disciples: Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will wear.

Exhortation (do not be anxious)δὲThe lesson of the fool turns to the disciples: do not be consumed by anxiety over food and clothing.
ΕἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
δὲandconjunction (development)
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (addressee)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
μαθητὰςdisciplesAccusativeobject of πρόςμαθητής: 'disciple.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
Διὰbecause ofpreposition + accusative (cause)
τοῦτοthisAccusativeobject of διά; διὰ τοῦτο = 'therefore'οὗτος: 'this.'
λέγωI tellPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (formula)→ present (performative)
ὑμῖνyouDativeindirect object
μὴnotnegative (with imperative)
μεριμνᾶτεbe anxiousPres Act Impv 2 Pl · μεριμνάωprohibitive imperative→ present (stop/refrain from worrying)μεριμνάω: 'be anxious, worry.'
τῇtheDativearticle
ψυχῇlifeDativedat. of referenceψυχή: here 'life' (physical existence).
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative (object of φάγητε)τίς: 'what?'
φάγητεyou will eatAor Act Subj 2 Pl · ἐσθίωdeliberative subjunctive (indir. question)→ constative aoristἐσθίω: 'eat.'
μηδὲnornegative conjunctionμηδέ: 'and not, nor.'
τῷtheDativearticle
σώματιbodyDativedat. of referenceσῶμα: 'body.'
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative (object of ἐνδύσησθε)τίς: 'what?'
ἐνδύσησθεyou will put onAor Mid Subj 2 Pl · ἐνδύωdeliberative subjunctive (indir. question)→ constative aoristἐνδύω: 'put on, clothe'; middle 'wear.'
23

ἡ γὰρ ψυχὴ πλεῖόν ἐστιν τῆς τροφῆς καὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ ἐνδύματος.

For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.

Ground (priorities)γὰρAnxiety inverts values: life and body are greater than what sustains and covers them.
theNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ψυχὴlifeNominativesubjectψυχή: 'life.'
πλεῖόνmoreNominativepredicate (comparative substantive)πολύς: comparative πλείων, 'more.'
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ stative present
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
τροφῆςfoodGenitivegenitive of comparisonτροφή: 'food, nourishment.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸtheNominativearticle
σῶμαbodyNominativesubject (ellipsis of ἐστιν)σῶμα: 'body.'
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ἐνδύματοςclothingGenitivegenitive of comparisonἔνδυμα: 'garment, clothing.'
24

κατανοήσατε τοὺς κόρακας ὅτι οὐ σπείρουσιν οὐδὲ θερίζουσιν, οἷς οὐκ ἔστιν ταμεῖον οὐδὲ ἀποθήκη, καὶ ὁ θεὸς τρέφει αὐτούς· πόσῳ μᾶλλον ὑμεῖς διαφέρετε τῶν πετεινῶν.

Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap; they have neither storeroom nor barn, and God feeds them. How much more are you worth than the birds!

Illustration (ravens)asyndetonThe ravens, providing nothing for themselves, are fed by God — how much more the disciples.
κατανοήσατεconsiderAor Act Impv 2 Pl · κατανοέωimperative (command)→ constative aoristκατανοέω: 'observe carefully, consider' (κατά-intensive of νοέω).
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
κόρακαςravensAccusativedirect objectκόραξ: 'raven, crow'; an unclean bird, yet God feeds it (cf. Ps 147:9).
ὅτιthatconjunction (content/causal)
οὐnotnegative
σπείρουσινthey sowPres Act Indic 3 Pl · σπείρωmain verb→ customary presentσπείρω: 'sow.'
οὐδὲnornegative conjunction
θερίζουσινthey reapPres Act Indic 3 Pl · θερίζωmain verb→ customary presentθερίζω: 'reap, harvest.'
οἷςwhoDativerelative pronoun (dat. of possession)
οὐκnotnegative
ἔστινis/havePres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίverb of existence (possession idiom)→ stative present
ταμεῖονstoreroomNominativesubject (of ἔστιν)ταμεῖον: 'storeroom.'
οὐδὲnornegative conjunction
ἀποθήκηbarnNominativesubject (coordinate)ἀποθήκη: 'barn, granary' — recalling the rich fool (v.18).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
theNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: God; the provider.
τρέφειfeedsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · τρέφωmain verb→ customary presentτρέφω: 'feed, nourish.'
αὐτούςthemAccusativedirect object
πόσῳhow muchDativedat. of measure/degreeπόσος: 'how much/great?'
μᾶλλονmoreadverb (comparative)μᾶλλον: 'more, rather.'
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic)
διαφέρετεare worth morePres Act Indic 2 Pl · διαφέρωmain verb→ stative presentδιαφέρω: 'be of more value, surpass.'
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
πετεινῶνbirdsGenitivegenitive of comparisonπετεινόν: 'bird' (lit. 'flying thing').
25

τίς δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν μεριμνῶν δύναται ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ προσθεῖναι πῆχυν;

And which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his span of life?

Rhetorical question (futility)δὲAnxiety is impotent: it cannot add even a cubit to life's span.
τίςwhichNominativeinterrogative pronoun (subject)τίς: 'who? which?'
δὲandconjunction (development)
ἐξofpreposition + genitive (partitive)
ὑμῶνyouGenitivepartitive genitive
μεριμνῶνby being anxiousPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · μεριμνάωadverbial participle (means)→ present (concurrent)μεριμνάω: 'be anxious.'
δύναταιis ablePres Mid Indic 3 Sg · δύναμαιmain verb→ stative presentδύναμαι: 'be able, can.'
ἐπὶtopreposition + accusative (addition)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἡλικίανspan of lifeAccusativeobject of ἐπίἡλικία: 'age, span of life' (or 'stature'); here the length of one's life.
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
προσθεῖναιto addAor Act Inf · προστίθημιcomplementary infinitive (of δύναται)→ constative aoristπροστίθημι: 'add, put to' (πρός + τίθημι).
πῆχυνa cubitAccusativedirect objectπῆχυς: 'cubit' (forearm-length); a small measure, here of time/life.
26

εἰ οὖν οὐδὲ ἐλάχιστον δύνασθε, τί περὶ τῶν λοιπῶν μεριμνᾶτε;

If then you cannot do even the least thing, why are you anxious about the rest?

InferenceοὖνSince the smallest matter is beyond control, worry over the rest is unreasonable.
εἰifconditional conjunctionεἰ: 'if'; a first-class condition (assumed true).
οὖνtheninferential conjunctionοὖν: 'therefore, then.'
οὐδὲnot evennegative adverb (ascensive)οὐδέ: 'not even.'
ἐλάχιστονthe leastAccusativesubstantival adjective (object of δύνασθε)ἐλάχιστος: 'least, smallest' (superlative).
δύνασθεyou are ablePres Mid Indic 2 Pl · δύναμαιmain verb (protasis)→ stative presentδύναμαι: 'be able.'
τίwhyinterrogative adverbτίς: 'why?' (adverbial accusative).
περὶaboutpreposition + genitive (reference)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
λοιπῶνrestGenitiveobject of περί (substantival adj.)λοιπός: 'remaining'; τὰ λοιπά = 'the rest.'
μεριμνᾶτεare you anxiousPres Act Indic 2 Pl · μεριμνάωmain verb (apodosis question)→ present (ongoing)μεριμνάω: 'be anxious.'
27

κατανοήσατε τὰ κρίνα πῶς αὐξάνει· οὐ κοπιᾷ οὐδὲ νήθει· λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν, οὐδὲ Σολομὼν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ περιεβάλετο ὡς ἓν τούτων.

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was clothed like one of these.

Illustration (lilies)asyndetonThe lilies, doing no labor, outshine Solomon's splendor — God's lavish clothing of the field.
κατανοήσατεconsiderAor Act Impv 2 Pl · κατανοέωimperative (command)→ constative aoristκατανοέω: 'observe, consider.'
τὰtheAccusativearticle
κρίναliliesAccusativedirect objectκρίνον: 'lily'; a wild flower of the field.
πῶςhowinterrogative adverb (indir. question)πῶς: 'how?'
αὐξάνειthey growPres Act Indic 3 Sg · αὐξάνωmain verb (collective sg.)→ customary presentαὐξάνω: 'grow, increase.'
οὐnotnegative
κοπιᾷit toilsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · κοπιάωmain verb→ customary presentκοπιάω: 'labor, toil, grow weary.'
οὐδὲnornegative conjunction
νήθειit spinsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · νήθωmain verb→ customary presentνήθω: 'spin' (thread).
λέγωI tellPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (formula)→ present (performative)
δὲyetconjunction (mild contrast)
ὑμῖνyouDativeindirect object
οὐδὲnot evennegative adverb (ascensive)
ΣολομὼνSolomonNominativesubject (indeclinable proper name)Σολομών: Solomon, the proverbially splendid king.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
πάσῃallDativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all.'
τῇtheDativearticle
δόξῃgloryDativeobject of ἐνδόξα: 'glory, splendor.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
περιεβάλετοwas clothedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · περιβάλλωmain verb→ constative aoristπεριβάλλω: 'put around, clothe'; middle 'array oneself.'
ὡςlikecomparative conjunctionὡς: 'as, like.'
ἓνoneNominativepredicate (comparison)εἷς: 'one.'
τούτωνof theseGenitivepartitive genitiveοὗτος: 'this.'
28

εἰ δὲ ἐν ἀγρῷ τὸν χόρτον ὄντα σήμερον καὶ αὔριον εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον ὁ θεὸς οὕτως ἀμφιέζει, πόσῳ μᾶλλον ὑμᾶς, ὀλιγόπιστοι.

But if God so clothes the grass, which is in the field today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!

A fortiori conclusionδὲIf God arrays perishable grass, he will surely clothe his people — the rebuke 'little-faiths.'
εἰifconditional conjunctionεἰ: 'if'; first-class condition.
δὲbutconjunction (development)
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
ἀγρῷfieldDativedat. of placeἀγρός: 'field, countryside.'
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
χόρτονgrassAccusativedirect object (of ἀμφιέζει)χόρτος: 'grass, vegetation, hay.'
ὄνταbeingPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · εἰμίattributive participle→ present (state)εἰμί: 'be'; the grass which exists today.
σήμερονtodayadverb (time)σήμερον: 'today.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
αὔριονtomorrowadverb (time)αὔριον: 'tomorrow.'
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)
κλίβανονovenAccusativeobject of εἰςκλίβανος: 'oven, furnace'; dried grass used as fuel.
βαλλόμενονbeing thrownPres Pass Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · βάλλωattributive participle (coordinate)→ present (customary)βάλλω: 'throw, cast.'
theNominativearticle
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός: God.
οὕτωςsoadverb (manner)οὕτως: 'thus, so.'
ἀμφιέζειclothesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀμφιέζωmain verb (protasis)→ customary presentἀμφιέζω (ἀμφιέννυμι): 'clothe, dress.'
πόσῳhow muchDativedat. of measure/degreeπόσος: 'how much?'
μᾶλλονmoreadverb (comparative)μᾶλλον: 'more.'
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject (of implied 'clothe')
ὀλιγόπιστοιyou of little faithVocativevocative (address)ὀλιγόπιστος: 'of little faith' (ὀλίγος + πίστις); a gentle rebuke.
29

καὶ ὑμεῖς μὴ ζητεῖτε τί φάγητε καὶ τί πίητε, καὶ μὴ μετεωρίζεσθε·

And do not seek what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not be anxious.

Exhortation (do not seek)καὶApplied command: stop the anxious quest for food and drink; do not be tossed about.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic)
μὴnotnegative (with imperative)
ζητεῖτεseekPres Act Impv 2 Pl · ζητέωprohibitive imperative→ present (stop seeking)ζητέω: 'seek, look for, strive after.'
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative (object of φάγητε)τίς: 'what?'
φάγητεyou will eatAor Act Subj 2 Pl · ἐσθίωdeliberative subjunctive (indir. question)→ constative aoristἐσθίω: 'eat.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative (object of πίητε)τίς: 'what?'
πίητεyou will drinkAor Act Subj 2 Pl · πίνωdeliberative subjunctive (indir. question)→ constative aoristπίνω: 'drink.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μὴnotnegative (with imperative)
μετεωρίζεσθεbe anxious / unsettledPres Pass Impv 2 Pl · μετεωρίζωprohibitive imperative→ present (stop being anxious)μετεωρίζω: 'raise up, suspend'; passive 'be tossed about, be anxious' (cf. 'meteor').
30

ταῦτα γὰρ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη τοῦ κόσμου ἐπιζητοῦσιν· ὑμῶν δὲ ὁ πατὴρ οἶδεν ὅτι χρῄζετε τούτων.

For all the nations of the world seek after these things, but your Father knows that you need them.

Ground (the Father's knowledge)γὰρAnxious striving marks the pagan nations; the disciples' Father already knows their needs.
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object (of ἐπιζητοῦσιν)οὗτος: 'this.'
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
πάνταallNominativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all.'
τὰtheNominativearticle
ἔθνηnationsNominativesubjectἔθνος: 'nation'; τὰ ἔθνη = the (pagan) Gentiles.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κόσμουworldGenitivepartitive/possessive genitiveκόσμος: 'world.'
ἐπιζητοῦσινseek afterPres Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπιζητέωmain verb→ customary presentἐπιζητέω: 'seek after, crave' (ἐπί-intensive of ζητέω).
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of relationship (fronted)
δὲbutconjunction (contrast)
theNominativearticle
πατὴρFatherNominativesubjectπατήρ: 'Father'; the relational God who provides.
οἶδενknowsPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · οἶδαmain verb→ perfect with present sense (knowledge)οἶδα: 'know' (perfect with present meaning).
ὅτιthatconjunction (content)
χρῄζετεyou needPres Act Indic 2 Pl · χρῄζωmain verb (ὅτι clause)→ stative presentχρῄζω: 'have need of, want.'
τούτωνthese thingsGenitivegenitive (object of χρῄζετε)οὗτος: 'this.'
31

πλὴν ζητεῖτε τὴν βασιλείαν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ταῦτα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν.

Rather seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

Positive command (seek the kingdom)πλὴνThe true object of seeking is God's kingdom; the rest follows as a divine addition.
πλὴνratheradversative conjunctionπλήν: 'but, rather, nevertheless.'
ζητεῖτεseekPres Act Impv 2 Pl · ζητέωimperative (command)→ present (ongoing pursuit)ζητέω: 'seek, strive after.'
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
βασιλείανkingdomAccusativedirect objectβασιλεία: 'kingdom, reign, rule.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (the Father's)
καὶandcoordinating conjunction (consequence)
ταῦταthese thingsNominativesubjectοὗτος: 'this.'
προστεθήσεταιwill be addedFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · προστίθημιmain verb; divine passive→ predictive futureπροστίθημι: 'add'; the necessities are added by God.
ὑμῖνto youDativedat. of advantage
32

Μὴ φοβοῦ, τὸ μικρὸν ποίμνιον· ὅτι εὐδόκησεν ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν δοῦναι ὑμῖν τὴν βασιλείαν.

Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.

Reassurance (little flock)asyndetonA tender word: the timid 'little flock' need not fear, for the Father gladly grants them the kingdom.
Μὴnotnegative (with imperative)
φοβοῦbe afraidPres Mid Impv 2 Sg · φοβέομαιprohibitive imperative→ present (stop fearing)φοβέομαι: 'fear.'
τὸtheNominativearticle (nominative for vocative)
μικρὸνlittleNominativeattributive adjectiveμικρός: 'small, little.'
ποίμνιονflockNominativeaddress (nom. for voc.)ποίμνιον: 'flock' (diminutive of ποίμνη); the disciples as God's little flock.
ὅτιforcausal conjunction
εὐδόκησενwas pleasedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · εὐδοκέωmain verb→ constative aoristεὐδοκέω: 'be well-pleased, take delight, resolve.'
theNominativearticle
πατὴρFatherNominativesubjectπατήρ: 'Father.'
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
δοῦναιto giveAor Act Inf · δίδωμιcomplementary infinitive (of εὐδόκησεν)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give.'
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
βασιλείανkingdomAccusativedirect objectβασιλεία: 'kingdom'; the Father's free gift.
33

Πωλήσατε τὰ ὑπάρχοντα ὑμῶν καὶ δότε ἐλεημοσύνην· ποιήσατε ἑαυτοῖς βαλλάντια μὴ παλαιούμενα, θησαυρὸν ἀνέκλειπτον ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς, ὅπου κλέπτης οὐκ ἐγγίζει οὐδὲ σὴς διαφθείρει·

Sell your possessions and give alms; make for yourselves money-bags that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in the heavens, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys;

Command (heavenly treasure)asyndetonFreed from fear, the flock is to convert earthly goods into imperishable heavenly treasure.
ΠωλήσατεsellAor Act Impv 2 Pl · πωλέωimperative (command)→ constative aoristπωλέω: 'sell.'
τὰtheAccusativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ὑπάρχονταpossessionsPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Neut · ὑπάρχωsubstantival participle (direct object)→ present (state)ὑπάρχω: 'be, belong'; τὰ ὑπάρχοντα = 'possessions.'
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
δότεgiveAor Act Impv 2 Pl · δίδωμιimperative (command)→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give.'
ἐλεημοσύνηνalmsAccusativedirect objectἐλεημοσύνη: 'alms, charitable giving' (from ἔλεος, 'mercy').
ποιήσατεmakeAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ποιέωimperative (command)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'make, do.'
ἑαυτοῖςfor yourselvesDativedat. of advantage (reflexive)ἑαυτοῦ: reflexive, 'yourselves.'
βαλλάντιαmoney-bagsAccusativedirect objectβαλλάντιον: 'purse, money-bag.'
μὴnotnegative (with participle)
παλαιούμεναwearing outPres Pass Ptc · Acc Pl Neut · παλαιόωattributive participle→ present (process)παλαιόω: 'make old, wear out.'
θησαυρὸνtreasureAccusativeapposition (to βαλλάντια)θησαυρός: 'treasure, store.'
ἀνέκλειπτονunfailingAccusativeattributive adjectiveἀνέκλειπτος: 'unfailing, inexhaustible' (α- + ἐκλείπω).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
τοῖςtheDativearticle
οὐρανοῖςheavensDativedat. of placeοὐρανός: 'heaven, sky.'
ὅπουwhererelative adverb (place)ὅπου: 'where.'
κλέπτηςthiefNominativesubjectκλέπτης: 'thief.'
οὐκnotnegative
ἐγγίζειapproachesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐγγίζωmain verb (rel. clause)→ customary presentἐγγίζω: 'draw near, approach.'
οὐδὲnornegative conjunction
σὴςmothNominativesubject (coordinate)σής: 'moth'; destroyer of stored cloth.
διαφθείρειdestroysPres Act Indic 3 Sg · διαφθείρωmain verb (rel. clause)→ customary presentδιαφθείρω: 'destroy, corrupt, ruin.'
34

ὅπου γάρ ἐστιν ὁ θησαυρὸς ὑμῶν, ἐκεῖ καὶ ἡ καρδία ὑμῶν ἔσται.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Maxim (treasure and heart)γάρA proverb seals the section: the heart inevitably follows wherever the treasure is set.
ὅπουwhererelative adverb (place)ὅπου: 'where.'
γάρforexplanatory conjunction
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ stative present
theNominativearticle
θησαυρὸςtreasureNominativesubjectθησαυρός: 'treasure.'
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐκεῖthereadverb (place)ἐκεῖ: 'there.'
καὶalsoadverbial (correlative)
theNominativearticle
καρδίαheartNominativesubjectκαρδία: 'heart'; the center of will and affection.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἔσταιwill beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb→ gnomic/predictive future
35

Ἔστωσαν ὑμῶν αἱ ὀσφύες περιεζωσμέναι καὶ οἱ λύχνοι καιόμενοι,

Let your waists be girded and your lamps burning,

Command (readiness)asyndetonThe imagery of readiness: belted for action and lamps alight — servants poised for the master's return.
Ἔστωσανlet bePres Act Impv 3 Pl · εἰμίimperative (command)→ present (continuing state)εἰμί: 'be'; third-person imperative.
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
αἱtheNominativearticle
ὀσφύεςwaistsNominativesubjectὀσφῦς: 'loins, waist'; girding the loins = readiness for work/travel.
περιεζωσμέναιgirdedPerf Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Fem · περιζώννυμιpredicate participle (periphrastic)→ resultative perfect (settled readiness)περιζώννυμι: 'gird about'; tucking up the robe with a belt.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οἱtheNominativearticle
λύχνοιlampsNominativesubject (coordinate)λύχνος: 'lamp.'
καιόμενοιburningPres Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · καίωpredicate participle (periphrastic)→ present (ongoing)καίω: 'kindle, burn.'
36

καὶ ὑμεῖς ὅμοιοι ἀνθρώποις προσδεχομένοις τὸν κύριον ἑαυτῶν πότε ἀναλύσῃ ἐκ τῶν γάμων, ἵνα ἐλθόντος καὶ κρούσαντος εὐθέως ἀνοίξωσιν αὐτῷ.

and you yourselves like men waiting for their master, when he will return from the wedding feast, so that when he comes and knocks they may open to him at once.

Simile (waiting servants)καὶDisciples are like servants alert through the night, ready to open the instant the master knocks.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (ellipsis of 'be')
ὅμοιοιlikeNominativepredicate adjectiveὅμοιος: 'like, similar' (+ dative).
ἀνθρώποιςmenDativedat. (complement of ὅμοιοι)ἄνθρωπος: 'man, person.'
προσδεχομένοιςwaiting forPres Mid Ptc · Dat Pl Masc · προσδέχομαιattributive participle→ present (ongoing expectancy)προσδέχομαι: 'wait for, expect, welcome.'
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
κύριονmasterAccusativeobject of προσδεχομένοιςκύριος: 'lord, master.'
ἑαυτῶνtheir ownGenitivereflexive possessive genitiveἑαυτοῦ: reflexive, 'their own.'
πότεwheninterrogative adverb (indir. question)πότε: 'when?'
ἀναλύσῃhe will returnAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἀναλύωdeliberative subjunctive (indir. question)→ constative aoristἀναλύω: 'loose, depart, return'; here 'return home.'
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
γάμωνwedding feastGenitiveobject of ἐκγάμος: 'wedding, marriage feast'; plural for the celebrations.
ἵναso thatconjunction (purpose) + subjunctive
ἐλθόντοςwhen he comesAor Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · ἔρχομαιgenitive absolute (temporal)→ antecedent aoristἔρχομαι: 'come.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
κρούσαντοςknocksAor Act Ptc · Gen Sg Masc · κρούωgenitive absolute (coordinate)→ antecedent aoristκρούω: 'knock' (at a door).
εὐθέωςat onceadverb (time)εὐθέως: 'immediately, at once.'
ἀνοίξωσινthey may openAor Act Subj 3 Pl · ἀνοίγωsubjunctive (purpose clause)→ constative aoristἀνοίγω: 'open.'
αὐτῷto himDativedat. of advantage
37

μακάριοι οἱ δοῦλοι ἐκεῖνοι, οὓς ἐλθὼν ὁ κύριος εὑρήσει γρηγοροῦντας· ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι περιζώσεται καὶ ἀνακλινεῖ αὐτοὺς καὶ παρελθὼν διακονήσει αὐτοῖς.

Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Truly I tell you that he will gird himself and have them recline, and will come and serve them.

Beatitude (the watching servants)asyndetonAstonishing reversal: the returning master will gird himself and serve the servants he finds awake.
μακάριοιblessedNominativepredicate adjectiveμακάριος: 'blessed, happy.'
οἱtheNominativearticle
δοῦλοιservantsNominativesubjectδοῦλος: 'slave, servant.'
ἐκεῖνοιthoseNominativedemonstrative adjectiveἐκεῖνος: 'that, those.'
οὓςwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of εὑρήσει)
ἐλθὼνwhen he comesAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἔρχομαιadverbial participle (temporal)→ antecedent aoristἔρχομαι: 'come.'
theNominativearticle
κύριοςmasterNominativesubject (rel. clause)κύριος: 'master.'
εὑρήσειwill findFut Act Indic 3 Sg · εὑρίσκωmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive futureεὑρίσκω: 'find.'
γρηγοροῦνταςwatchingPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Masc · γρηγορέωpredicate participle (object complement)→ present (ongoing)γρηγορέω: 'be awake, watch, stay alert.'
ἀμὴνtrulyparticle (asseveration)ἀμήν: 'truly, amen' (Hebrew); a solemn affirmation.
λέγωI tellPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (formula)→ present (performative)
ὑμῖνyouDativeindirect object
ὅτιthatconjunction (content)
περιζώσεταιhe will gird himselfFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · περιζώννυμιmain verb→ predictive futureπεριζώννυμι: 'gird'; the master takes the servant's posture.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀνακλινεῖwill have reclineFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀνακλίνωmain verb→ predictive futureἀνακλίνω: 'cause to recline' (at table).
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativedirect object
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
παρελθὼνcomingAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · παρέρχομαιadverbial participle (attendant circumstance)→ antecedent aoristπαρέρχομαι: 'come by, pass along'; here 'come up to serve.'
διακονήσειwill serveFut Act Indic 3 Sg · διακονέωmain verb→ predictive futureδιακονέω: 'serve, wait on (at table).'
αὐτοῖςthemDativeindirect object
38

κἂν ἐν τῇ δευτέρᾳ κἂν ἐν τῇ τρίτῃ φυλακῇ ἔλθῃ καὶ εὕρῃ οὕτως, μακάριοί εἰσιν ἐκεῖνοι.

And if he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those servants.

Extension (whatever the hour)asyndetonEven in the dead of night, the servants found watching are blessed — readiness regardless of the hour.
κἂνand ifcrasis (καὶ ἐάν), concessive conditionalκἄν: 'even if, and if' (καὶ ἐάν).
ἐνinpreposition + dative (time)
τῇtheDativearticle
δευτέρᾳsecondDativeattributive adjective (with φυλακῇ)δεύτερος: 'second.'
κἂνor ifcrasis (concessive conditional)κἄν: 'or if.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (time)
τῇtheDativearticle
τρίτῃthirdDativeattributive adjectiveτρίτος: 'third.'
φυλακῇwatchDativedat. of timeφυλακή: 'watch' (of the night); the night divided into watches.
ἔλθῃhe comesAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιsubjunctive (conditional)→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εὕρῃfindsAor Act Subj 3 Sg · εὑρίσκωsubjunctive (conditional)→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: 'find.'
οὕτωςsoadverb (manner)οὕτως: 'thus, so'; i.e. watching.
μακάριοίblessedNominativepredicate adjectiveμακάριος: 'blessed.'
εἰσινarePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίcopula→ stative present
ἐκεῖνοιthoseNominativesubject (demonstrative)ἐκεῖνος: 'those.'
39

τοῦτο δὲ γινώσκετε ὅτι εἰ ᾔδει ὁ οἰκοδεσπότης ποίᾳ ὥρᾳ ὁ κλέπτης ἔρχεται, ἐγρηγόρησεν ἂν καὶ οὐκ ἀφῆκεν διορυχθῆναι τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ.

But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched and not let his house be broken into.

Parable (the thief)δὲA new image: the unknown hour of the thief shows why constant vigilance, not calculation, is needed.
τοῦτοthisAccusativedirect object (forward-pointing)οὗτος: 'this.'
δὲbutconjunction (development)
γινώσκετεknowPres Act Impv 2 Pl · γινώσκωimperative (command)→ present (ongoing)γινώσκω: 'know'; (form is also indicative; imperative here).
ὅτιthatconjunction (content)
εἰifconditional conjunction (contrary-to-fact)εἰ: 'if'; second-class (contrary-to-fact) condition.
ᾔδειhad knownPlpf Act Indic 3 Sg · οἶδαmain verb (protasis)→ pluperfect (past knowledge)οἶδα: 'know' (pluperfect ᾔδει, 'had known').
theNominativearticle
οἰκοδεσπότηςmaster of the houseNominativesubjectοἰκοδεσπότης: 'householder, master of the house' (οἶκος + δεσπότης).
ποίᾳat whatDativeinterrogative adjective (with ὥρᾳ)ποῖος: 'of what kind, which.'
ὥρᾳhourDativedat. of timeὥρα: 'hour.'
theNominativearticle
κλέπτηςthiefNominativesubject (indir. question)κλέπτης: 'thief.'
ἔρχεταιis comingPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb (indir. question)→ present (vivid)ἔρχομαι: 'come.'
ἐγρηγόρησενhe would have watchedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · γρηγορέωmain verb (apodosis, w/ ἄν)→ constative aorist (contrary-to-fact)γρηγορέω: 'watch, stay awake.'
ἂν[would]particle (potential/contrary-to-fact)ἄν: marks the contrary-to-fact apodosis.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
οὐκnotnegative
ἀφῆκενhe letAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀφίημιmain verb (apodosis)→ constative aorist (contrary-to-fact)ἀφίημι: 'allow, permit, let.'
διορυχθῆναιto be broken intoAor Pass Inf · διορύσσωcomplementary infinitive→ constative aoristδιορύσσω: 'dig through, break in' (through a mud-brick wall).
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
οἶκονhouseAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitiveοἶκος: 'house, home.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
40

καὶ ὑμεῖς γίνεσθε ἕτοιμοι, ὅτι ᾗ ὥρᾳ οὐ δοκεῖτε ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἔρχεται.

You also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Application (be ready)καὶThe point of the thief image: the Son of Man comes unannounced — therefore stay ready.
καὶalsoadverbial (correlative)
ὑμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic)
γίνεσθεbePres Mid Impv 2 Pl · γίνομαιimperative (command)→ present (continual)γίνομαι: 'become, be'; here 'keep yourselves ready.'
ἕτοιμοιreadyNominativepredicate adjectiveἕτοιμος: 'ready, prepared.'
ὅτιforcausal conjunction
at whichDativerelative pronoun (dat. of time)
ὥρᾳhourDativedat. of timeὥρα: 'hour.'
οὐnotnegative
δοκεῖτεyou expectPres Act Indic 2 Pl · δοκέωmain verb (rel. clause)→ present (state)δοκέω: 'think, suppose, expect.'
theNominativearticle
υἱὸςSonNominativesubjectυἱός: 'Son'; 'the Son of Man.'
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
ἀνθρώπουManGenitivegenitive (title)
ἔρχεταιis comingPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ futuristic presentἔρχομαι: 'come.'
41

Εἶπεν δὲ ὁ Πέτρος· Κύριε, πρὸς ἡμᾶς τὴν παραβολὴν ταύτην λέγεις ἢ καὶ πρὸς πάντας;

And Peter said: Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?

Interjection (Peter's question)δὲPeter asks whether the parable targets the disciples specifically or the crowd at large.
ΕἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
δὲandconjunction (development)
theNominativearticle
ΠέτροςPeterNominativesubjectΠέτρος: Peter ('Rock'); spokesman of the Twelve.
ΚύριεLordVocativevocative (address)κύριος: 'Lord, master.'
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (addressee)
ἡμᾶςusAccusativeobject of πρός
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
παραβολὴνparableAccusativedirect objectπαραβολή: 'parable.'
ταύτηνthisAccusativedemonstrative adjectiveοὗτος: 'this.'
λέγειςare you tellingPres Act Indic 2 Sg · λέγωmain verb (question)→ present (ongoing)
ordisjunctive conjunction
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive)
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (addressee)
πάνταςeveryoneAccusativeobject of πρόςπᾶς: 'all, everyone.'
42

καὶ εἶπεν ὁ κύριος· Τίς ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ πιστὸς οἰκονόμος ὁ φρόνιμος, ὃν καταστήσει ὁ κύριος ἐπὶ τῆς θεραπείας αὐτοῦ τοῦ διδόναι ἐν καιρῷ τὸ σιτομέτριον;

And the Lord said: Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom the master will set over his household to give them their portion of food at the proper time?

Counter-question (the faithful steward)καὶJesus answers Peter with a question defining the trustworthy steward set over the household.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
theNominativearticle
κύριοςLordNominativesubjectκύριος: 'Lord'; of Jesus.
ΤίςwhoNominativeinterrogative pronoun (predicate)τίς: 'who?'
ἄραtheninferential particleἄρα: 'then, so'; draws an inference.
ἐστὶνisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίcopula→ stative present
theNominativearticle
πιστὸςfaithfulNominativeattributive adjectiveπιστός: 'faithful, trustworthy.'
οἰκονόμοςstewardNominativesubjectοἰκονόμος: 'steward, manager' (of a household).
theNominativearticle
φρόνιμοςwiseNominativeattributive adjectiveφρόνιμος: 'sensible, prudent, wise.'
ὃνwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of καταστήσει)
καταστήσειwill setFut Act Indic 3 Sg · καθίστημιmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive futureκαθίστημι: 'appoint, set over.'
theNominativearticle
κύριοςmasterNominativesubject (rel. clause)κύριος: 'master.'
ἐπὶoverpreposition + genitive (authority)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
θεραπείαςhouseholdGenitiveobject of ἐπίθεραπεία: 'service, body of servants, household staff.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
τοῦ[the]Genitivearticle (with articular inf. of purpose)
διδόναιto givePres Act Inf · δίδωμιarticular infinitive of purpose→ present (customary)δίδωμι: 'give.'
ἐνatpreposition + dative (time)
καιρῷthe proper timeDativedat. of timeκαιρός: 'appointed time, season.'
τὸtheAccusativearticle
σιτομέτριονfood allowanceAccusativedirect object (of διδόναι)σιτομέτριον: 'measured portion of grain, food ration' (σῖτος + μέτρον).
43

μακάριος ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος, ὃν ἐλθὼν ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ εὑρήσει ποιοῦντα οὕτως.

Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.

Beatitude (faithful service)asyndetonThe steward found busy at his task when the master arrives is pronounced blessed.
μακάριοςblessedNominativepredicate adjectiveμακάριος: 'blessed.'
theNominativearticle
δοῦλοςservantNominativesubjectδοῦλος: 'slave, servant.'
ἐκεῖνοςthatNominativedemonstrative adjectiveἐκεῖνος: 'that.'
ὃνwhomAccusativerelative pronoun (object of εὑρήσει)
ἐλθὼνwhen he comesAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἔρχομαιadverbial participle (temporal)→ antecedent aoristἔρχομαι: 'come.'
theNominativearticle
κύριοςmasterNominativesubject (rel. clause)κύριος: 'master.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
εὑρήσειwill findFut Act Indic 3 Sg · εὑρίσκωmain verb (rel. clause)→ predictive futureεὑρίσκω: 'find.'
ποιοῦνταdoingPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · ποιέωpredicate participle (object complement)→ present (ongoing)ποιέω: 'do.'
οὕτωςsoadverb (manner)οὕτως: 'thus, so.'
44

ἀληθῶς λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ἐπὶ πᾶσιν τοῖς ὑπάρχουσιν αὐτοῦ καταστήσει αὐτόν.

Truly I tell you that he will set him over all his possessions.

Promise (reward)asyndetonThe faithful steward's reward: promotion to authority over all the master's goods.
ἀληθῶςtrulyadverb (asseveration)ἀληθῶς: 'truly, really.'
λέγωI tellPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (formula)→ present (performative)
ὑμῖνyouDativeindirect object
ὅτιthatconjunction (content)
ἐπὶoverpreposition + dative (authority)
πᾶσινallDativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all.'
τοῖςtheDativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ὑπάρχουσινpossessionsPres Act Ptc · Dat Pl Neut · ὑπάρχωsubstantival participle (object of ἐπί)→ present (state)ὑπάρχω: 'be, belong'; τὰ ὑπάρχοντα = 'possessions.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
καταστήσειhe will setFut Act Indic 3 Sg · καθίστημιmain verb→ predictive futureκαθίστημι: 'appoint, set over.'
αὐτόνhimAccusativedirect object
45

ἐὰν δὲ εἴπῃ ὁ δοῦλος ἐκεῖνος ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ· Χρονίζει ὁ κύριός μου ἔρχεσθαι, καὶ ἄρξηται τύπτειν τοὺς παῖδας καὶ τὰς παιδίσκας, ἐσθίειν τε καὶ πίνειν καὶ μεθύσκεσθαι,

But if that servant says in his heart, My master is delayed in coming, and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk,

Antithesis (the wicked servant)δὲThe dark counterpart: presuming on the master's delay, the servant turns to abuse and dissipation.
ἐὰνifconditional conjunction (+ subjunctive)ἐάν: 'if.'
δὲbutconjunction (contrast)
εἴπῃsaysAor Act Subj 3 Sg · λέγωsubjunctive (protasis)→ constative aorist
theNominativearticle
δοῦλοςservantNominativesubjectδοῦλος: 'servant.'
ἐκεῖνοςthatNominativedemonstrative adjectiveἐκεῖνος: 'that.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
τῇtheDativearticle
καρδίᾳheartDativedat. of place (sphere)καρδία: 'heart.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
Χρονίζειis delayedPres Act Indic 3 Sg · χρονίζωmain verb (direct speech)→ present (ongoing)χρονίζω: 'delay, take a long time.'
theNominativearticle
κύριόςmasterNominativesubjectκύριος: 'master.'
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἔρχεσθαιto comePres Mid Inf · ἔρχομαιepexegetical infinitive (w/ χρονίζει)→ present (ongoing)ἔρχομαι: 'come.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἄρξηταιbeginsAor Mid Subj 3 Sg · ἄρχομαιsubjunctive (protasis, coordinate)→ ingressive aoristἄρχομαι: 'begin.'
τύπτεινto beatPres Act Inf · τύπτωcomplementary infinitive (of ἄρξηται)→ present (ongoing)τύπτω: 'strike, beat.'
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
παῖδαςmenservantsAccusativedirect objectπαῖς: 'child, servant'; here male servants.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
παιδίσκαςmaidservantsAccusativedirect objectπαιδίσκη: 'female servant, maid.'
ἐσθίεινto eatPres Act Inf · ἐσθίωcomplementary infinitive→ present (ongoing)ἐσθίω: 'eat.'
τεboth/andconnective particleτε: 'and, both' (enclitic conjunction).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πίνεινto drinkPres Act Inf · πίνωcomplementary infinitive→ present (ongoing)πίνω: 'drink.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μεθύσκεσθαιto get drunkPres Pass Inf · μεθύσκωcomplementary infinitive→ present (ongoing)μεθύσκω: 'make drunk'; passive 'get drunk.'
46

ἥξει ὁ κύριος τοῦ δούλου ἐκείνου ἐν ἡμέρᾳ ᾗ οὐ προσδοκᾷ καὶ ἐν ὥρᾳ ᾗ οὐ γινώσκει, καὶ διχοτομήσει αὐτὸν καὶ τὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀπίστων θήσει.

the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and assign him his portion with the unfaithful.

Verdict (judgment)asyndetonThe master's sudden return brings devastating judgment: dismemberment and a portion with the faithless.
ἥξειwill comeFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἥκωmain verb→ predictive futureἥκω: 'come, have come, arrive.'
theNominativearticle
κύριοςmasterNominativesubjectκύριος: 'master.'
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
δούλουservantGenitivegenitive (of relationship)δοῦλος: 'servant.'
ἐκείνουthatGenitivedemonstrative adjectiveἐκεῖνος: 'that.'
ἐνonpreposition + dative (time)
ἡμέρᾳa dayDativedat. of timeἡμέρα: 'day.'
whichDativerelative pronoun (dat. of time)
οὐnotnegative
προσδοκᾷhe expectsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · προσδοκάωmain verb (rel. clause)→ present (state)προσδοκάω: 'expect, wait for, look for.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἐνatpreposition + dative (time)
ὥρᾳan hourDativedat. of timeὥρα: 'hour.'
whichDativerelative pronoun (dat. of time)
οὐnotnegative
γινώσκειhe knowsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb (rel. clause)→ present (state)γινώσκω: 'know.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
διχοτομήσειwill cut in piecesFut Act Indic 3 Sg · διχοτομέωmain verb→ predictive futureδιχοτομέω: 'cut in two, cut asunder' (a severe punishment).
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τὸtheAccusativearticle
μέροςportionAccusativedirect object (of θήσει)μέρος: 'part, portion, lot.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (association)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἀπίστωνunfaithfulGenitiveobject of μετά (substantival adj.)ἄπιστος: 'unfaithful, unbelieving.'
θήσειwill assignFut Act Indic 3 Sg · τίθημιmain verb→ predictive futureτίθημι: 'put, place, appoint.'
47

ἐκεῖνος δὲ ὁ δοῦλος ὁ γνοὺς τὸ θέλημα τοῦ κυρίου αὐτοῦ καὶ μὴ ἑτοιμάσας ἢ ποιήσας πρὸς τὸ θέλημα αὐτοῦ δαρήσεται πολλάς·

And that servant who knew his master's will but did not prepare or act according to his will, will be beaten with many blows.

Graded judgment (greater knowledge)δὲAccountability scales with knowledge: the servant who knew yet disobeyed receives a severe beating.
ἐκεῖνοςthatNominativedemonstrative adjectiveἐκεῖνος: 'that.'
δὲandconjunction (development)
theNominativearticle
δοῦλοςservantNominativesubjectδοῦλος: 'servant.'
the (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
γνοὺςwho knewAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · γινώσκωattributive participle→ constative aoristγινώσκω: 'know, come to know.'
τὸtheAccusativearticle
θέλημαwillAccusativeobject of γνούςθέλημα: 'will, wish.'
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουmasterGenitivesubjective/possessive genitiveκύριος: 'master.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of relationship
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μὴnotnegative (with participle)
ἑτοιμάσαςhaving preparedAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἑτοιμάζωattributive participle (coordinate)→ constative aoristἑτοιμάζω: 'prepare, make ready.'
ordisjunctive conjunction
ποιήσαςhaving doneAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ποιέωattributive participle (coordinate)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do, act.'
πρὸςaccording topreposition + accusative (standard)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
θέλημαwillAccusativeobject of πρόςθέλημα: 'will.'
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
δαρήσεταιwill be beatenFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · δέρωmain verb→ predictive futureδέρω: 'flay, beat, thrash.'
πολλάςwith many blowsAccusativeadverbial accusative (πληγάς understood)πολύς: 'many'; πολλάς (πληγάς) = 'many blows.'
48

ὁ δὲ μὴ γνούς, ποιήσας δὲ ἄξια πληγῶν, δαρήσεται ὀλίγας. παντὶ δὲ ᾧ ἐδόθη πολύ, πολὺ ζητηθήσεται παρ' αὐτοῦ, καὶ ᾧ παρέθεντο πολύ, περισσότερον αἰτήσουσιν αὐτόν.

But the one who did not know, yet did things deserving of blows, will be beaten with few. To everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from the one to whom much was entrusted, they will demand the more.

Graded judgment (lesser knowledge) + maximδὲThe ignorant offender is beaten lightly; the principle: responsibility matches what one has received.
the (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δὲbutconjunction (contrast)
μὴnotnegative (with participle)
γνούςwho knewAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · γινώσκωsubstantival participle (subject)→ constative aoristγινώσκω: 'know.'
ποιήσαςhaving doneAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ποιέωadverbial participle (concessive)→ constative aoristποιέω: 'do.'
δὲyetconjunction (mild contrast)
ἄξιαdeservingAccusativeobject of ποιήσας (substantival adj.)ἄξιος: 'worthy, deserving' (+ genitive).
πληγῶνof blowsGenitivegenitive (complement of ἄξια)πληγή: 'blow, stroke, wound.'
δαρήσεταιwill be beatenFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · δέρωmain verb→ predictive futureδέρω: 'beat, thrash.'
ὀλίγαςwith few blowsAccusativeadverbial accusative (πληγάς understood)ὀλίγος: 'few, little'; ὀλίγας (πληγάς) = 'few blows.'
παντὶto everyoneDativedat. (pendent, resumed by παρ' αὐτοῦ)πᾶς: 'all, everyone.'
δὲandconjunction (development)
to whomDativerelative pronoun (indirect object)
ἐδόθηwas givenAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (rel. clause); divine passive→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give.'
πολύmuchNominativesubject (of ἐδόθη)πολύς: 'much.'
πολὺmuchNominativesubject (of ζητηθήσεται)πολύς: 'much.'
ζητηθήσεταιwill be requiredFut Pass Indic 3 Sg · ζητέωmain verb; divine passive→ predictive futureζητέω: 'seek, require, demand.'
παρ'frompreposition + genitive (source)
αὐτοῦhimGenitiveobject of παρά
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
to whomDativerelative pronoun (indirect object)
παρέθεντοthey entrustedAor Mid Indic 3 Pl · παρατίθημιmain verb (rel. clause)→ constative aoristπαρατίθημι: 'set before, entrust, deposit.'
πολύmuchAccusativedirect objectπολύς: 'much.'
περισσότερονthe moreAccusativedirect object (comparative substantive)περισσός: comparative, 'all the more, even more.'
αἰτήσουσινthey will demandFut Act Indic 3 Pl · αἰτέωmain verb (impersonal 'they' = God)→ predictive futureαἰτέω: 'ask, demand, require.'
αὐτόνof himAccusativeaccusative of person (double acc. with αἰτέω)
49

Πῦρ ἦλθον βαλεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν, καὶ τί θέλω εἰ ἤδη ἀνήφθη.

I came to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!

Pronouncement (fire)asyndetonJesus declares his mission to bring purifying, judging fire — and longs for its kindling.
ΠῦρfireAccusativedirect object (of βαλεῖν, fronted)πῦρ: 'fire'; an image of judgment, purification, and crisis.
ἦλθονI cameAor Act Indic 1 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb→ constative aoristἔρχομαι: 'come'; a mission-statement form ('I came to...').
βαλεῖνto castAor Act Inf · βάλλωinfinitive of purpose→ constative aoristβάλλω: 'throw, cast.'
ἐπὶuponpreposition + accusative (goal)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
γῆνearthAccusativeobject of ἐπίγῆ: 'earth, land.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τίhowinterrogative (exclamatory, 'how!')τίς: here exclamatory — 'how (much)!' (perhaps Semitic 'would that').
θέλωI wishPres Act Indic 1 Sg · θέλωmain verb→ present (desire)θέλω: 'wish, will, desire.'
εἰthat / ifconjunction (introduces wish/clause)εἰ: 'if'; here in the idiom of longing — 'how I wish it were...'
ἤδηalreadyadverb (time)ἤδη: 'already, now.'
ἀνήφθηit were kindledAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀνάπτωmain verb (εἰ-clause)→ constative aoristἀνάπτω: 'kindle, set ablaze' (ἀνά + ἅπτω).
50

βάπτισμα δὲ ἔχω βαπτισθῆναι, καὶ πῶς συνέχομαι ἕως ὅτου τελεσθῇ.

But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how I am constrained until it is accomplished!

Pronouncement (baptism)δὲBefore the fire comes his own ordeal — a 'baptism' of suffering that presses upon him until fulfilled.
βάπτισμαa baptismAccusativedirect object (of ἔχω)βάπτισμα: 'baptism, immersion'; here a metaphor for being overwhelmed by suffering/death.
δὲbutconjunction (development)
ἔχωI havePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἔχωmain verb→ stative presentἔχω: 'have'; with infinitive, 'have (one) to undergo.'
βαπτισθῆναιto be baptizedAor Pass Inf · βαπτίζωcomplementary/epexegetical infinitive→ constative aoristβαπτίζω: 'dip, immerse, baptize'; cognate with βάπτισμα.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
πῶςhowinterrogative adverb (exclamatory)πῶς: 'how!' (exclamatory).
συνέχομαιI am constrainedPres Pass Indic 1 Sg · συνέχωmain verb→ present (ongoing pressure)συνέχω: 'hold together, press, distress, constrain.'
ἕωςuntilconjunction (temporal)ἕως: 'until.'
ὅτουwhichGenitiverelative pronoun (ἕως ὅτου = 'until')ὅστις: in ἕως ὅτου, 'until.'
τελεσθῇit is accomplishedAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · τελέωsubjunctive (temporal clause)→ constative aoristτελέω: 'complete, finish, accomplish.'
51

δοκεῖτε ὅτι εἰρήνην παρεγενόμην δοῦναι ἐν τῇ γῇ; οὐχί, λέγω ὑμῖν, ἀλλ' ἢ διαμερισμόν.

Do you think that I came to give peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.

Pronouncement (division)asyndetonJesus corrects a false expectation: his coming forces decision and so brings not peace but division.
δοκεῖτεdo you thinkPres Act Indic 2 Pl · δοκέωmain verb (question)→ present (state)δοκέω: 'think, suppose.'
ὅτιthatconjunction (content)
εἰρήνηνpeaceAccusativedirect object (of δοῦναι)εἰρήνη: 'peace'; not denied ultimately, but not the immediate effect.
παρεγενόμηνI cameAor Mid Indic 1 Sg · παραγίνομαιmain verb (content clause)→ constative aoristπαραγίνομαι: 'come, arrive, be present.'
δοῦναιto giveAor Act Inf · δίδωμιinfinitive of purpose→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give.'
ἐνonpreposition + dative (place)
τῇtheDativearticle
γῇearthDativedat. of placeγῆ: 'earth, land.'
οὐχίnoemphatic negativeοὐχί: emphatic 'no, not at all.'
λέγωI tellPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (formula)→ present (performative)
ὑμῖνyouDativeindirect object
ἀλλ'butadversative conjunctionἀλλά: 'but.'
ratherparticle (ἀλλ' ἤ = 'but rather')ἤ: in ἀλλ' ἤ, 'but rather, except.'
διαμερισμόνdivisionAccusativedirect object (of implied 'to give')διαμερισμός: 'division, dissension.'
52

ἔσονται γὰρ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν πέντε ἐν ἑνὶ οἴκῳ διαμεμερισμένοι, τρεῖς ἐπὶ δυσὶν καὶ δύο ἐπὶ τρισίν·

For from now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three;

Explanation (household split)γὰρThe division reaches inside the home: a household of five split three against two.
ἔσονταιwill beFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (periphrastic w/ ptc.)→ predictive future
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (time)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle (substantival adverb)
νῦνnowadverb (substantized: ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν = 'from now on')νῦν: 'now.'
πέντεfiveNominativesubject (numeral substantive)πέντε: 'five.'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (place)
ἑνὶoneDativeattributive numeralεἷς: 'one.'
οἴκῳhouseholdDativedat. of placeοἶκος: 'house, household.'
διαμεμερισμένοιdividedPerf Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · διαμερίζωpredicate participle (periphrastic future perfect)→ resultative perfectδιαμερίζω: 'divide, distribute, split.'
τρεῖςthreeNominativesubject (in apposition)τρεῖς: 'three.'
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + dative (hostility)
δυσὶνtwoDativeobject of ἐπίδύο: 'two.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
δύοtwoNominativesubject (in apposition)δύο: 'two.'
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + dative (hostility)
τρισίνthreeDativeobject of ἐπίτρεῖς: 'three.'
53

διαμερισθήσονται πατὴρ ἐπὶ υἱῷ καὶ υἱὸς ἐπὶ πατρί, μήτηρ ἐπὶ θυγατέρα καὶ θυγάτηρ ἐπὶ τὴν μητέρα, πενθερὰ ἐπὶ τὴν νύμφην αὐτῆς καὶ νύμφη ἐπὶ τὴν πενθεράν.

they will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.

Elaboration (Micah 7:6)asyndetonThe split runs along family lines, echoing Micah 7:6 — the eschatological rupture of kinship.
διαμερισθήσονταιthey will be dividedFut Pass Indic 3 Pl · διαμερίζωmain verb→ predictive futureδιαμερίζω: 'divide, split.'
πατὴρfatherNominativesubjectπατήρ: 'father.'
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + dative (hostility)
υἱῷsonDativeobject of ἐπίυἱός: 'son.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
υἱὸςsonNominativesubjectυἱός: 'son.'
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + dative (hostility)
πατρίfatherDativeobject of ἐπίπατήρ: 'father.'
μήτηρmotherNominativesubjectμήτηρ: 'mother.'
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + accusative (hostility)
θυγατέραdaughterAccusativeobject of ἐπίθυγάτηρ: 'daughter.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
θυγάτηρdaughterNominativesubjectθυγάτηρ: 'daughter.'
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + accusative (hostility)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
μητέραmotherAccusativeobject of ἐπίμήτηρ: 'mother.'
πενθερὰmother-in-lawNominativesubjectπενθερά: 'mother-in-law.'
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + accusative (hostility)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
νύμφηνdaughter-in-lawAccusativeobject of ἐπίνύμφη: 'bride, daughter-in-law.'
αὐτῆςherGenitivegenitive of relationship
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
νύμφηdaughter-in-lawNominativesubjectνύμφη: 'daughter-in-law.'
ἐπὶagainstpreposition + accusative (hostility)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
πενθεράνmother-in-lawAccusativeobject of ἐπίπενθερά: 'mother-in-law.'
54

Ἔλεγεν δὲ καὶ τοῖς ὄχλοις· Ὅταν ἴδητε νεφέλην ἀνατέλλουσαν ἐπὶ δυσμῶν, εὐθέως λέγετε ὅτι Ὄμβρος ἔρχεται, καὶ γίνεται οὕτως·

And he also said to the crowds: When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, A shower is coming, and so it happens.

Pronouncement (reading the sky)δὲTurning to the crowds, Jesus notes their skill at forecasting weather from a western cloud.
Ἔλεγενhe saidImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ imperfect (customary)λέγω: 'say.'
δὲandconjunction (development)
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive)
τοῖςtheDativearticle
ὄχλοιςcrowdsDativeindirect objectὄχλος: 'crowd.'
Ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (+ subjunctive)ὅταν: 'whenever, when.'
ἴδητεyou seeAor Act Subj 2 Pl · ὁράωsubjunctive (indefinite temporal)→ constative aoristὁράω: 'see.'
νεφέληνa cloudAccusativedirect objectνεφέλη: 'cloud.'
ἀνατέλλουσανrisingPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Fem · ἀνατέλλωattributive participle→ present (ongoing)ἀνατέλλω: 'rise, spring up' (of clouds, sun).
ἐπὶinpreposition + genitive (place)
δυσμῶνthe westGenitiveobject of ἐπίδυσμή: 'setting (of the sun), west'; clouds from the Mediterranean bring rain.
εὐθέωςat onceadverb (time)εὐθέως: 'immediately.'
λέγετεyou sayPres Act Indic 2 Pl · λέγωmain verb (apodosis)→ customary present
ὅτιthatconjunction (introduces direct speech)
Ὄμβροςa showerNominativesubjectὄμβρος: 'rainstorm, heavy shower.'
ἔρχεταιis comingPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἔρχομαιmain verb (direct speech)→ futuristic presentἔρχομαι: 'come.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
γίνεταιit happensPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb→ customary presentγίνομαι: 'happen, come about.'
οὕτωςsoadverb (manner)οὕτως: 'thus, so.'
55

καὶ ὅταν νότον πνέοντα, λέγετε ὅτι Καύσων ἔσται, καὶ γίνεται.

And when a south wind blows, you say, There will be scorching heat, and it happens.

Elaboration (weather signs)καὶA second weather sign: the south wind portends heat — they read nature's signals accurately.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunctionὅταν: 'when(ever).'
νότονa south windAccusativeobject (of implied 'you see/feel')νότος: 'south wind' (from the desert), bringing heat.
πνέονταblowingPres Act Ptc · Acc Sg Masc · πνέωattributive participle→ present (ongoing)πνέω: 'blow' (of wind).
λέγετεyou sayPres Act Indic 2 Pl · λέγωmain verb (apodosis)→ customary present
ὅτιthatconjunction (introduces direct speech)
Καύσωνscorching heatNominativesubjectκαύσων: 'burning heat, scorching wind.'
ἔσταιthere will beFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (direct speech)→ predictive future
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
γίνεταιit happensPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb→ customary presentγίνομαι: 'happen, come about.'
56

ὑποκριταί, τὸ πρόσωπον τῆς γῆς καὶ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ οἴδατε δοκιμάζειν, τὸν καιρὸν δὲ τοῦτον πῶς οὐκ οἴδατε δοκιμάζειν;

Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it you do not know how to interpret this present time?

Rebuke (failing to read the time)asyndetonThe rebuke: skilled at weather-reading, they are blind to the decisive significance of the present hour.
ὑποκριταίhypocritesVocativevocative (address)ὑποκριτής: 'play-actor, hypocrite.'
τὸtheAccusativearticle
πρόσωπονappearanceAccusativedirect object (of δοκιμάζειν)πρόσωπον: 'face, appearance, surface.'
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
γῆςearthGenitivegenitive (whole)γῆ: 'earth, land.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
οὐρανοῦskyGenitivegenitive (whole)οὐρανός: 'sky, heaven.'
οἴδατεyou knowPerf Act Indic 2 Pl · οἶδαmain verb→ perfect with present senseοἶδα: 'know (how).'
δοκιμάζεινto interpretPres Act Inf · δοκιμάζωcomplementary infinitive (of οἴδατε)→ present (ongoing)δοκιμάζω: 'test, examine, discern, interpret.'
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
καιρὸνtimeAccusativedirect object (of second δοκιμάζειν)καιρός: 'appointed time, decisive moment'; the present crisis of decision.
δὲbutconjunction (contrast)
τοῦτονthisAccusativedemonstrative adjectiveοὗτος: 'this.'
πῶςhowinterrogative adverbπῶς: 'how?'
οὐκnotnegative
οἴδατεdo you knowPerf Act Indic 2 Pl · οἶδαmain verb (question)→ perfect with present senseοἶδα: 'know.'
δοκιμάζεινto interpretPres Act Inf · δοκιμάζωcomplementary infinitive→ present (ongoing)δοκιμάζω: 'discern, interpret.'
57

Τί δὲ καὶ ἀφ' ἑαυτῶν οὐ κρίνετε τὸ δίκαιον;

And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?

Challenge (judge rightly)δὲA pointed question: they ought to discern for themselves the just course before it is too late.
Τίwhyinterrogative (adverbial accusative)τίς: 'why?'
δὲandconjunction (development)
καὶalsoadverbial (ascensive)
ἀφ'frompreposition + genitive (source)
ἑαυτῶνyourselvesGenitivereflexive (object of ἀπό); 'of your own accord'ἑαυτοῦ: reflexive, 'yourselves.'
οὐnotnegative
κρίνετεdo you judgePres Act Indic 2 Pl · κρίνωmain verb (question)→ present (ongoing)κρίνω: 'judge, decide, discern.'
τὸtheAccusativearticle
δίκαιονwhat is rightAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)δίκαιος: 'just, right'; τὸ δίκαιον = 'the right thing.'
58

ὡς γὰρ ὑπάγεις μετὰ τοῦ ἀντιδίκου σου ἐπ' ἄρχοντα, ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ δὸς ἐργασίαν ἀπηλλάχθαι ἀπ' αὐτοῦ, μήποτε κατασύρῃ σε πρὸς τὸν κριτήν, καὶ ὁ κριτής σε παραδώσει τῷ πράκτορι, καὶ ὁ πράκτωρ σε βαλεῖ εἰς φυλακήν.

For as you are going with your accuser before a magistrate, make an effort on the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.

Parable (settle on the way)γὰρA legal scenario urges urgent reconciliation before judgment falls — an image of the looming reckoning.
ὡςastemporal conjunctionὡς: 'as, while.'
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ὑπάγειςyou are goingPres Act Indic 2 Sg · ὑπάγωmain verb (temporal clause)→ present (ongoing)ὑπάγω: 'go, depart, go away.'
μετὰwithpreposition + genitive (association)
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ἀντιδίκουaccuserGenitiveobject of μετάἀντίδικος: 'opponent (at law), adversary, accuser.'
σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἐπ'beforepreposition + accusative (before)
ἄρχονταa magistrateAccusativeobject of ἐπίἄρχων: 'ruler, magistrate, official.'
ἐνonpreposition + dative (place)
τῇtheDativearticle
ὁδῷwayDativedat. of placeὁδός: 'way, road, journey.'
δὸςmakeAor Act Impv 2 Sg · δίδωμιimperative (idiom: δὸς ἐργασίαν = 'take pains')→ constative aoristδίδωμι: 'give'; δὸς ἐργασίαν (Latinism, da operam) = 'make an effort.'
ἐργασίανeffortAccusativedirect object (idiom)ἐργασία: 'work, effort, pains.'
ἀπηλλάχθαιto settle / be freedPerf Pass Inf · ἀπαλλάσσωepexegetical infinitive (of the idiom)→ resultative perfectἀπαλλάσσω: 'set free, release'; passive 'be rid of, settle with.'
ἀπ'frompreposition + genitive (separation)
αὐτοῦhimGenitiveobject of ἀπό
μήποτεlestconjunction (negative purpose)μήποτε: 'lest, that ... not.'
κατασύρῃhe dragAor Act Subj 3 Sg · κατασύρωsubjunctive (negative purpose)→ constative aoristκατασύρω: 'drag down/away' (by force).
σεyouAccusativedirect object
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (direction)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
κριτήνjudgeAccusativeobject of πρόςκριτής: 'judge.'
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
theNominativearticle
κριτήςjudgeNominativesubjectκριτής: 'judge.'
σεyouAccusativedirect object
παραδώσειwill hand overFut Act Indic 3 Sg · παραδίδωμιmain verb→ predictive futureπαραδίδωμι: 'hand over, deliver up.'
τῷtheDativearticle
πράκτοριofficerDativeindirect objectπράκτωρ: 'officer, bailiff' (who exacts payment/imprisons).
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
theNominativearticle
πράκτωρofficerNominativesubjectπράκτωρ: 'officer, bailiff.'
σεyouAccusativedirect object
βαλεῖwill throwFut Act Indic 3 Sg · βάλλωmain verb→ predictive futureβάλλω: 'throw, cast.'
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)
φυλακήνprisonAccusativeobject of εἰςφυλακή: 'prison, guard.'
59

λέγω σοι, οὐ μὴ ἐξέλθῃς ἐκεῖθεν ἕως καὶ τὸ ἔσχατον λεπτὸν ἀποδῷς.

I tell you, you will certainly not get out of there until you have paid the very last lepton.

Warning (no escape)asyndetonThe closing warning: once imprisoned, there is no release until the last tiny coin is paid — settle now.
λέγωI tellPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb (formula)→ present (performative)
σοιyouDativeindirect object
οὐnotnegative (emphatic with μή)
μὴby no meansnegative (οὐ μή = emphatic denial)οὐ μή: the strongest negation, 'certainly not.'
ἐξέλθῃςyou will get outAor Act Subj 2 Sg · ἐξέρχομαιsubjunctive of emphatic negation→ constative aoristἐξέρχομαι: 'go out, come out.'
ἐκεῖθενfrom thereadverb (place)ἐκεῖθεν: 'from there, thence.'
ἕωςuntilconjunction (temporal)ἕως: 'until.'
καὶevenadverbial (ascensive)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἔσχατονlastAccusativeattributive adjectiveἔσχατος: 'last, final.'
λεπτὸνleptonAccusativedirect objectλεπτόν: 'lepton,' the smallest coin (a half-quadrans).
ἀποδῷςyou have paidAor Act Subj 2 Sg · ἀποδίδωμιsubjunctive (temporal clause)→ constative aoristἀποδίδωμι: 'give back, pay, repay.'