1
Πᾶσα ψυχὴ ἐξουσίαις ὑπερεχούσαις ὑποτασσέσθω. οὐ γὰρ ἔστιν ἐξουσία εἰ μὴ ὑπὸ θεοῦ, αἱ δὲ οὖσαι ὑπὸ θεοῦ τεταγμέναι εἰσίν.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.
The governing principle: everyone is to submit to the civil powers, because all authority derives from God, who has established the existing ones.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ΠᾶσαeveryNominativeattributive adjectiveπᾶς: 'all, every'; the command is universal — no one exempt.
ψυχὴperson/soulNominativesubjectψυχή: 'soul, person, life' (cf. 2:9; 11:3); a Semitism for 'every person' — every individual.
ἐξουσίαιςauthoritiesDativedat. (object of ὑποτασσέσθω)ἐξουσία: 'authority, power, ruling power' (cf. 9:21; 13:2-3); the civil governing powers.
ὑπερεχούσαιςgoverning/superiorPres Act Ptc · Dat Pl Fem · ὑπερέχωattributive participle→ customary (characteristic)ὑπερέχω: 'be over, surpass, hold authority above' (ὑπέρ + ἔχω; cf. Phil 2:3; 1 Pet 2:13); the 'higher' powers placed over us.
ὑποτασσέσθωlet be subjectPres Mid/Pass Impv 3 Sg · ὑποτάσσωmain verb (3rd-person imperative)→ imperatival (continuous)ὑποτάσσω: 'subject, submit, be subordinate' (ὑπό + τάσσω, 'arrange under'; cf. 8:7; 10:3); a military term — fall into rank under the authority.
οὐnotnegative particle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἔστινthere isPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb (existential)→ gnomic present
ἐξουσίαauthorityNominativesubjectἐξουσία: 'authority'; none exists independently of God.
εἰexceptconjunction (εἰ μή, 'except')εἰ μή: 'except, if not.'
μὴnotnegative particle
ὑπὸfrom/bypreposition + genitive (agency/source)ὑπό + gen.: 'by, from' — authority's source is God.
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ὑπό (source)θεός: God; the ultimate source of all governing authority.
αἱthe (ones)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δὲand/butconnective conjunction
οὖσαιthat existPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Fem · εἰμίsubstantival participle (subject)→ present (ongoing)εἰμί: 'be, exist'; 'the existing authorities.'
ὑπὸbypreposition + genitive (agency)
θεοῦGodGenitiveobject of ὑπό (agent)
τεταγμέναιinstituted/appointedPerf Pass Ptc · Nom Pl Fem · τάσσωpredicate participle (periphrastic w/ εἰσίν)→ intensive perfect (settled state)τάσσω: 'appoint, arrange, ordain' (cf. ὑποτάσσω); the powers are 'ordained' by God — a deliberate cognate echo, set in their place by him.
εἰσίνthey arePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb (periphrastic w/ ptc.)→ stative present
2
ὥστε ὁ ἀντιτασσόμενος τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ τῇ τοῦ θεοῦ διαταγῇ ἀνθέστηκεν, οἱ δὲ ἀνθεστηκότες ἑαυτοῖς κρίμα λήμψονται.
Therefore whoever resists the authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.
The inference: to resist the authority is to resist God's own arrangement — and such resisters bring judgment on themselves.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
ὥστεthereforeinferential conjunctionὥστε: 'so that, therefore' (cf. 7:12); drawing the consequence of v.1.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
ἀντιτασσόμενοςwho resists/opposesPres Mid Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀντιτάσσωsubstantival participle (subject)→ customary (characteristic)ἀντιτάσσω: 'set oneself against, resist, oppose' (ἀντί + τάσσω; cf. the τάσσω wordplay, v.1); to range oneself in battle-line against the authority.
τῇtheDativearticle
ἐξουσίᾳauthorityDativedat. (object of ἀντιτασσόμενος)ἐξουσία: 'authority' (cf. v.1).
τῇtheDativearticle
τοῦofGenitivearticle
θεοῦGodGenitivepossessive genitive
διαταγῇordinance/appointmentDativedat. (object of ἀνθέστηκεν)διαταγή: 'ordinance, arrangement, what is appointed' (cf. διατάσσω; the τάσσω root again); God's institution — to resist the power is to resist this.
ἀνθέστηκενhas resisted/opposesPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἀνθίστημιmain verb→ intensive perfect (standing opposition)ἀνθίστημι: 'set against, resist, oppose' (ἀντί + ἵστημι; cf. 9:19); takes a stand against God's ordinance.
οἱthoseNominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
δὲandconnective conjunction
ἀνθεστηκότεςwho resistPerf Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · ἀνθίστημιsubstantival participle (subject)→ intensive perfect (standing opposition)ἀνθίστημι: 'resist' (cf. above); the persistent resisters.
ἑαυτοῖςfor themselvesDativereflexive (dat. of disadvantage)'on themselves' — the judgment is self-incurred.
κρίμαjudgment/condemnationAccusativedirect objectκρίμα: 'judgment, condemnation, sentence' (cf. 2:2; 3:8); whether civil punishment or God's judgment (or both).
λήμψονταιwill incur/receiveFut Mid Indic 3 Pl · λαμβάνωmain verb→ predictive futureλαμβάνω: 'receive, get' (cf. 5:17); they will bring judgment on themselves.
3
οἱ γὰρ ἄρχοντες οὐκ εἰσὶν φόβος τῷ ἀγαθῷ ἔργῳ ἀλλὰ τῷ κακῷ. θέλεις δὲ μὴ φοβεῖσθαι τὴν ἐξουσίαν; τὸ ἀγαθὸν ποίει, καὶ ἕξεις ἔπαινον ἐξ αὐτῆς·
For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,
The authority's proper function: rulers terrify the wrongdoer, not the upright — so do good and earn the ruler's commendation.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 words
οἱtheNominativearticle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἄρχοντεςrulersNominativesubjectἄρχων: 'ruler, magistrate, official' (cf. ἀρχή, 8:38); the civil officials.
οὐκnotnegative particle
εἰσὶνarePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb→ gnomic present
φόβοςterror/fearNominativepredicate nominativeφόβος: 'fear, terror' (cf. 8:15; 13:7); rulers are no dread to the law-abiding.
τῷto theDativearticle
ἀγαθῷgoodDativeattributive adjectiveἀγαθός: 'good' (cf. 2:7; 12:9).
ἔργῳconduct/workDativedat. of referenceἔργον: 'work, deed, conduct' (cf. 2:6-7); good behavior — not feared by the state.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
τῷto theDativearticle
κακῷbadDativedat. of reference (substantival adj.; 'work' implied)κακός: 'bad, evil' (cf. 12:17, 21); bad conduct — the proper object of the ruler's terror.
θέλειςdo you wishPres Act Indic 2 Sg · θέλωmain verb→ customary presentθέλω: 'wish, want' (cf. 7:15); the diatribe-style direct address.
δὲnowconnective conjunction
μὴnotnegative particle (w/ inf.)
φοβεῖσθαιto fearPres Mid Inf · φοβέομαιcomplementary infinitive→ present (ongoing)φοβέομαι: 'fear, be afraid' (cf. 11:20); 'to have no fear of the authority?'
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ἐξουσίανauthorityAccusativedirect object of φοβεῖσθαιἐξουσία: 'authority' (cf. v.1-2).
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἀγαθὸνgoodAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)ἀγαθός: 'good'; the conduct that earns commendation.
ποίειdoPres Act Impv 2 Sg · ποιέωmain verb (command)→ imperatival (continuous)ποιέω: 'do, practice' (cf. 2:14); the directive — do good.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἕξειςyou will have/receiveFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἔχωmain verb→ predictive futureἔχω: 'have, receive' (cf. 5:1); the promised result — approval.
ἔπαινονpraise/approvalAccusativedirect objectἔπαινος: 'praise, approval, commendation' (cf. 2:29); the ruler's recognition of good conduct.
ἐξfrompreposition + genitive (source)
αὐτῆςit/herGenitiveobject of ἐξ (refers to the authority)
4
θεοῦ γὰρ διάκονός ἐστιν σοὶ εἰς τὸ ἀγαθόν. ἐὰν δὲ τὸ κακὸν ποιῇς, φοβοῦ· οὐ γὰρ εἰκῇ τὴν μάχαιραν φορεῖ· θεοῦ γὰρ διάκονός ἐστιν, ἔκδικος εἰς ὀργὴν τῷ τὸ κακὸν πράσσοντι.
for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out wrath on the wrongdoer.
The ruler's God-given role twice named: a servant for your good if you do right, but a sword-bearing avenger of God's wrath if you do wrong.
Word-by-word analysis· 31 words
θεοῦof GodGenitivepossessive genitive (fronted, emphatic)θεός: God; the ruler is God's own servant — the basis of the whole argument.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
διάκονόςservant/ministerNominativepredicate nominativeδιάκονος: 'servant, minister, deacon' (cf. 12:7; 15:8); even the secular ruler serves God's purposes.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb→ gnomic present
σοὶto youDativedat. of advantage
εἰςforpreposition + accusative (purpose)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
ἀγαθόνgoodAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose; substantival adj.)ἀγαθός: 'good'; the ruler exists for your benefit.
ἐὰνifconjunction (third-class condition)
δὲbutadversative conjunction
τὸtheAccusativearticle
κακὸνwrong/evilAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)κακός: 'bad, evil' (cf. v.3); wrongdoing.
ποιῇςyou doPres Act Subj 2 Sg · ποιέωsubjunctive (protasis)→ present (general)ποιέω: 'do'; doing evil.
φοβοῦbe afraidPres Mid Impv 2 Sg · φοβέομαιmain verb (command)→ imperatival (continuous)φοβέομαι: 'fear' (cf. v.3); the wrongdoer rightly fears the state.
οὐnotnegative particle
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
εἰκῇin vain/without reasonadverb (manner)εἰκῇ: 'in vain, without purpose, for nothing' (cf. Gal 3:4); the sword is not borne idly.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
μάχαιρανswordAccusativedirect objectμάχαιρα: 'sword' (cf. 8:35); the symbol of the state's coercive power — including capital authority.
φορεῖbears/wearsPres Act Indic 3 Sg · φορέωmain verb→ gnomic presentφορέω: 'bear, wear (habitually)' (frequentative of φέρω); the ruler 'carries' the sword as a standing power.
θεοῦof GodGenitivepossessive genitiveθεός: God; 'God's servant' repeated for emphasis.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
διάκονόςservant/ministerNominativepredicate nominativeδιάκονος: 'servant'; the second naming — now as agent of wrath.
ἐστινisPres Act Indic 3 Sg · εἰμίmain verb→ gnomic present
ἔκδικοςavengerNominativeapposition to διάκονοςἔκδικος: 'avenger, one who punishes' (ἐκ + δίκη; cf. ἐκδίκησις, 12:19); the state executes the wrath God reserved to himself (12:19) — through his appointed agent.
εἰςfor/to carry outpreposition + accusative (purpose)
ὀργὴνwrathAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)ὀργή: 'wrath' (cf. 1:18; 12:19); divine wrath executed civilly.
τῷon the (one)Dativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
τὸtheAccusativearticle
κακὸνevilAccusativedirect object of πράσσοντικακός: 'evil' (cf. v.3-4).
πράσσοντιwho does/practicesPres Act Ptc · Dat Sg Masc · πράσσωsubstantival participle (dat. of disadvantage)→ customary (characteristic)πράσσω: 'do, practice' (cf. 1:32; 2:1); the habitual wrongdoer — the object of the ruler's wrath.
5
διὸ ἀνάγκη ὑποτάσσεσθαι, οὐ μόνον διὰ τὴν ὀργὴν ἀλλὰ καὶ διὰ τὴν συνείδησιν.
Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid wrath but also for the sake of conscience.
The conclusion with a deeper motive: submit — not merely from fear of punishment, but because conscience knows it is right.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
διὸthereforeinferential conjunctionδιό: 'therefore' (cf. 1:24; 4:22); drawing the conclusion of vv.1-4.
ἀνάγκηnecessity/one mustNominativesubject (verbless, w/ inf.)ἀνάγκη: 'necessity, compulsion' (cf. 1 Cor 7:26); 'it is necessary' — submission is obligatory.
ὑποτάσσεσθαιto be in subjectionPres Mid/Pass Inf · ὑποτάσσωinfinitive (subject of ἀνάγκη)→ present (ongoing)ὑποτάσσω: 'submit, be subject' (cf. v.1); the required posture.
οὐnotnegative particle
μόνονonlyadverbοὐ μόνον … ἀλλὰ καί: 'not only … but also' (cf. 5:3, 11).
διὰbecause of/to avoidpreposition + accusative (cause)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
ὀργὴνwrathAccusativeobject of διά (cause)ὀργή: 'wrath' (cf. v.4); the lower motive — fear of punishment.
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
καὶalsoadverbial
διὰbecause of/for the sake ofpreposition + accusative (cause)
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
συνείδησινconscienceAccusativeobject of διά (cause)συνείδησις: 'conscience, moral awareness' (cf. 2:15; 9:1); the higher motive — the inner sense that submission is right before God.
6
διὰ τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ φόρους τελεῖτε, λειτουργοὶ γὰρ θεοῦ εἰσιν εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο προσκαρτεροῦντες.
For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing.
A concrete consequence: this is why you pay taxes — the officials are God's public ministers, devoting themselves to this very service.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
διὰbecause ofpreposition + accusative (cause)διὰ τοῦτο: 'for this reason, therefore.'
τοῦτοthisAccusativeobject of διά (demonstrative)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
καὶalsoadverbial
φόρουςtaxesAccusativedirect objectφόρος: 'tax, tribute' (esp. direct tax on persons/property; cf. v.7); paid to the state.
τελεῖτεyou payPres Act Indic 2 Pl · τελέωmain verb (or imperative)→ customary presentτελέω: 'pay, complete, fulfill' (cf. τέλος, 'tax, end'); 'you pay' (indicative) or 'pay!' (imperative) — taxes rendered.
λειτουργοὶministers/public servantsNominativepredicate nominativeλειτουργός: 'public servant, minister' (originally one who performs public service at his own cost; cf. λειτουργία, 'liturgy'; 15:16); the officials as God's public ministers.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
θεοῦof GodGenitivepossessive genitiveθεός: God; the officials serve God, even unwittingly.
εἰσινthey arePres Act Indic 3 Pl · εἰμίmain verb→ stative present
εἰςto/forpreposition + accusative (purpose)
αὐτὸveryAccusativeintensive pronoun
τοῦτοthisAccusativeobject of εἰς (demonstrative)εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο: 'to this very thing' — their governing work.
προσκαρτεροῦντεςattending/devoting themselvesPres Act Ptc · Nom Pl Masc · προσκαρτερέωadverbial participle (manner)→ present (ongoing)προσκαρτερέω: 'persist in, devote oneself to, attend continually' (cf. 12:12); the officials busy themselves with governing.
7
ἀπόδοτε πᾶσι τὰς ὀφειλάς, τῷ τὸν φόρον τὸν φόρον, τῷ τὸ τέλος τὸ τέλος, τῷ τὸν φόβον τὸν φόβον, τῷ τὴν τιμὴν τὴν τιμήν.
Pay to all what is owed them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
The summary command: render every obligation — tax, revenue, respect, honor — to whomever it is due, leading into the law of love (v.8).
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
ἀπόδοτεrender/payAor Act Impv 2 Pl · ἀποδίδωμιmain verb (command)→ ingressive aoristἀποδίδωμι: 'give back, pay, render what is due' (cf. 2:6; 12:17); the decisive command — pay your debts.
πᾶσιto allDativesubstantival adj. (indirect object)πᾶς: 'all'; everyone owed something.
τὰςtheAccusativearticle
ὀφειλάςdebts/obligationsAccusativedirect objectὀφειλή: 'debt, obligation, what is owed' (cf. ὀφείλω, 13:8); civic dues — leading to the one debt that remains, love.
τῷto the (one owed)Dativearticle (substantizes the phrase)Distributive: 'to the one (owed) the tax, the tax' — to each his due.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
φόρονtaxAccusativedirect objectφόρος: 'tax, tribute' (cf. v.6); direct taxation.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
φόρονtaxAccusativedirect object (repeated)
τῷto the (one owed)Dativearticle
τὸtheAccusativearticle
τέλοςrevenue/customAccusativedirect objectτέλος: here 'toll, custom, indirect tax' (a distinct sense from 'end/goal,' cf. 10:4); customs duties.
τὸtheAccusativearticle
τέλοςrevenueAccusativedirect object (repeated)
τῷto the (one owed)Dativearticle
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
φόβονrespect/fearAccusativedirect objectφόβος: 'fear, respect, reverence' (cf. v.3-4); the respect due to authority.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
φόβονrespectAccusativedirect object (repeated)
τῷto the (one owed)Dativearticle
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
τιμὴνhonorAccusativedirect objectτιμή: 'honor, value, respect' (cf. 2:7; 12:10); the honor due to those in authority.
τὴνtheAccusativearticle
τιμήνhonorAccusativedirect object (repeated)
8
Μηδενὶ μηδὲν ὀφείλετε, εἰ μὴ τὸ ἀλλήλους ἀγαπᾶν· ὁ γὰρ ἀγαπῶν τὸν ἕτερον νόμον πεπλήρωκεν.
Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
From civic debts to the one perpetual debt: pay off every obligation but love — for whoever loves another has fulfilled the law.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
Μηδενὶto no oneDativeindefinite pronoun (dat. of indirect obj.)μηδείς: 'no one'; the absolute — leave no debt unpaid.
μηδὲνnothingAccusativeindefinite pronoun (direct object)μηδείς: 'nothing'; owe nothing — clear all accounts.
ὀφείλετεowePres Act Impv 2 Pl · ὀφείλωmain verb (command)→ imperatival (continuous)ὀφείλω: 'owe, be obligated' (cf. ὀφειλή, v.7; ὀφειλέτης, 1:14); discharge every debt — except love.
εἰexceptconjunction (εἰ μή, 'except')εἰ μή: 'except'; the one debt that can never be fully paid off.
μὴnotnegative particle
τὸtheAccusativearticle (substantizes inf.)
ἀλλήλουςone anotherAccusativereciprocal pronoun (object of ἀγαπᾶν)ἀλλήλων: 'one another' (cf. 12:5, 10); the mutual obligation of love.
ἀγαπᾶνto lovePres Act Inf · ἀγαπάωarticular infinitive (the standing debt)→ present (ongoing)ἀγαπάω: 'love' (cf. 8:28; 12:9); the perpetual debt — always owed, never discharged.
ὁthe (one)Nominativearticle (substantizes ptc.)
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἀγαπῶνwho lovesPres Act Ptc · Nom Sg Masc · ἀγαπάωsubstantival participle (subject)→ customary (characteristic)ἀγαπάω: 'love'; the one whose life is love.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
ἕτερονother/neighborAccusativedirect object (substantival adj.)ἕτερος: 'other, another' (cf. 2:1); the 'other person' = the neighbor (v.9-10).
νόμονlawAccusativedirect object of πεπλήρωκεννόμος: 'law' (cf. 8:4); the Mosaic law, fulfilled by love.
πεπλήρωκενhas fulfilledPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · πληρόωmain verb→ intensive perfect (settled accomplishment)πληρόω: 'fulfill, fill up, complete' (cf. 8:4; 13:10); love has met the law's whole demand — the perfect marks an accomplished fact.
9
τὸ γὰρ Οὐ μοιχεύσεις, Οὐ φονεύσεις, Οὐ κλέψεις, Οὐκ ἐπιθυμήσεις, καὶ εἴ τις ἑτέρα ἐντολή, ἐν τῷ λόγῳ τούτῳ ἀνακεφαλαιοῦται, ἐν τῷ· Ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν.
For the commandments, 'You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,' and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
The proof from the Decalogue: the commandments forbidding adultery, murder, theft, coveting — and all others — are gathered up into the single command to love the neighbor (Lev 19:18).
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
τὸthe (saying)Nominativearticle (substantizes the quoted commands)The article governs the whole string of quoted commandments as a unit.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
Οὐnotnegative particle
μοιχεύσειςyou shall commit adulteryFut Act Indic 2 Sg · μοιχεύωmain verb (citation)→ imperatival futureμοιχεύω: 'commit adultery' (Exod 20:14); the future as emphatic prohibition (the LXX form of the Decalogue).
Οὐnotnegative particle
φονεύσειςyou shall murderFut Act Indic 2 Sg · φονεύωmain verb (citation)→ imperatival futureφονεύω: 'murder, kill' (cf. φόνος, 1:29; Exod 20:13).
Οὐnotnegative particle
κλέψειςyou shall stealFut Act Indic 2 Sg · κλέπτωmain verb (citation)→ imperatival futureκλέπτω: 'steal' (cf. 'kleptomania'; Exod 20:15).
Οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐπιθυμήσειςyou shall covetFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἐπιθυμέωmain verb (citation)→ imperatival futureἐπιθυμέω: 'covet, desire' (cf. 7:7; ἐπιθυμία, 1:24; Exod 20:17); the tenth commandment.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
εἴifconjunction (condition)εἴ τις: 'if any' — and whatever other command there is.
τιςanyNominativeindefinite pronoun (attributive)
ἑτέραotherNominativeattributive adjectiveἕτερος: 'other'; any further commandment.
ἐντολήcommandmentNominativesubjectἐντολή: 'commandment' (cf. 7:8-12); all are included.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
τῷtheDativearticle
λόγῳword/sayingDativedat. (the summarizing statement)λόγος: 'word, statement' (cf. 9:9); the one word that sums them all.
τούτῳthisDativedemonstrative (attributive)
ἀνακεφαλαιοῦταιare summed upPres Mid/Pass Indic 3 Sg · ἀνακεφαλαιόωmain verb→ gnomic presentἀνακεφαλαιόω: 'sum up, gather under one head, recapitulate' (ἀνά + κεφάλαιον, 'main point,' from κεφαλή, 'head'; cf. Eph 1:10); all commands brought to a single head — love.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (sphere)
τῷtheDativearticle (substantizes citation)
Ἀγαπήσειςyou shall loveFut Act Indic 2 Sg · ἀγαπάωmain verb (citation)→ imperatival futureἀγαπάω: 'love' (Lev 19:18); the one command that fulfills all — Jesus' second great commandment.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
πλησίονneighborAccusativedirect objectπλησίον: 'neighbor, the one near' (adverb used as noun; cf. v.10; 15:2); the fellow person to be loved.
σουyourGenitivegenitive of relationship
ὡςascomparative particle
σεαυτόνyourselfAccusativereflexive (standard of comparison)σεαυτοῦ: 'yourself'; the measure of neighbor-love — as one loves oneself.
10
ἡ ἀγάπη τῷ πλησίον κακὸν οὐκ ἐργάζεται· πλήρωμα οὖν νόμου ἡ ἀγάπη.
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
The conclusion that crowns the ethic: since love never harms the neighbor, love is the very fullness of the law.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ἡtheNominativearticle
ἀγάπηloveNominativesubjectἀγάπη: 'love' (cf. v.8-9; 12:9); the subject of the maxim.
τῷto theDativearticle
πλησίονneighborDativedat. of disadvantageπλησίον: 'neighbor' (cf. v.9); the one love will not harm.
κακὸνwrong/evilAccusativedirect objectκακός: 'bad, evil, harm' (cf. 12:17, 21; 13:3-4); love does no harm.
οὐκnotnegative particle
ἐργάζεταιdoes/worksPres Mid Indic 3 Sg · ἐργάζομαιmain verb→ gnomic presentἐργάζομαι: 'work, do, accomplish' (cf. 2:10; 4:4); love never 'works' evil to the neighbor — so it keeps every prohibition.
πλήρωμαfulfillment/fullnessNominativepredicate nominativeπλήρωμα: 'fullness, fulfillment, completion' (cf. πληρόω, v.8; 11:12); love is the law's fullness — its whole substance realized.
οὖνthereforeinferential conjunction
νόμουof the lawGenitiveobjective genitiveνόμος: 'law' (cf. v.8); fulfilled by love.
ἡtheNominativearticle
ἀγάπηloveNominativesubject (in apposition/restatement)ἀγάπη: 'love'; emphatically repeated — love is the answer.
11
Καὶ τοῦτο εἰδότες τὸν καιρόν, ὅτι ὥρα ἤδη ὑμᾶς ἐξ ὕπνου ἐγερθῆναι, νῦν γὰρ ἐγγύτερον ἡμῶν ἡ σωτηρία ἢ ὅτε ἐπιστεύσαμεν.
Besides this, you know the time, that the hour has already come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
An eschatological spur to all this love: knowing what hour it is, awaken from slumber — for final salvation draws nearer with each day.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
Καὶand/besidescoordinating conjunction
τοῦτοthisAccusativedemonstrative (adverbial accusative)καὶ τοῦτο: 'and this,' 'besides' — adding a further motive.
εἰδότεςknowingPerf Act Ptc (pres. sense) · Nom Pl Masc · οἶδαadverbial participle (causal)→ perfect w/ present forceοἶδα: 'know'; awareness of the eschatological 'time' that motivates urgency.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
καιρόνtime/seasonAccusativedirect objectκαιρός: 'appointed time, decisive moment' (cf. 3:26; 8:18); the present critical hour of salvation-history.
ὅτιthatconjunction (content clause)
ὥραhourNominativesubjectὥρα: 'hour, time' (cf. 'hour'); the moment for action has come.
ἤδηalready/nowadverb (time)ἤδη: 'already, now'; the time is now — no delay.
ὑμᾶςyouAccusativeaccusative subject of the infinitive
ἐξfrom/out ofpreposition + genitive (separation)
ὕπνουsleepGenitiveobject of ἐξ (separation)ὕπνος: 'sleep' (cf. 'hypnosis'); spiritual lethargy/complacency, to be cast off.
ἐγερθῆναιto wake/be raisedAor Pass Inf · ἐγείρωepexegetical infinitive (of ὥρα)→ ingressive aoristἐγείρω: 'raise, wake' (cf. 4:24-25; 8:11); to rouse from sleep — moral and spiritual alertness.
νῦνnowadverb (time)νῦν: 'now' (cf. 3:21; 8:1); the present nearness of salvation.
γὰρforexplanatory conjunction
ἐγγύτερονneareradverb (comparative)ἐγγύς (comp. ἐγγύτερον): 'nearer' (cf. 10:8); the consummation approaches.
ἡμῶνour/to usGenitivegenitive (w/ comparative)
ἡtheNominativearticle
σωτηρίαsalvationNominativesubjectσωτηρία: 'salvation' (cf. 1:16; 10:10); here its future, consummate dimension — drawing ever nearer.
ἢthancomparative particle
ὅτεwhentemporal conjunction
ἐπιστεύσαμενwe believedAor Act Indic 1 Pl · πιστεύωmain verb→ constative aoristπιστεύω: 'believe' (cf. 4:3; 10:9); the point of conversion — from which salvation has been drawing nearer.
12
ἡ νὺξ προέκοψεν, ἡ δὲ ἡμέρα ἤγγικεν. ἀποθώμεθα οὖν τὰ ἔργα τοῦ σκότους, ἐνδυσώμεθα δὲ τὰ ὅπλα τοῦ φωτός.
The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.
The dawn imagery and its call: night nearly over, day nearly here — so strip off the deeds of darkness and arm yourselves with light.
Word-by-word analysis· 19 words
ἡtheNominativearticle
νὺξnightNominativesubjectνύξ: 'night'; the present evil age, nearly past.
προέκοψενis far gone/has advancedAor Act Indic 3 Sg · προκόπτωmain verb→ constative aoristπροκόπτω: 'advance, progress, be far along' (προ + κόπτω; cf. Gal 1:14); the night has run most of its course.
ἡtheNominativearticle
δὲand/butadversative conjunction
ἡμέραdayNominativesubjectἡμέρα: 'day'; the coming age of salvation/Christ's return.
ἤγγικενis at hand/has drawn nearPerf Act Indic 3 Sg · ἐγγίζωmain verb→ intensive perfect (present nearness)ἐγγίζω: 'draw near, approach' (cf. ἐγγύς, v.11); the day has arrived at the threshold.
ἀποθώμεθαlet us cast offAor Mid Subj 1 Pl · ἀποτίθημιhortatory subjunctive→ ingressive aoristἀποτίθημι: 'put off, lay aside, strip off' (ἀπό + τίθημι; the imagery of removing clothes; cf. Eph 4:22); shed the deeds of the night.
οὖνtherefore/soinferential conjunction
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ἔργαworks/deedsAccusativedirect objectἔργον: 'work, deed' (cf. 2:6; 13:3); the deeds belonging to darkness.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
σκότουςdarknessGenitiveattributive genitiveσκότος: 'darkness' (cf. σκοτίζω, 1:21; 11:10); the realm of sin, to be abandoned.
ἐνδυσώμεθαlet us put onAor Mid Subj 1 Pl · ἐνδύωhortatory subjunctive→ ingressive aoristἐνδύω: 'put on, clothe oneself' (cf. v.14; Eph 6:11); don the equipment of light, like donning clothes/armor.
δὲand/butadversative conjunction
τὰtheAccusativearticle
ὅπλαarmor/weaponsAccusativedirect objectὅπλον: 'weapon, armor, instrument' (cf. 6:13); the gear of light — the panoply for the soldier of the day.
τοῦof theGenitivearticle
φωτόςlightGenitiveattributive genitiveφῶς: 'light' (cf. 'photo-'); the realm of God/the day, to be put on.
13
ὡς ἐν ἡμέρᾳ εὐσχημόνως περιπατήσωμεν, μὴ κώμοις καὶ μέθαις, μὴ κοίταις καὶ ἀσελγείαις, μὴ ἔριδι καὶ ζήλῳ,
Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.
The conduct befitting the daylight: a decent, public walk — free of nighttime vices in three pairs: revelry, lust, and strife.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ὡςascomparative particleὡς ἐν ἡμέρᾳ: 'as in the day' — living openly, as those in daylight.
ἐνinpreposition + dative (time)
ἡμέρᾳday/daytimeDativedat. of timeἡμέρα: 'day' (cf. v.12); the sphere of honest, visible conduct.
εὐσχημόνωςproperly/decentlyadverb (manner)εὐσχημόνως: 'decently, becomingly, properly' (εὖ + σχῆμα, 'form'; cf. 1 Cor 14:40); behaving fittingly, as in public view.
περιπατήσωμενlet us walkAor Act Subj 1 Pl · περιπατέωhortatory subjunctive→ ingressive aoristπεριπατέω: 'walk, conduct oneself' (cf. 6:4; 8:4); the whole conduct of life.
μὴnotnegative particle
κώμοιςcarousing/revelriesDativedat. of mannerκῶμος: 'revelry, carousing, drunken party' (cf. Gal 5:21); wild nighttime feasting.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
μέθαιςdrunkennessDativedat. of mannerμέθη: 'drunkenness, intoxication' (cf. μεθύω); the first pair — excess in drink.
μὴnotnegative particle
κοίταιςsexual immorality/illicit bedsDativedat. of mannerκοίτη: 'bed, sexual intercourse' (cf. 9:10; 'coitus'); here illicit sexual acts.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ἀσελγείαιςsensuality/debaucheryDativedat. of mannerἀσέλγεια: 'licentiousness, debauchery, shamelessness' (cf. Gal 5:19); unrestrained indulgence — the second pair, sexual sin.
μὴnotnegative particle
ἔριδιquarreling/strifeDativedat. of mannerἔρις: 'strife, contention, quarreling' (cf. 1:29); the third pair — discord.
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
ζήλῳjealousyDativedat. of mannerζῆλος: 'jealousy, envy, rivalry' (cf. 10:2; 13:13); ill-will toward others — the inner root of strife.
14
ἀλλὰ ἐνδύσασθε τὸν κύριον Ἰησοῦν Χριστόν, καὶ τῆς σαρκὸς πρόνοιαν μὴ ποιεῖσθε εἰς ἐπιθυμίας.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
The positive climax: clothe yourself with Christ himself — and give the flesh no foothold to feed its cravings.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
ἀλλὰbutadversative conjunction
ἐνδύσασθεput on/clothe yourselves withAor Mid Impv 2 Pl · ἐνδύωmain verb (command)→ ingressive aorist (decisive act)ἐνδύω: 'put on, clothe oneself with' (cf. v.12); to be clothed in Christ — adopting his character as one puts on a garment (cf. Gal 3:27); the aorist calls for a decisive act.
τὸνtheAccusativearticle
κύριονLordAccusativedirect objectκύριος: 'Lord' (cf. 10:9; 14:8); the Christ to be 'worn' — his lordship donned.
ἸησοῦνJesusAccusativeapposition
ΧριστόνChristAccusativeapposition
καὶandcoordinating conjunction
τῆςof theGenitivearticle
σαρκὸςfleshGenitiveobjective genitiveσάρξ: 'flesh' (cf. 7:5; 8:5-13); the fallen nature, not to be catered to.
πρόνοιανprovision/forethoughtAccusativedirect objectπρόνοια: 'provision, forethought, planning ahead' (cf. προνοέω, 12:17; 'providence'); do not plan for / cater to the flesh.
μὴnotnegative particle (w/ imperative)
ποιεῖσθεmakePres Mid Impv 2 Pl · ποιέωmain verb (prohibition)→ imperatival (continuous prohibition)ποιέω: 'make, do'; πρόνοιαν ποιεῖσθαι = 'make provision' — do not provision the flesh.
εἰςto/forpreposition + accusative (purpose/result)
ἐπιθυμίαςdesires/lustsAccusativeobject of εἰς (purpose)ἐπιθυμία: 'desire, craving, lust' (cf. 1:24; 6:12; 7:7); the flesh's cravings — not to be gratified; the note on which the chapter and the appeal to put off the old life end.