Greek Text · Translation · Interlinear · Discourse Structure

The Gospel according to Luke, Chapter 16ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ ΙϚ′

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

Ἔλεγεν δὲ καὶ πρὸς τοὺς μαθητάς· Ἄνθρωπός τις ἦν πλούσιος ὃς εἶχεν οἰκονόμον, καὶ οὗτος διεβλήθη αὐτῷ ὡς διασκορπίζων τὰ ὑπάρχοντα αὐτοῦ.

And he was also saying to the disciples: There was a certain rich man who had a manager, and this one was accused to him as squandering his possessions.

Narrative onset / new parableδέThe discourse pivots from the Pharisees of ch. 15 to the disciples; the parable opens with the stock 'a certain rich man' and the charge that frames the crisis.
Ἔλεγενhe was sayingImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ iterative/inceptive imperfectλέγω: introduces the new block of teaching
δὲandconnective (development)δέ: marks a new movement
καὶalsoadverbial (additive)καί: 'also,' linking to the prior teaching
πρὸςtopreposition + accusative (address)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
μαθητάςdisciplesAccusativeobject of πρός (addressees)μαθητής: learner, follower — the new audience
Ἄνθρωπόςa manNominativesubject (predicate of ἦν)ἄνθρωπος: 'a certain man,' the parable's protagonist
τιςcertainNominativeindefinite adj. modifying ἄνθρωποςτις: 'a certain,' typical parable opening
ἦνthere wasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίexistential verb→ stative imperfectεἰμί
πλούσιοςrichNominativepredicate adj.πλούσιος: wealthy
ὃςwhoNominativerelative pronoun (subject of εἶχεν)
εἶχενhadImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἔχωverb of rel. clause→ stative imperfectἔχω
οἰκονόμονa managerAccusativedirect objectοἰκονόμος: household steward, estate-manager entrusted with the master's affairs
καὶandconnective
οὗτοςthis oneNominativesubject (resumptive)οὗτος: 'this one,' the steward
διεβλήθηwas accusedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · διαβάλλωmain verb→ constative aorist (passive)διαβάλλω: 'bring a charge,' slander or report against — whether truly or maliciously left open
αὐτῷto himDativedative of indirect object (to the master)
ὡςascomparative/causal particleὡς: introducing the alleged ground
διασκορπίζωνsquanderingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · διασκορπίζωptc. of charge (predicate)→ imperfective (ongoing squandering)διασκορπίζω: 'scatter, waste' — the same verb of the prodigal's squandering (15:13)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ὑπάρχονταpossessionsPres Act Ptc · Acc Pl Neut · ὑπάρχωsubstantival ptc. (object)→ imperfective (substantivized)τὰ ὑπάρχοντα: 'goods, property,' the participle used as a noun
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
2

καὶ φωνήσας αὐτὸν εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Τί τοῦτο ἀκούω περὶ σοῦ; ἀπόδος τὸν λόγον τῆς οἰκονομίας σου, οὐ γὰρ δύνῃ ἔτι οἰκονομεῖν.

And calling him he said to him: What is this I hear about you? Render the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.

Narrative continuationκαίThe summons and the demand for an accounting precipitate the crisis; the dismissal is announced as already settled.
καὶandconnective
φωνήσαςhaving calledAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · φωνέωcircumstantial ptc. (temporal)→ antecedent aoristφωνέω: summon, call to oneself
αὐτὸνhimAccusativeobject of φωνήσας
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aoristλέγω/εἶπον
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
ΤίwhatAccusativeinterrogative (object of ἀκούω)
τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative in apposition
ἀκούωI hearPres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἀκούωmain verb (question)→ imperfective presentἀκούω
περὶaboutpreposition + genitive (reference)
σοῦyouGenitiveobject of περί
ἀπόδοςrenderAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἀποδίδωμιimperative (command)→ aorist imperative (do now)ἀποδίδωμι: 'give back, render' — here hand over the books
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
λόγονaccountAccusativedirect objectλόγος: here 'reckoning, account' (cf. 'render an account')
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
οἰκονομίαςmanagementGenitivegenitive (objective/reference)οἰκονομία: stewardship, administration of the household
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession
οὐnotnegative
γὰρforconnective (causal)γάρ: grounds the demand
δύνῃyou are ablePres Mid/Pass Indic 2 Sg · δύναμαιmain verb→ imperfective presentδύναμαι
ἔτιstilltemporal adverbἔτι: 'any longer'
οἰκονομεῖνto managePres Act Infin · οἰκονομέωcomplementary infinitive→ imperfective infinitiveοἰκονομέω: to act as steward
3

εἶπεν δὲ ἐν ἑαυτῷ ὁ οἰκονόμος· Τί ποιήσω, ὅτι ὁ κύριός μου ἀφαιρεῖται τὴν οἰκονομίαν ἀπ’ ἐμοῦ; σκάπτειν οὐκ ἰσχύω, ἐπαιτεῖν αἰσχύνομαι.

And the manager said within himself: What shall I do, since my master is taking away the management from me? To dig I am not strong enough; to beg I am ashamed.

Interior soliloquyδέThe steward's self-deliberation — a Lukan soliloquy device (cf. 12:17; 15:17) — weighs his ruined options.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
δὲandconnective
ἐνinpreposition + dative
ἑαυτῷhimselfDativereflexive (within himself)ἑαυτοῦ: 'to/within himself' — interior speech
theNominativearticle
οἰκονόμοςmanagerNominativesubjectοἰκονόμος
ΤίwhatAccusativeinterrogative (object)
ποιήσωshall I doAor Act Subj 1 Sg · ποιέωdeliberative subjunctive→ deliberative aoristποιέω: deliberative 'what am I to do?'
ὅτιsincecausal conjunctionὅτι: causal here
theNominativearticle
κύριόςmasterNominativesubjectκύριος: 'master, lord' — the estate owner
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
ἀφαιρεῖταιis taking awayPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀφαιρέωmain verb→ futuristic/progressive presentἀφαιρέω: remove, take away (the office)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
οἰκονομίανmanagementAccusativedirect objectοἰκονομία
ἀπ’frompreposition + genitive (separation)ἀπό
ἐμοῦmeGenitiveobject of ἀπό
σκάπτεινto digPres Act Infin · σκάπτωobject infinitive (fronted)→ imperfective infinitiveσκάπτω: to dig — manual day-labor
οὐκnotnegative
ἰσχύωI am strong enoughPres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἰσχύωmain verb→ imperfective presentἰσχύω: 'have strength, be able'
ἐπαιτεῖνto begPres Act Infin · ἐπαιτέωobject infinitive (fronted)→ imperfective infinitiveἐπαιτέω: to beg for alms
αἰσχύνομαιI am ashamedPres Mid/Pass Indic 1 Sg · αἰσχύνομαιmain verb→ imperfective presentαἰσχύνομαι: to be ashamed
4

ἔγνων τί ποιήσω, ἵνα ὅταν μετασταθῶ ἐκ τῆς οἰκονομίας δέξωνταί με εἰς τοὺς οἴκους αὐτῶν.

I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from the management they may receive me into their houses.

Resolution (asyndeton)asyndetonThe soliloquy resolves: the aorist 'I know' marks the flash of decision; the plan aims at future welcome into the debtors' homes.
ἔγνωνI knowAor Act Indic 1 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb→ ingressive aorist ('I have realized')γινώσκω: the aorist marks the moment of insight
τίwhatAccusativeinterrogative (object of ποιήσω)
ποιήσωI will doFut Act Indic 1 Sg · ποιέωverb of indirect question→ futureποιέω
ἵναso thatpurpose conjunctionἵνα: purpose
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunction (indefinite)ὅταν: 'whenever, when'
μετασταθῶI am removedAor Pass Subj 1 Sg · μεθίστημιsubjunctive (temporal clause)→ aorist subjunctiveμεθίστημι: 'remove, depose' — here ousted from office
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (separation)
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
οἰκονομίαςmanagementGenitiveobject of ἐκοἰκονομία
δέξωνταίthey may receiveAor Mid Subj 3 Pl · δέχομαιsubjunctive (purpose)→ aorist subjunctiveδέχομαι: 'welcome, receive as a guest'
μεmeAccusativedirect object
εἰςintopreposition + accusative
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
οἴκουςhousesAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)οἶκος: house, household
αὐτῶνtheirGenitivegenitive of possession
5

καὶ προσκαλεσάμενος ἕνα ἕκαστον τῶν χρεοφειλετῶν τοῦ κυρίου ἑαυτοῦ ἔλεγεν τῷ πρώτῳ· Πόσον ὀφείλεις τῷ κυρίῳ μου;

And summoning each one of his master's debtors, he said to the first: How much do you owe my master?

Narrative continuationκαίThe plan goes into action: the debtors are called in one by one, and the interrogation of the first begins.
καὶandconnective
προσκαλεσάμενοςhaving summonedAor Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · προσκαλέομαιcircumstantial ptc. (temporal)→ antecedent aoristπροσκαλέομαι: 'call to oneself, summon'
ἕναoneAccusativeobject of ptc. (distributive)εἷς
ἕκαστονeachAccusativedistributive adj.ἕκαστος: 'each one' — one by one
τῶνof theGenitivearticle
χρεοφειλετῶνdebtorsGenitivepartitive genitiveχρεοφειλέτης: 'debtor' (rare; also 7:41)
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
κυρίουmasterGenitivegenitive (relationship)κύριος
ἑαυτοῦhis ownGenitivereflexive possessiveἑαυτοῦ
ἔλεγενhe saidImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ iterative imperfect (to each)λέγω
τῷto theDativearticle
πρώτῳfirstDativeindirect object (substantival adj.)πρῶτος: 'the first' debtor
Πόσονhow muchAccusativeinterrogative (object of ὀφείλεις)πόσος
ὀφείλειςdo you owePres Act Indic 2 Sg · ὀφείλωmain verb (question)→ imperfective presentὀφείλω: to owe, be indebted
τῷto theDativearticle
κυρίῳmasterDativedative (to whom owed)κύριος
μουmyGenitivegenitive of relationship
6

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν· Ἑκατὸν βάτους ἐλαίου. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῷ· Δέξαι σου τὰ γράμματα καὶ καθίσας ταχέως γράψον πεντήκοντα.

And he said: A hundred measures of oil. And he said to him: Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.

Dialogue exchangeδέThe first debtor's debt is steeply halved; the urgency ('quickly') betrays the steward's haste before the books are demanded.
heNominativesubject (article as pronoun)
δὲandconnective
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
Ἑκατὸνa hundredAccusativenumeral modifying βάτουςἑκατόν (indecl. numeral, here qualifying acc.)
βάτουςmeasuresAccusativeaccusative of quantityβάτος: a 'bath,' liquid measure (~22–40 liters)
ἐλαίουof oilGenitivegenitive of contentἔλαιον: olive oil
heNominativesubject
δὲandconnective
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
ΔέξαιtakeAor Mid Impv 2 Sg · δέχομαιimperative→ aorist imperativeδέχομαι: 'take, receive' the document
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession
τὰtheAccusativearticle
γράμματαbillAccusativedirect objectγράμμα: 'document, promissory note' (here the debt-bond)
καὶandconnective
καθίσαςsitting downAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · καθίζωcircumstantial ptc. (attendant)→ antecedent/coincident aoristκαθίζω: sit down
ταχέωςquicklyadverb of mannerταχέως: 'quickly' — the urgency of the scheme
γράψονwriteAor Act Impv 2 Sg · γράφωimperative→ aorist imperativeγράφω
πεντήκονταfiftynumeral (object)πεντήκοντα (indecl. numeral): the halved figure
7

ἔπειτα ἑτέρῳ εἶπεν· Σὺ δὲ πόσον ὀφείλεις; ὁ δὲ εἶπεν· Ἑκατὸν κόρους σίτου. λέγει αὐτῷ· Δέξαι σου τὰ γράμματα καὶ γράψον ὀγδοήκοντα.

Then to another he said: And you, how much do you owe? And he said: A hundred measures of wheat. He says to him: Take your bill and write eighty.

Dialogue exchange (sequential)asyndetonA second debtor, a smaller discount (a fifth off); the varied reductions perhaps reflect the steward's own concealed commission written into each bond.
ἔπειταthentemporal adverb (sequence)ἔπειτα: 'next, thereupon'
ἑτέρῳto anotherDativeindirect objectἕτερος: 'another' (a different one)
εἶπενhe saidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
ΣὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic)σύ: emphatic 'and you'
δὲandconnective
πόσονhow muchAccusativeinterrogative (object)πόσος
ὀφείλειςdo you owePres Act Indic 2 Sg · ὀφείλωmain verb (question)→ imperfective presentὀφείλω
heNominativesubject
δὲandconnective
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
Ἑκατὸνa hundredAccusativenumeral modifying κόρουςἑκατόν (indecl. numeral)
κόρουςmeasuresAccusativeaccusative of quantityκόρος: a 'kor,' dry measure (~350–525 liters)
σίτουof wheatGenitivegenitive of contentσῖτος: wheat, grain
λέγειhe saysPres Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ historic present (vivid)λέγω: historic present heightens the scene
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
ΔέξαιtakeAor Mid Impv 2 Sg · δέχομαιimperative→ aorist imperativeδέχομαι
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession
τὰtheAccusativearticle
γράμματαbillAccusativedirect objectγράμμα: the debt-document
καὶandconnective
γράψονwriteAor Act Impv 2 Sg · γράφωimperative→ aorist imperativeγράφω
ὀγδοήκονταeightynumeral (object)ὀγδοήκοντα (indecl. numeral)
8

καὶ ἐπῄνεσεν ὁ κύριος τὸν οἰκονόμον τῆς ἀδικίας ὅτι φρονίμως ἐποίησεν· ὅτι οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου φρονιμώτεροι ὑπὲρ τοὺς υἱοὺς τοῦ φωτὸς εἰς τὴν γενεὰν τὴν ἑαυτῶν εἰσιν.

And the master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this age are more shrewd toward their own generation than the sons of light.

Parable's verdict + interpretive maximκαίThe 'master' (ὁ κύριος, the parable's lord) commends the shrewdness, not the dishonesty; the second ὅτι-clause shifts to Jesus' application contrasting the two 'sons.'
καὶandconnective
ἐπῄνεσενcommendedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐπαινέωmain verb→ constative aoristἐπαινέω: to praise, commend
theNominativearticle
κύριοςmasterNominativesubjectκύριος: the master of the parable (not the Lord Jesus, though the term invites the bridge)
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
οἰκονόμονmanagerAccusativedirect objectοἰκονόμος
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
ἀδικίαςof unrighteousnessGenitiveattributive (Semitic) genitive of qualityἀδικία: 'unrighteousness'; 'manager of unrighteousness' = the dishonest manager
ὅτιbecausecausal conjunctionὅτι: causal
φρονίμωςshrewdlyadverb of mannerφρονίμως: 'prudently, shrewdly'
ἐποίησενhe actedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ποιέωverb of causal clause→ constative aoristποιέω
ὅτιforcausal/explanatory conjunction (Jesus' comment)ὅτι: introduces the application
οἱtheNominativearticle
υἱοὶsonsNominativesubjectυἱός: Semitic 'sons of...' = those characterized by
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
αἰῶνοςageGenitivegenitive (characterizing)αἰών: the present 'age' (this world)
τούτουthisGenitivedemonstrative
φρονιμώτεροιmore shrewdNominativepredicate adj. (comparative)φρόνιμος: 'prudent, shrewd'; comparative
ὑπὲρthanpreposition + accusative (comparison)ὑπέρ: 'beyond, than' (comparative use)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
υἱοὺςsonsAccusativeobject of ὑπέρυἱός
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
φωτὸςlightGenitivegenitive (characterizing)φῶς: 'light'; 'sons of light' = those belonging to God's realm
εἰςtowardpreposition + accusative (reference)εἰς: 'with reference to, toward'
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
γενεὰνgenerationAccusativeobject of εἰςγενεά: 'generation, kind'
τὴνtheAccusativearticle (attributive)
ἑαυτῶνtheir ownGenitivereflexive possessiveἑαυτῶν
εἰσινarePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίlinking verb→ stative present (gnomic)εἰμί
9

Καὶ ἐγὼ ὑμῖν λέγω, ἑαυτοῖς ποιήσατε φίλους ἐκ τοῦ μαμωνᾶ τῆς ἀδικίας, ἵνα ὅταν ἐκλίπῃ δέξωνται ὑμᾶς εἰς τὰς αἰωνίους σκηνάς.

And I say to you, make for yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.

Application (dominical 'I say to you')καίJesus' direct application: worldly wealth ('mammon of unrighteousness') is to be spent to make eternal friends, so that when it fails the disciple is welcomed into the eternal dwellings.
Καὶandconnective
ἐγὼINominativesubject (emphatic)ἐγώ: emphatic — Jesus' own authority
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
λέγωsayPres Act Indic 1 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ imperfective presentλέγω
ἑαυτοῖςfor yourselvesDativedative of advantage (reflexive)ἑαυτῶν
ποιήσατεmakeAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ποιέωimperative (command)→ aorist imperativeποιέω
φίλουςfriendsAccusativedirect objectφίλος: friend
ἐκby means ofpreposition + genitive (means)ἐκ: instrumental 'out of, by means of'
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
μαμωνᾶmammonGenitiveobject of ἐκμαμωνᾶς: Aramaic loanword for wealth/money; a declinable nominal here in the genitive
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
ἀδικίαςof unrighteousnessGenitiveattributive (Semitic) genitive of qualityἀδικία: 'mammon of unrighteousness' = the wealth of this unrighteous world
ἵναso thatpurpose conjunctionἵνα
ὅτανwhentemporal conjunctionὅταν
ἐκλίπῃit failsAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἐκλείπωsubjunctive (temporal)→ aorist subjunctiveἐκλείπω: 'fail, give out' — i.e. when the money runs out / at death (variant ἐκλίπητε, 'when you fail')
δέξωνταιthey may receiveAor Mid Subj 3 Pl · δέχομαιsubjunctive (purpose)→ aorist subjunctiveδέχομαι: 'welcome' — echoing v.4's δέξωνται, now eternal
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativedirect object
εἰςintopreposition + accusative (goal)
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
αἰωνίουςeternalAccusativeattributive adj.αἰώνιος: 'eternal' — pointedly contrasting the failing mammon
σκηνάςdwellingsAccusativeobject of εἰς (goal)σκηνή: 'tent, dwelling' — the eternal habitations
10

ὁ πιστὸς ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ καὶ ἐν πολλῷ πιστός ἐστιν, καὶ ὁ ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ ἄδικος καὶ ἐν πολλῷ ἄδικός ἐστιν.

The one faithful in very little is faithful also in much, and the one dishonest in very little is dishonest also in much.

Maxim (asyndeton)asyndetonA general principle of proportionate fidelity, framed as a balanced antithesis (faithful/dishonest, little/much).
the oneNominativesubstantival article (subject)
πιστὸςfaithfulNominativepredicate/substantival adj.πιστός: 'faithful, trustworthy'
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
ἐλαχίστῳvery littleDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)ἐλάχιστος: superlative of μικρός, 'least, very little'
καὶalsoadverbial (additive)καί
ἐνinpreposition + dative
πολλῷmuchDativeobject of ἐνπολύς: 'much'
πιστόςfaithfulNominativepredicate adj.πιστός
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίlinking verb→ gnomic presentεἰμί
καὶandconnective
the oneNominativesubstantival article (subject)
ἐνinpreposition + dative
ἐλαχίστῳvery littleDativeobject of ἐνἐλάχιστος
ἄδικοςdishonestNominativepredicate adj.ἄδικος: 'unjust, dishonest'
καὶalsoadverbial (additive)καί
ἐνinpreposition + dative
πολλῷmuchDativeobject of ἐνπολύς
ἄδικόςdishonestNominativepredicate adj.ἄδικος
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίlinking verb→ gnomic presentεἰμί
11

εἰ οὖν ἐν τῷ ἀδίκῳ μαμωνᾷ πιστοὶ οὐκ ἐγένεσθε, τὸ ἀληθινὸν τίς ὑμῖν πιστεύσει;

If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will entrust to you the true riches?

Inference (conditional)οὖνFirst a fortiori application of the maxim: unfaithfulness with worldly wealth disqualifies one from being trusted with 'the true.'
εἰifconditional conjunction (1st class)εἰ
οὖνthereforeinferential connectiveοὖν
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
τῷtheDativearticle
ἀδίκῳunrighteousDativeattributive adj.ἄδικος
μαμωνᾷmammonDativeobject of ἐν (sphere)μαμωνᾶς: wealth — a declinable nominal in the dative
πιστοὶfaithfulNominativepredicate adj.πιστός
οὐκnotnegative
ἐγένεσθεyou have beenAor Mid Indic 2 Pl · γίνομαιverb of protasis→ constative aoristγίνομαι: 'become, prove to be'
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἀληθινὸνtrue richesAccusativesubstantival adj. (object, fronted)ἀληθινός: 'the genuine, true' — the real/eternal wealth
τίςwhoNominativeinterrogative subjectτίς
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
πιστεύσειwill entrustFut Act Indic 3 Sg · πιστεύωmain verb (question)→ predictive futureπιστεύω: here 'entrust, commit to one's charge'
12

καὶ εἰ ἐν τῷ ἀλλοτρίῳ πιστοὶ οὐκ ἐγένεσθε, τὸ ὑμέτερον τίς ὑμῖν δώσει;

And if you have not been faithful in what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own?

Inference (parallel conditional)καίThe companion conditional: present wealth is 'another's' (God's, held in trust); fidelity with it is the condition of receiving 'your own' eternal inheritance.
καὶandconnective
εἰifconditional conjunctionεἰ
ἐνinpreposition + dative
τῷtheDativearticle
ἀλλοτρίῳwhat belongs to anotherDativesubstantival adj. (sphere)ἀλλότριος: 'belonging to another' — wealth held in trust, not truly ours
πιστοὶfaithfulNominativepredicate adj.πιστός
οὐκnotnegative
ἐγένεσθεyou have beenAor Mid Indic 2 Pl · γίνομαιverb of protasis→ constative aoristγίνομαι
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ὑμέτερονwhat is your ownAccusativesubstantival possessive (object, fronted)ὑμέτερος: 'your own' — the true inheritance (some witnesses ἡμέτερον)
τίςwhoNominativeinterrogative subjectτίς
ὑμῖνto youDativeindirect object
δώσειwill giveFut Act Indic 3 Sg · δίδωμιmain verb (question)→ predictive futureδίδωμι
13

οὐδεὶς οἰκέτης δύναται δυσὶ κυρίοις δουλεύειν· ἢ γὰρ τὸν ἕνα μισήσει καὶ τὸν ἕτερον ἀγαπήσει, ἢ ἑνὸς ἀνθέξεται καὶ τοῦ ἑτέρου καταφρονήσει. οὐ δύνασθε θεῷ δουλεύειν καὶ μαμωνᾷ.

No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Summarizing maxim (asyndeton)asyndetonThe climactic either/or: divided slavery is impossible; the unit closes by naming the two rival masters — God and mammon.
οὐδεὶςnoNominativenegative adj. modifying οἰκέτηςοὐδείς: 'no one, none'
οἰκέτηςservantNominativesubjectοἰκέτης: household slave/servant
δύναταιis ablePres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · δύναμαιmain verb→ gnomic presentδύναμαι
δυσὶtwoDativenumeral modifying κυρίοιςδύο (dat. δυσί)
κυρίοιςmastersDativedative object of δουλεύεινκύριος: master, lord
δουλεύεινto servePres Act Infin · δουλεύωcomplementary infinitive→ imperfective infinitiveδουλεύω: 'serve as a slave' (with dative)
eitherdisjunctive particleἤ ... ἤ: 'either ... or'
γὰρforcausal connectiveγάρ
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἕναoneAccusativedirect objectεἷς
μισήσειhe will hateFut Act Indic 3 Sg · μισέωmain verb→ gnomic futureμισέω: 'hate' (comparative, 'love less')
καὶandconnective
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἕτερονotherAccusativedirect objectἕτερος: 'the other'
ἀγαπήσειhe will loveFut Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀγαπάωmain verb→ gnomic futureἀγαπάω
ordisjunctive particle
ἑνὸςto oneGenitivegenitive object of ἀνθέξεταιεἷς
ἀνθέξεταιhe will be devotedFut Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἀντέχομαιmain verb→ gnomic futureἀντέχομαι: 'hold fast to, be devoted to' (with genitive)
καὶandconnective
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
ἑτέρουotherGenitivegenitive object of καταφρονήσειἕτερος
καταφρονήσειhe will despiseFut Act Indic 3 Sg · καταφρονέωmain verb→ gnomic futureκαταφρονέω: 'despise, look down on' (with genitive)
οὐnotnegative
δύνασθεyou are ablePres Mid/Pass Indic 2 Pl · δύναμαιmain verb→ gnomic presentδύναμαι
θεῷGodDativedative object of δουλεύεινθεός
δουλεύεινto servePres Act Infin · δουλεύωcomplementary infinitive→ imperfective infinitiveδουλεύω
καὶandconnective
μαμωνᾷmammonDativedative object of δουλεύεινμαμωνᾶς: wealth personified as a rival master — the declinable nominal in the dative
14

Ἤκουον δὲ ταῦτα πάντα οἱ Φαρισαῖοι φιλάργυροι ὑπάρχοντες, καὶ ἐξεμυκτήριζον αὐτόν.

And the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were hearing all these things, and they were sneering at him.

Narrative transition (audience reaction)δέThe scene shifts: the money-loving Pharisees overhear the teaching and scoff, setting up the rebuke of vv.15–18.
Ἤκουονwere hearingImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀκούωmain verb→ progressive imperfectἀκούω
δὲandconnective (transition)
ταῦταthese thingsAccusativedirect object
πάνταallAccusativeadjective (totality)πᾶς
οἱtheNominativearticle
ΦαρισαῖοιPhariseesNominativesubjectΦαρισαῖος: the Pharisees
φιλάργυροιlovers of moneyNominativepredicate adj. (with ὑπάρχοντες)φιλάργυρος: 'money-loving, avaricious'
ὑπάρχοντεςbeingPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ὑπάρχωptc. (causal/concessive)→ imperfective (characterizing state)ὑπάρχω: 'be, exist (as)'
καὶandconnective
ἐξεμυκτήριζονwere sneering atImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐκμυκτηρίζωmain verb→ progressive imperfectἐκμυκτηρίζω: 'turn up the nose, sneer, ridicule' (lit. 'nose out at')
αὐτόνhimAccusativedirect object
15

καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ὑμεῖς ἐστε οἱ δικαιοῦντες ἑαυτοὺς ἐνώπιον τῶν ἀνθρώπων, ὁ δὲ θεὸς γινώσκει τὰς καρδίας ὑμῶν· ὅτι τὸ ἐν ἀνθρώποις ὑψηλὸν βδέλυγμα ἐνώπιον τοῦ θεοῦ.

And he said to them: You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts; for what is exalted among men is an abomination before God.

Rebuke + grounding maximκαίJesus answers the scoffers: self-justification before men is exposed by the God who reads hearts; what men exalt God abhors.
καὶandconnective
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
αὐτοῖςto themDativeindirect object
ὙμεῖςyouNominativesubject (emphatic)ὑμεῖς: emphatic 'you'
ἐστεarePres Act Indic 2 Pl · εἰμίlinking verb→ stative presentεἰμί
οἱthe onesNominativearticle (substantizing ptc.)
δικαιοῦντεςwho justifyPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · δικαιόωsubstantival ptc. (predicate)→ imperfective (habitual)δικαιόω: 'justify, declare/make righteous' — here self-vindication
ἑαυτοὺςyourselvesAccusativereflexive objectἑαυτῶν
ἐνώπιονbeforeimproper preposition + genitiveἐνώπιον: 'in the sight of'
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἀνθρώπωνmenGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιονἄνθρωπος
theNominativearticle
δὲbutadversative connectiveδέ: contrast
θεὸςGodNominativesubjectθεός
γινώσκειknowsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · γινώσκωmain verb→ imperfective presentγινώσκω
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
καρδίαςheartsAccusativedirect objectκαρδία: heart — the inner self
ὑμῶνyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ὅτιforcausal conjunctionὅτι: grounds the rebuke
τὸthe thingNominativesubstantival article (subject)
ἐνamongpreposition + dative
ἀνθρώποιςmenDativeobject of ἐνἄνθρωπος
ὑψηλὸνexaltedNominativepredicate/attributive adj.ὑψηλός: 'high, exalted, lofty'
βδέλυγμαan abominationNominativepredicate nominativeβδέλυγμα: 'detestable thing, abomination' (LXX cultic term)
ἐνώπιονbeforeimproper preposition + genitiveἐνώπιον
τοῦtheGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ἐνώπιονθεός
16

Ὁ νόμος καὶ οἱ προφῆται μέχρι Ἰωάννου· ἀπὸ τότε ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ εὐαγγελίζεται καὶ πᾶς εἰς αὐτὴν βιάζεται.

The Law and the Prophets were until John; from then the kingdom of God is preached as good news, and everyone forces his way into it.

Salvation-historical statement (asyndeton)asyndetonA turning-point saying: the era of law-and-prophets reaches its terminus in John; the kingdom-proclamation opens a new era into which all are pressing.
theNominativearticle
νόμοςLawNominativesubjectνόμος: the Torah/Law
καὶandconnective
οἱtheNominativearticle
προφῆταιProphetsNominativesubject (compound)προφήτης: 'the Law and the Prophets' = the OT Scriptures
μέχριuntilimproper preposition + genitive (temporal)μέχρι: 'as far as, until'
ἸωάννουJohnGenitiveobject of μέχριἸωάννης: John the Baptist — the hinge figure
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (temporal)ἀπό
τότεthentemporal adverbτότε: 'that time'
theNominativearticle
βασιλείαkingdomNominativesubjectβασιλεία: reign, kingdom
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
θεοῦof GodGenitivegenitive (possessive/source)θεός
εὐαγγελίζεταιis preachedPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · εὐαγγελίζωmain verb→ imperfective present (passive)εὐαγγελίζομαι: 'proclaim good news'
καὶandconnective
πᾶςeveryoneNominativesubject (substantival)πᾶς: 'everyone'
εἰςintopreposition + accusative
αὐτὴνitAccusativeobject of εἰς
βιάζεταιforces his wayPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · βιάζομαιmain verb→ imperfective presentβιάζομαι: 'use force, press in' — middle ('forces his way in') or passive ('is urged/pressed'); the crux of the verse
17

Εὐκοπώτερον δέ ἐστιν τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ τὴν γῆν παρελθεῖν ἢ τοῦ νόμου μίαν κεραίαν πεσεῖν.

But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one serif of the Law to fall.

CounterbalanceδέLest v.16 imply the Law's abrogation, Jesus affirms its abiding validity to the last stroke — its demands are not relaxed but fulfilled (v.18 follows as example).
ΕὐκοπώτερονeasierNominativepredicate adj. (comparative)εὔκοπος: 'easy'; comparative 'easier'
δέbutadversative connectiveδέ
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίlinking verb→ gnomic presentεἰμί
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
οὐρανὸνheavenAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitiveοὐρανός
καὶandconnective
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
γῆνearthAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitiveγῆ
παρελθεῖνto pass awayAor Act Infin · παρέρχομαιepexegetical infinitive (subject of ἐστιν)→ aorist infinitiveπαρέρχομαι: 'pass away, perish'
thancomparative particleἤ: 'than' after comparative
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
νόμουLawGenitivepartitive/possessive genitiveνόμος
μίανoneAccusativenumeral modifying κεραίανεἷς (fem. μία)
κεραίανserifAccusativeaccusative subject of πεσεῖνκεραία: 'little horn,' the tiny stroke/serif distinguishing letters
πεσεῖνto fallAor Act Infin · πίπτωepexegetical infinitive→ aorist infinitiveπίπτω: 'fall' — i.e. become void
18

Πᾶς ὁ ἀπολύων τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ καὶ γαμῶν ἑτέραν μοιχεύει, καὶ ὁ ἀπολελυμένην ἀπὸ ἀνδρὸς γαμῶν μοιχεύει.

Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and the one who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.

Example of the Law's abiding force (asyndeton)asyndetonA concrete instance of the Law's enduring demand: divorce-and-remarriage is named adultery — the Pharisaic laxity that 'justifies itself before men' falls under God's standard.
ΠᾶςeveryoneNominativesubject (with ptc.)πᾶς
the oneNominativearticle (substantizing ptc.)
ἀπολύωνwho divorcesPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀπολύωsubstantival ptc. (subject)→ imperfective (gnomic)ἀπολύω: 'release, send away, divorce'
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
γυναῖκαwifeAccusativedirect objectγυνή: woman, wife
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
καὶandconnective
γαμῶνmarriesPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · γαμέωsubstantival ptc. (coordinate)→ imperfective (gnomic)γαμέω: 'marry'
ἑτέρανanotherAccusativedirect objectἕτερος: 'another (woman)'
μοιχεύειcommits adulteryPres Act Indic 3 Sg · μοιχεύωmain verb→ gnomic presentμοιχεύω: 'commit adultery'
καὶandconnective
the oneNominativearticle (substantizing ptc.)
ἀπολελυμένηνa divorced womanPerf Pass Ptc · Acc Sg Fem · ἀπολύωsubstantival ptc. (object of γαμῶν)→ resultative perfect (settled state)ἀπολύω: the perfect denotes her abiding divorced status
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (separation)ἀπό
ἀνδρὸςa husbandGenitiveobject of ἀπόἀνήρ: man, husband
γαμῶνwho marriesPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · γαμέωsubstantival ptc. (subject)→ imperfective (gnomic)γαμέω
μοιχεύειcommits adulteryPres Act Indic 3 Sg · μοιχεύωmain verb→ gnomic presentμοιχεύω
19

Ἄνθρωπος δέ τις ἦν πλούσιος, καὶ ἐνεδιδύσκετο πορφύραν καὶ βύσσον εὐφραινόμενος καθ’ ἡμέραν λαμπρῶς.

Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, feasting sumptuously every day.

New parable / narrative onsetδέThe second 'certain rich man' opens the parable of the great reversal; his luxury (purple, linen, daily feasting) is sketched in three strokes.
Ἄνθρωποςa manNominativesubjectἄνθρωπος
δέnowconnective (new scene)δέ
τιςcertainNominativeindefinite adj.τις
ἦνthere wasImpf Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίexistential verb→ stative imperfectεἰμί
πλούσιοςrichNominativepredicate adj.πλούσιος
καὶandconnective
ἐνεδιδύσκετοwas clothed inImpf Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐνδιδύσκωmain verb→ customary imperfectἐνδιδύσκω: 'clothe oneself in' (middle)
πορφύρανpurpleAccusativedirect objectπορφύρα: purple cloth — the dye of royalty and wealth
καὶandconnective
βύσσονfine linenAccusativedirect objectβύσσος: fine linen (luxury undergarment)
εὐφραινόμενοςfeastingPres Mid/Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · εὐφραίνωcircumstantial ptc. (manner)→ imperfective (ongoing merriment)εὐφραίνω: 'make merry, enjoy oneself, feast'
καθ’everypreposition + accusative (distributive)κατά: distributive 'each'
ἡμέρανdayAccusativeobject of κατά (καθ’ ἡμέραν = daily)ἡμέρα
λαμπρῶςsumptuouslyadverb of mannerλαμπρῶς: 'splendidly, sumptuously'
20

πτωχὸς δέ τις ὀνόματι Λάζαρος ἐβέβλητο πρὸς τὸν πυλῶνα αὐτοῦ εἱλκωμένος

And a certain poor man named Lazarus had been laid at his gate, covered with sores,

Contrasting figure introducedδέThe antithesis: a named beggar (the only named character in any parable) cast at the rich man's gate, his body a mass of sores.
πτωχὸςa poor manNominativesubjectπτωχός: destitute, beggar
δέandconnective (contrast)δέ
τιςcertainNominativeindefinite adj.τις
ὀνόματιby nameDativedative of referenceὄνομα: 'by name'
ΛάζαροςLazarusNominativeapposition to πτωχός (named subject)Λάζαρος: from Hebrew Eleazar, 'God has helped' — the only personally named figure in Jesus' parables
ἐβέβλητοhad been laidPluperf Pass Indic 3 Sg · βάλλωmain verb→ pluperfect (settled prior state)βάλλω: 'throw, lay'; the pluperfect passive 'had been laid/dumped' suggests helplessness
πρὸςatpreposition + accusative (location)πρός
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
πυλῶναgateAccusativeobject of πρόςπυλών: the gateway/porch of a great house
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
εἱλκωμένοςcovered with soresPerf Pass Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἑλκόωcircumstantial ptc. (condition)→ resultative perfect (ulcerated state)ἑλκόω: 'cause sores, ulcerate' — perfect 'having been ulcerated, full of sores'
21

καὶ ἐπιθυμῶν χορτασθῆναι ἀπὸ τῶν ψιχίων τῶν πιπτόντων ἀπὸ τῆς τραπέζης τοῦ πλουσίου· ἀλλὰ καὶ οἱ κύνες ἐρχόμενοι ἐπέλειχον τὰ ἕλκη αὐτοῦ.

and longing to be fed from the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table; but even the dogs would come and lick his sores.

Continuation (the beggar's plight)καίHis craving for table-scraps and the dogs licking his sores deepen the pathos — and the rich man's neglect, since the food was at hand.
καὶandconnective
ἐπιθυμῶνlongingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἐπιθυμέωcircumstantial ptc. (continuing description)→ imperfective (ongoing craving)ἐπιθυμέω: 'desire, long for'
χορτασθῆναιto be fedAor Pass Infin · χορτάζωcomplementary infinitive→ aorist infinitiveχορτάζω: 'feed, fill, satisfy with food'
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source)ἀπό
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ψιχίωνcrumbsGenitiveobject of ἀπόψιχίον: 'little morsel, crumb' (diminutive)
τῶνtheGenitivearticle (with ptc.)
πιπτόντωνthat fellPres Act Ptc · Gen Pl Neut · πίπτωattributive ptc.→ imperfective (habitual)πίπτω: 'fall'
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitiveἀπό
τῆςtheGenitivearticle
τραπέζηςtableGenitiveobject of ἀπότράπεζα: table
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
πλουσίουrich manGenitivegenitive of possession (substantival adj.)πλούσιος
ἀλλὰbutadversative connectiveἀλλά
καὶevenadverbial (ascensive)καί: 'even'
οἱtheNominativearticle
κύνεςdogsNominativesubjectκύων: dog — unclean scavengers
ἐρχόμενοιcomingPres Mid/Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἔρχομαιcircumstantial ptc. (attendant)→ imperfectiveἔρχομαι
ἐπέλειχονwould lickImpf Act Indic 3 Pl · ἐπιλείχωmain verb→ customary/iterative imperfectἐπιλείχω: 'lick over' (NT hapax)
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ἕλκηsoresAccusativedirect objectἕλκος: sore, ulcer
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
22

ἐγένετο δὲ ἀποθανεῖν τὸν πτωχὸν καὶ ἀπενεχθῆναι αὐτὸν ὑπὸ τῶν ἀγγέλων εἰς τὸν κόλπον Ἀβραάμ· ἀπέθανεν δὲ καὶ ὁ πλούσιος καὶ ἐτάφη.

And it happened that the poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.

Turning point (both die)δέDeath reverses the scene: the beggar is escorted by angels to Abraham's bosom (the place of honor at the eschatological banquet), the rich man merely 'buried.'
ἐγένετοit happenedAor Mid Indic 3 Sg · γίνομαιmain verb (impersonal)→ constative aoristγίνομαι: Septuagintal ἐγένετο framing
δὲandconnective
ἀποθανεῖνdiedAor Act Infin · ἀποθνῄσκωinfinitive (subject of ἐγένετο)→ aorist infinitiveἀποθνῄσκω: 'die'
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
πτωχὸνpoor manAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitiveπτωχός
καὶandconnective
ἀπενεχθῆναιwas carriedAor Pass Infin · ἀποφέρωinfinitive (subject of ἐγένετο)→ aorist infinitive (passive)ἀποφέρω: 'carry away, bear off'
αὐτὸνhimAccusativeaccusative subject of infinitive
ὑπὸbypreposition + genitive (agency)ὑπό
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
ἀγγέλωνangelsGenitivegenitive of agencyἄγγελος: angel, messenger
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal)εἰς
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
κόλπονbosomAccusativeobject of εἰςκόλπος: 'bosom, lap' — the place of honor reclining beside Abraham at the feast
Ἀβραάμof AbrahamGenitivegenitive of relationship (proper name, indeclinable form)Ἀβραάμ: the patriarch; the indeclinable Hebrew name here functions as a genitive
ἀπέθανενdiedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀποθνῄσκωmain verb→ constative aoristἀποθνῄσκω
δὲandconnective
καὶalsoadverbial (additive)καί
theNominativearticle
πλούσιοςrich manNominativesubjectπλούσιος
καὶandconnective
ἐτάφηwas buriedAor Pass Indic 3 Sg · θάπτωmain verb→ constative aorist (passive)θάπτω: 'bury' — the rich man gets a burial but no angelic escort
23

καὶ ἐν τῷ ᾅδῃ ἐπάρας τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτοῦ, ὑπάρχων ἐν βασάνοις, ὁρᾷ Ἀβραὰμ ἀπὸ μακρόθεν καὶ Λάζαρον ἐν τοῖς κόλποις αὐτοῦ.

And in Hades, lifting up his eyes, being in torment, he sees Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom.

Reversal scene in the afterlifeκαίThe reversal is now fully drawn: the rich man in Hades torments, the beggar at rest in Abraham's bosom — and the rich man can see across the gulf.
καὶandconnective
ἐνinpreposition + dative (location)ἐν
τῷtheDativearticle
ᾅδῃHadesDativeobject of ἐν (location)ᾅδης: Hades, the realm of the dead; here the place of the wicked's torment (cf. Heb. Sheol)
ἐπάραςhaving lifted upAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἐπαίρωcircumstantial ptc. (temporal)→ antecedent aoristἐπαίρω: 'lift up' (the eyes)
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
ὀφθαλμοὺςeyesAccusativeobject of ptc.ὀφθαλμός: eye
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
ὑπάρχωνbeingPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ὑπάρχωcircumstantial ptc. (concessive/circumstantial)→ imperfective (ongoing state)ὑπάρχω: 'be, exist (in a state)'
ἐνinpreposition + dative
βασάνοιςtormentDativeobject of ἐν (state)βάσανος: 'torture, torment' (orig. the touchstone for testing metals)
ὁρᾷhe seesPres Act Indic 3 Sg · ὁράωmain verb→ historic/vivid presentὁράω
ἈβραὰμAbrahamAccusativedirect object (proper name, indeclinable form)Ἀβραάμ: the patriarch as object of ὁρᾷ
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitiveἀπό
μακρόθενafaradverb (ἀπὸ μακρόθεν = far off)μακρόθεν: 'from afar'
καὶandconnective
ΛάζαρονLazarusAccusativedirect objectΛάζαρος
ἐνinpreposition + dative
τοῖςtheDativearticle
κόλποιςbosomDativeobject of ἐνκόλπος: the place of honor at the patriarch's side
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession (Abraham's)
24

καὶ αὐτὸς φωνήσας εἶπεν· Πάτερ Ἀβραάμ, ἐλέησόν με καὶ πέμψον Λάζαρον ἵνα βάψῃ τὸ ἄκρον τοῦ δακτύλου αὐτοῦ ὕδατος καὶ καταψύξῃ τὴν γλῶσσάν μου, ὅτι ὀδυνῶμαι ἐν τῇ φλογὶ ταύτῃ.

And he called out and said: Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.

First plea (dialogue)καίThe rich man, still presuming on patronage, addresses Abraham as 'father' and asks that Lazarus — whom he ignored — be sent to relieve him.
καὶandconnective
αὐτὸςheNominativesubject (emphatic)αὐτός
φωνήσαςcalling outAor Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · φωνέωcircumstantial ptc. (attendant)→ coincident aoristφωνέω: 'call out, cry'
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
ΠάτερFatherVocativevocative of addressπατήρ: 'father' — claiming descent from Abraham
ἈβραάμAbrahamVocativevocative (apposition; proper name, indeclinable form)Ἀβραάμ: addressed in the vocative
ἐλέησόνhave mercy onAor Act Impv 2 Sg · ἐλεέωimperative (entreaty)→ aorist imperativeἐλεέω: 'show mercy, pity'
μεmeAccusativedirect object
καὶandconnective
πέμψονsendAor Act Impv 2 Sg · πέμπωimperative (entreaty)→ aorist imperativeπέμπω: 'send'
ΛάζαρονLazarusAccusativedirect objectΛάζαρος
ἵναtopurpose conjunctionἵνα
βάψῃhe may dipAor Act Subj 3 Sg · βάπτωsubjunctive (purpose)→ aorist subjunctiveβάπτω: 'dip'
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἄκρονtipAccusativedirect objectἄκρον: 'tip, end'
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
δακτύλουfingerGenitivepartitive/possessive genitiveδάκτυλος: finger
αὐτοῦhisGenitivegenitive of possession
ὕδατοςin waterGenitivegenitive (of material/content with βάψῃ)ὕδωρ: water — a single drop is all he begs
καὶandconnective
καταψύξῃmay coolAor Act Subj 3 Sg · καταψύχωsubjunctive (purpose)→ aorist subjunctiveκαταψύχω: 'cool, refresh' (NT hapax)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
γλῶσσάνtongueAccusativedirect objectγλῶσσα: tongue
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
ὅτιforcausal conjunctionὅτι
ὀδυνῶμαιI am in anguishPres Mid/Pass Indic 1 Sg · ὀδυνάομαιmain verb→ imperfective presentὀδυνάομαι: 'suffer pain, be in anguish'
ἐνinpreposition + dative
τῇtheDativearticle
φλογὶflameDativeobject of ἐνφλόξ: flame
ταύτῃthisDativedemonstrative
25

εἶπεν δὲ Ἀβραάμ· Τέκνον, μνήσθητι ὅτι ἀπέλαβες τὰ ἀγαθά σου ἐν τῇ ζωῇ σου, καὶ Λάζαρος ὁμοίως τὰ κακά· νῦν δὲ ὧδε παρακαλεῖται σὺ δὲ ὀδυνᾶσαι.

But Abraham said: Child, remember that you received your good things in your lifetime, and Lazarus likewise the bad things; but now here he is comforted, and you are in anguish.

Abraham's first answerδέThe ground of the refusal: the great reversal. Each received his portion in life; now the comfort and the anguish are exchanged.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
δὲbutconnective
ἈβραάμAbrahamNominativesubject (proper name, indeclinable form)Ἀβραάμ: the patriarch as speaker
ΤέκνονChildVocativevocative of addressτέκνον: 'child' — Abraham grants the kinship claim, yet it cannot help
μνήσθητιrememberAor Pass Impv 2 Sg · μιμνῄσκομαιimperative→ aorist imperativeμιμνῄσκομαι: 'remember, call to mind'
ὅτιthatcontent conjunctionὅτι
ἀπέλαβεςyou received in fullAor Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀπολαμβάνωverb of ὅτι-clause→ constative aoristἀπολαμβάνω: 'receive back, receive in full' — the ἀπό- suggests payment received as one's due
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ἀγαθάgood thingsAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)ἀγαθός: 'good things' — earthly goods
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession
ἐνinpreposition + dative
τῇtheDativearticle
ζωῇlifetimeDativeobject of ἐν (temporal)ζωή: life
σουyourGenitivegenitive of possession
καὶandconnective
ΛάζαροςLazarusNominativesubject (with verbal ellipsis 'received')Λάζαρος
ὁμοίωςlikewiseadverbὁμοίως: 'likewise'
τὰtheAccusativearticle
κακάbad thingsAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)κακός: 'bad things, evils'
νῦνnowtemporal adverbνῦν
δὲbutadversative connectiveδέ
ὧδεhereadverb of placeὧδε: 'here'
παρακαλεῖταιhe is comfortedPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · παρακαλέωmain verb→ imperfective present (passive)παρακαλέω: 'comfort, console'
σὺyouNominativesubject (emphatic)σύ
δὲbutadversative connectiveδέ
ὀδυνᾶσαιare in anguishPres Mid/Pass Indic 2 Sg · ὀδυνάομαιmain verb→ imperfective presentὀδυνάομαι
26

καὶ ἐν πᾶσι τούτοις μεταξὺ ἡμῶν καὶ ὑμῶν χάσμα μέγα ἐστήρικται, ὅπως οἱ θέλοντες διαβῆναι ἔνθεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς μὴ δύνωνται, μηδὲ ἐκεῖθεν πρὸς ἡμᾶς διαπερῶσιν.

And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who wish to cross over from here to you cannot, nor may they cross from there to us.

Abraham's second ground (the fixed chasm)καίBeyond the reversal lies irreversibility: a fixed, uncrossable chasm makes the relief impossible — the destinies are sealed.
καὶandconnective
ἐνinpreposition + dative (ἐν πᾶσι τούτοις = besides all this)ἐν
πᾶσιallDativeadjectiveπᾶς
τούτοιςthese thingsDativedemonstrative (object of ἐν)οὗτος
μεταξὺbetweenimproper preposition + genitiveμεταξύ: 'between'
ἡμῶνusGenitiveobject of μεταξύ
καὶandconnective
ὑμῶνyouGenitiveobject of μεταξύ
χάσμαchasmNominativesubjectχάσμα: 'chasm, gulf' (NT hapax)
μέγαgreatNominativeattributive adj.μέγας: 'great, large'
ἐστήρικταιhas been fixedPerf Pass Indic 3 Sg · στηρίζωmain verb→ resultative perfect (settled state)στηρίζω: 'fix firmly, establish' — the perfect stresses the permanent, fixed condition
ὅπωςso thatpurpose/result conjunctionὅπως
οἱthe onesNominativearticle (substantizing ptc.)
θέλοντεςwho wishPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · θέλωsubstantival ptc. (subject)→ imperfectiveθέλω: 'wish, want'
διαβῆναιto cross overAor Act Infin · διαβαίνωcomplementary infinitive→ aorist infinitiveδιαβαίνω: 'cross over'
ἔνθενfrom hereadverb of placeἔνθεν: 'hence, from here'
πρὸςtopreposition + accusativeπρός
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeobject of πρός
μὴnotnegative (with subjunctive)μή
δύνωνταιare ablePres Mid/Pass Subj 3 Pl · δύναμαιsubjunctive (purpose clause)→ imperfective subjunctiveδύναμαι
μηδὲnornegative connectiveμηδέ: 'and not, nor'
ἐκεῖθενfrom thereadverb of placeἐκεῖθεν: 'thence, from there'
πρὸςtopreposition + accusativeπρός
ἡμᾶςusAccusativeobject of πρός
διαπερῶσινmay crossPres Act Subj 3 Pl · διαπεράωsubjunctive (purpose clause)→ imperfective subjunctiveδιαπεράω: 'cross over, pass through'
27

εἶπεν δέ· Ἐρωτῶ σε οὖν, πάτερ, ἵνα πέμψῃς αὐτὸν εἰς τὸν οἶκον τοῦ πατρός μου,

And he said: Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house,

Second plea (dialogue)δέFailing relief for himself, the rich man turns to a second request: a warning mission to his living family.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
δέandconnective
ἘρωτῶI begPres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἐρωτάωmain verb→ imperfective presentἐρωτάω: 'ask, request, beg'
σεyouAccusativedirect object
οὖνtheninferential connectiveοὖν
πάτερfatherVocativevocative of addressπατήρ
ἵναtocontent/object conjunction (after ἐρωτῶ)ἵνα
πέμψῃςyou would sendAor Act Subj 2 Sg · πέμπωsubjunctive (object clause)→ aorist subjunctiveπέμπω
αὐτὸνhimAccusativedirect object (Lazarus)
εἰςtopreposition + accusative (goal)εἰς
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
οἶκονhouseAccusativeobject of εἰςοἶκος
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
πατρόςfatherGenitivegenitive of relationshipπατήρ
μουmyGenitivegenitive of possession
28

ἔχω γὰρ πέντε ἀδελφούς, ὅπως διαμαρτύρηται αὐτοῖς, ἵνα μὴ καὶ αὐτοὶ ἔλθωσιν εἰς τὸν τόπον τοῦτον τῆς βασάνου.

for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they too come into this place of torment.

Ground of the second pleaγάρThe motive: five surviving brothers who, unwarned, will share his fate; he wants a returning witness to make them repent.
ἔχωI havePres Act Indic 1 Sg · ἔχωmain verb→ stative presentἔχω
γὰρforcausal connectiveγάρ
πέντεfivenumeral modifying ἀδελφούςπέντε (indecl. numeral)
ἀδελφούςbrothersAccusativedirect objectἀδελφός: brother
ὅπωςso thatpurpose conjunctionὅπως
διαμαρτύρηταιhe may warnPres Mid/Pass Subj 3 Sg · διαμαρτύρομαιsubjunctive (purpose)→ imperfective subjunctiveδιαμαρτύρομαι: 'testify solemnly, warn, charge'
αὐτοῖςthemDativeindirect object
ἵναlestnegative purpose conjunction (ἵνα μή)ἵνα
μὴnotnegativeμή
καὶalsoadverbial (additive)καί: 'too'
αὐτοὶtheyNominativesubject (emphatic)αὐτός
ἔλθωσινshould comeAor Act Subj 3 Pl · ἔρχομαιsubjunctive (purpose)→ aorist subjunctiveἔρχομαι
εἰςintopreposition + accusativeεἰς
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
τόπονplaceAccusativeobject of εἰςτόπος: place
τοῦτονthisAccusativedemonstrativeοὗτος
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
βασάνουtormentGenitivegenitive of descriptionβάσανος: torment
29

λέγει δὲ Ἀβραάμ· Ἔχουσι Μωϋσέα καὶ τοὺς προφήτας· ἀκουσάτωσαν αὐτῶν.

But Abraham says: They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.

Abraham's reply (sufficiency of Scripture)δέThe decisive answer: the brothers already possess the sufficient revelation — Moses and the Prophets — and need only heed it.
λέγειsaysPres Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ historic presentλέγω
δὲbutconnective
ἈβραάμAbrahamNominativesubject (proper name, indeclinable form)Ἀβραάμ
Ἔχουσιthey havePres Act Indic 3 Pl · ἔχωmain verb→ stative presentἔχω
ΜωϋσέαMosesAccusativedirect object (proper name)Μωϋσῆς: Moses, by metonymy the Law
καὶandconnective
τοὺςtheAccusativearticle
προφήταςProphetsAccusativedirect objectπροφήτης: 'Moses and the Prophets' = the Scriptures
ἀκουσάτωσανlet them hearAor Act Impv 3 Pl · ἀκούωthird-person imperative→ aorist imperativeἀκούω: 'hear, heed' (with genitive of person)
αὐτῶνthemGenitivegenitive object of ἀκουσάτωσαν
30

ὁ δὲ εἶπεν· Οὐχί, πάτερ Ἀβραάμ, ἀλλ’ ἐάν τις ἀπὸ νεκρῶν πορευθῇ πρὸς αὐτοὺς μετανοήσουσιν.

And he said: No, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.

Rejoinder (third plea)δέThe rich man objects: Scripture is not enough; a resurrection-messenger would surely produce repentance.
heNominativesubject (article as pronoun)
δὲandconnective
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
ΟὐχίNoemphatic negativeοὐχί: emphatic 'no!'
πάτερfatherVocativevocative of addressπατήρ
ἈβραάμAbrahamVocativevocative (apposition; proper name)Ἀβραάμ
ἀλλ’butadversative connectiveἀλλά
ἐάνifconditional conjunction (3rd class)ἐάν
τιςsomeoneNominativesubject (indefinite)τις
ἀπὸfrompreposition + genitive (source)ἀπό
νεκρῶνthe deadGenitiveobject of ἀπό (substantival adj.)νεκρός: dead
πορευθῇshould goAor Pass Subj 3 Sg · πορεύομαιsubjunctive (protasis)→ aorist subjunctiveπορεύομαι: 'go, journey'
πρὸςtopreposition + accusativeπρός
αὐτοὺςthemAccusativeobject of πρός
μετανοήσουσινthey will repentFut Act Indic 3 Pl · μετανοέωmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive futureμετανοέω: 'repent, change one's mind'
31

εἶπεν δὲ αὐτῷ· Εἰ Μωϋσέως καὶ τῶν προφητῶν οὐκ ἀκούουσιν, οὐδ’ ἐάν τις ἐκ νεκρῶν ἀναστῇ πεισθήσονται.

But he said to him: If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.

Closing verdictδέThe parable's punch line: the obstinacy that ignores Scripture will not yield even to a resurrection — a pointed foreshadowing of the unbelief that will meet Jesus' own rising.
εἶπενsaidAor Act Indic 3 Sg · λέγωmain verb→ constative aorist
δὲbutconnective
αὐτῷto himDativeindirect object
Εἰifconditional conjunction (1st class)εἰ
ΜωϋσέωςMosesGenitivegenitive object of ἀκούουσιν (proper name)Μωϋσῆς: by metonymy the Law
καὶandconnective
τῶνtheGenitivearticle
προφητῶνProphetsGenitivegenitive object of ἀκούουσινπροφήτης
οὐκnotnegative
ἀκούουσινthey hearPres Act Indic 3 Pl · ἀκούωverb of protasis→ imperfective presentἀκούω: 'hear, heed'
οὐδ’neithernegative connectiveοὐδέ: 'not even, neither'
ἐάνifconditional conjunction (3rd class)ἐάν
τιςsomeoneNominativesubject (indefinite)τις
ἐκfrompreposition + genitive (source)ἐκ
νεκρῶνthe deadGenitiveobject of ἐκνεκρός
ἀναστῇshould riseAor Act Subj 3 Sg · ἀνίστημιsubjunctive (protasis)→ aorist subjunctiveἀνίστημι: 'rise, stand up' (intransitive aorist) — resurrection language
πεισθήσονταιwill they be persuadedFut Pass Indic 3 Pl · πείθωmain verb (apodosis)→ predictive future (passive)πείθω: 'persuade'; passive 'be persuaded, be convinced'