1
μάταιοι μὲν γὰρ πάντες ἄνθρωποι φύσει οἷς παρῆν θεοῦ ἀγνωσία καὶ ἐκ τῶν ὁρωμένων ἀγαθῶν οὐκ ἴσχυσαν εἰδέναι τὸν ὄντα οὔτε τοῖς ἔργοις προσέχοντες ἐπέγνωσαν τὸν τεχνίτην
For all men are vain by nature in whom there was ignorance of God, and from the good things that are seen they were not strong enough to know the One who is, nor by attending to his works did they recognize the craftsman.
The chapter begins with a philosophical indictment: the visible order was sufficient to point beyond itself, yet ignorance remained fixed on appearances.
Word-by-word analysis· 27 words
μάταιοιvainA1A NPM · μάταιοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμάταιος: meaning 'vain'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μὲνindeedX · μένadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὲν: meaning 'indeed'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πάντεςallA3 NPM · πᾶςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἄνθρωποιmenN2 NPM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'men'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
φύσειby natureN3I DSF · φύσιςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceφύσις: meaning 'by nature'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
οἷςin whomRR DPM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestοἷς: meaning 'in whom'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
παρῆνthere wasV9 IAI3S · εἰμί + παραverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί + παρα: meaning 'there was'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
θεοῦof GodN2 GSM · θεόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationθεός: meaning 'of God'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀγνωσίαignoranceN1A NSF · ἀγνωσίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀγνωσία: meaning 'ignorance'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐκfromP · ἐκpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τῶνtheRA GPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὁρωμένωνseen thingsV3 · πμπγπν ὁράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπγπν ὁράω: meaning 'seen things'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀγαθῶνgood thingsA1 GPN · ἀγαθόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀγαθός: meaning 'good things'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
οὐκnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἴσχυσανthey were strong enoughVA · ααπασν ἰσχύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπασν ἰσχύω: meaning 'they were strong enough'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εἰδέναιto knowVX XAN · οἶδαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementοἶδα: meaning 'to know'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὄνταOne who isV9 · παπασμ εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπασμ εἰμί: meaning 'One who is'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
οὔτεnorC · οὔτεconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastοὔτε: meaning 'nor'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῖςtheRA DPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔργοιςworksN2N DPN · ἔργονdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἔργον: meaning 'works'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
προσέχοντεςattendingV1 · παπνπμ ἔχω + προςverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνπμ ἔχω + προς: meaning 'attending'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐπέγνωσανrecognizedVZI AAI3P · γιγνώσκω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγιγνώσκω + ἐπι: meaning 'recognized'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τεχνίτηνcraftsmanN1M ASM · τεχνίτηςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτεχνίτης: meaning 'craftsman'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
2
ἀλλ' ἢ πῦρ ἢ πνεῦμα ἢ ταχινὸν ἀέρα ἢ κύκλον ἄστρων ἢ βίαιον ὕδωρ ἢ φωστῆρας οὐρανοῦ πρυτάνεις κόσμου θεοὺς ἐνόμισαν
Instead they considered fire or wind or swift air or the circle of the stars or violent water or the lights of heaven, the rulers of the world, to be gods.
The error is specified through the deification of elemental and celestial powers that belong to the world rather than transcend it.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
ἀλλ'insteadC · ἀλλάconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλ': meaning 'instead'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἢorC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πῦρfireN3 ASN · πῦρaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπῦρ: meaning 'fire'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἢorC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πνεῦμαwindN3M ASN · πνεῦμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπνεῦμα: meaning 'wind'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἢorC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ταχινὸνswiftA1 ASM · ταχινόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationταχινός: meaning 'swift'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀέραairN3 ASM · ἀήρaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀήρ: meaning 'air'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἢorC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κύκλονcircleN2 ASM · κύκλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκύκλος: meaning 'circle'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἄστρωνof starsN2N GPN · ἄστρονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄστρον: meaning 'of stars'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἢorC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
βίαιονviolentA1A ASN · βίαιοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationβίαιος: meaning 'violent'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὕδωρwaterN3 ASN · ὕδωρaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὕδωρ: meaning 'water'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἢorC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φωστῆραςlightsN3H APM · φωστήρaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationφωστήρ: meaning 'lights'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
οὐρανοῦof heavenN2 GSM · οὐρανόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationοὐρανός: meaning 'of heaven'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
πρυτάνειςrulersN3I NPM · πρύτανιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπρύτανις: meaning 'rulers'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
κόσμουof the worldN2 GSM · κόσμοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκόσμος: meaning 'of the world'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
θεοὺςgodsN2 APM · θεόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationθεός: meaning 'gods'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐνόμισανthey consideredVAI AAI3P · νομίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristνομίζω: meaning 'they considered'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
3
ὧν εἰ μὲν τῇ καλλονῇ τερπόμενοι ταῦτα θεοὺς ὑπελάμβανον γνώτωσαν πόσῳ τούτων ὁ δεσπότης ἐστὶ βελτίων ὁ γὰρ τοῦ κάλλους γενεσιάρχης ἔκτισεν αὐτά
If, delighted by their beauty, they supposed these things to be gods, let them know how much better than these is their Master, for the originator of beauty created them.
The argument concedes the attractiveness of created beauty, yet insists that beauty properly reasons upward to its source.
Word-by-word analysis· 23 words
ὧνof whichRR GPN · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationὧν: meaning 'of which'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
εἰifC · εἰconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μὲνindeedX · μένadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὲν: meaning 'indeed'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῇby theRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καλλονῇbeautyN1 DSF · καλλονήdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceκαλλονή: meaning 'beauty'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τερπόμενοιbeing delightedV1 · πμπνπμ τέρπωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνπμ τέρπω: meaning 'being delighted'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ταῦταthese thingsRD APN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceταῦτα: meaning 'these things'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
θεοὺςgodsN2 APM · θεόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationθεός: meaning 'gods'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὑπελάμβανονthey supposedV1I IAI3P · λαμβάνω + ὑποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processλαμβάνω + ὑπο: meaning 'they supposed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
γνώτωσανlet them knowVZ AAD3P · γιγνώσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateγιγνώσκω: meaning 'let them know'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
πόσῳhow muchA1 DSM · πόσοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπόσος: meaning 'how much'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τούτωνthan theseRD GPN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationτούτων: meaning 'than these'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δεσπότηςMasterN1M NSM · δεσπότηςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδεσπότης: meaning 'Master'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐστὶisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'is'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
βελτίωνbetterA3C NSM · βελτίωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβελτίων: meaning 'better'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῦof theRA GSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κάλλουςbeautyN3E GSN · κάλλοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκάλλος: meaning 'beauty'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
γενεσιάρχηςoriginatorN1M NSM · γενεσιάρχηςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceγενεσιάρχης: meaning 'originator'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἔκτισενcreatedVAI AAI3S · κτίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristκτίζω: meaning 'created'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτάthemRD APN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτά: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
4
εἰ δὲ δύναμιν καὶ ἐνέργειαν ἐκπλαγέντες νοησάτωσαν ἀπ' αὐτῶν πόσῳ ὁ κατασκευάσας αὐτὰ δυνατώτερός ἐστιν
And if they were struck by their power and activity, let them understand from them how much more powerful is the One who fashioned them.
Created force and energy likewise should have suggested not autonomous deity but the greater power of the maker.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
εἰifC · εἰconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δύναμινpowerN3I ASF · δύναμιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδύναμις: meaning 'power'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνέργειανactivityN1A ASF · ἐνέργειαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐνέργεια: meaning 'activity'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐκπλαγέντεςbeing struckVD · αππνπμ πλήσσω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαππνπμ πλήσσω + ἐκ: meaning 'being struck'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
νοησάτωσανlet them understandVA AAD3P · νοέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateνοέω: meaning 'let them understand'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἀπ'fromP · ἀπόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἀπ': meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αὐτῶνthemRD GPN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πόσῳhow muchA1 DSM · πόσοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceπόσος: meaning 'how much'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κατασκευάσαςfashionedVA · ααπνσμ σκευάζω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ σκευάζω + κατα: meaning 'fashioned'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτὰthemRD APN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὰ: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
δυνατώτερόςmore powerfulA1 NSMC · δυνατόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδυνατός: meaning 'more powerful'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐστινisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'is'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
5
ἐκ γὰρ μεγέθους καὶ καλλονῆς κτισμάτων ἀναλόγως ὁ γενεσιουργὸς αὐτῶν θεωρεῖται
For from the greatness and beauty of created things, their creator is analogically perceived.
The chapter articulates a principle of natural theology: creation yields a proportional apprehension of the Creator.
Word-by-word analysis· 11 words
ἐκfromP · ἐκpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μεγέθουςgreatnessN3E GSN · μέγεθοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationμέγεθος: meaning 'greatness'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καλλονῆςbeautyN1 GSF · καλλονήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκαλλονή: meaning 'beauty'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
κτισμάτωνof created thingsN3M GPN · κτίσμαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκτίσμα: meaning 'of created things'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀναλόγωςanalogicallyD · ἀναλόγωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastἀναλόγως: meaning 'analogically'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁtheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
γενεσιουργὸςcreatorN2 NSM · γενεσιουργόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceγενεσιουργός: meaning 'creator'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτῶνthemRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
θεωρεῖταιis perceivedV2 PMI3S · θεωρέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processθεωρέω: meaning 'is perceived'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
6
ἀλλ' ὅμως ἐπὶ τούτοις μέμψις ἐστὶν ὀλίγη καὶ γὰρ αὐτοὶ τάχα πλανῶνται θεὸν ζητοῦντες καὶ θέλοντες εὑρεῖν
Yet even so, against these people the blame is small, for perhaps they go astray while seeking God and wanting to find him.
A measured concession distinguishes misguided seekers from more culpable forms of idolatry without declaring them innocent.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
ἀλλ'insteadC · ἀλλάconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλ': meaning 'instead'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὅμωςeven soC · ὅμωςconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅμως: meaning 'even so'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπὶagainstP · ἐπίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐπὶ: meaning 'against'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τούτοιςthese peopleRD DPN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestτούτοις: meaning 'these people'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
μέμψιςblameN3I NSF · μέμψιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμέμψις: meaning 'blame'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐστὶνbeV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'be'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὀλίγηsmallA1 NSF · ὀλίγοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὀλίγος: meaning 'small'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὐτοὶthey themselvesRD NPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτοὶ: meaning 'they themselves'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τάχαperhapsD · τάχαadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastτάχα: meaning 'perhaps'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πλανῶνταιgo astrayV3 PMI3P · πλανάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processπλανάω: meaning 'go astray'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
θεὸνGodN2 ASM · θεόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ζητοῦντεςseekingV2 · παπνπμ ζητέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνπμ ζητέω: meaning 'seeking'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
θέλοντεςwantingV1 · παπνπμ θέλωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνπμ θέλω: meaning 'wanting'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εὑρεῖνto findVB AAN · εὑρίσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementεὑρίσκω: meaning 'to find'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
7
ἐν γὰρ τοῖς ἔργοις αὐτοῦ ἀναστρεφόμενοι διερευνῶσιν καὶ πείθονται τῇ ὄψει ὅτι καλὰ τὰ βλεπόμενα
For while moving among his works they search and are persuaded by what they see, because the things looked upon are beautiful.
Their mistake arises within genuine engagement with creation, whose visible beauty exerts persuasive force on the searching mind.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ἐνamongP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοῖςtheRA DPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔργοιςworksN2N DPN · ἔργονdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἔργον: meaning 'works'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀναστρεφόμενοιmoving aboutV1 · πμπνπμ στρέφω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνπμ στρέφω + ἀνα: meaning 'moving about'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
διερευνῶσινsearch thoroughlyV3 PAI3P · ἐρευνάω + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἐρευνάω + δια: meaning 'search thoroughly'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πείθονταιare persuadedV1 PMI3P · πείθωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processπείθω: meaning 'are persuaded'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τῇby theRA DSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῇ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ὄψειby sightN3I DSF · ὄψιςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceὄψις: meaning 'by sight'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καλὰbeautifulA1 APN · καλόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκαλός: meaning 'beautiful'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τὰthe thingsRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βλεπόμεναbeing seenV1 · πμπαπν βλέπωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπαπν βλέπω: meaning 'being seen'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
8
πάλιν δ' οὐδ' αὐτοὶ συγγνωστοί
But again, even they are not excusable.
The concession is sharply limited: beauty may explain delay, but it does not remove responsibility.
Word-by-word analysis· 5 words
πάλινagainD · πάλινadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπάλιν: meaning 'again'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δ'butX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδ': meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐδ'not evenC · οὐδέconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐδ': meaning 'not even'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αὐτοὶthey themselvesRD NPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτοὶ: meaning 'they themselves'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
συγγνωστοίexcusableA1B NPM · συγγνωστόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσυγγνωστός: meaning 'excusable'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
9
εἰ γὰρ τοσοῦτον ἴσχυσαν εἰδέναι ἵνα δύνωνται στοχάσασθαι τὸν αἰῶνα τὸν τούτων δεσπότην πῶς τάχιον οὐχ εὗρον
For if they were strong enough to know so much that they could conjecture the age, how did they not more quickly find its Master?
The text presses the inconsistency: significant intellectual reach should have issued in swifter ascent to the world's Lord.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
εἰifC · εἰconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γὰρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγὰρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοσοῦτονso muchA1 ASN · τοσοῦτοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationτοσοῦτος: meaning 'so much'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἴσχυσανthey were strong enoughVA · ααπασν ἰσχύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπασν ἰσχύω: meaning 'they were strong enough'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εἰδέναιto knowVX XAN · οἶδαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementοἶδα: meaning 'to know'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἵναso thatC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'so that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δύνωνταιthey might be ableV6 PMS3P · δύναμαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyδύναμαι: meaning 'they might be able'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
στοχάσασθαιto conjectureVA AMN · στοχάζομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementστοχάζομαι: meaning 'to conjecture'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
αἰῶναthe ageN3W ASM · αἰώνaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationαἰών: meaning 'the age'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τούτωνthan theseRD GPN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationτούτων: meaning 'than these'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
δεσπότηνMasterN1M ASM · δεσπότηςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδεσπότης: meaning 'Master'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πῶςhowD · πῶςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastπῶς: meaning 'how'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τάχιονmore quicklyD · τάχιονadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastτάχιον: meaning 'more quickly'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὐχnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐχ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εὗρονthey foundVB AAI3P · εὑρίσκωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεὑρίσκω: meaning 'they found'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
10
ταλαίπωροι δὲ καὶ ἐν νεκροῖς αἱ ἐλπίδες αὐτῶν οἵτινες ἐκάλεσαν θεοὺς ἔργα χειρῶν ἀνθρώπων χρυσὸν καὶ ἄργυρον τέχνης ἐμμελέτημα καὶ ἀπεικάσματα ζῴων ἢ λίθον ἄχρηστον χειρὸς ἔργον ἀρχαίας
But miserable are they, and among dead things are their hopes, who called gods works of men's hands, gold and silver, products of skill, and likenesses of animals, or a useless stone, the work of an ancient hand.
The argument now turns from astral and elemental misrecognition to the harsher absurdity of handmade idols.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
ταλαίπωροιmiserableA1B NPM · ταλαίπωροςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceταλαίπωρος: meaning 'miserable'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνamongP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
νεκροῖςamong dead thingsN2 DPM · νεκρόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceνεκρός: meaning 'among dead things'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
αἱtheRA NPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingαἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐλπίδεςhopesN3D NPF · ἐλπίςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐλπίς: meaning 'hopes'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτῶνthemRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
οἵτινεςwho indeedRX NPM · ὅστιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὅστις: meaning 'who indeed'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐκάλεσανcalledVAI AAI3P · καλέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristκαλέω: meaning 'called'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
θεοὺςgodsN2 APM · θεόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationθεός: meaning 'gods'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἔργαworksN2N APN · ἔργονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἔργον: meaning 'works'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
χειρῶνof handsN3 GPF · χείρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationχείρ: meaning 'of hands'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀνθρώπωνmenN2 GPM · ἄνθρωποςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'men'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
χρυσὸνgoldN2 ASM · χρυσόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationχρυσός: meaning 'gold'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἄργυρονsilverN2 ASM · ἄργυροςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄργυρος: meaning 'silver'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τέχνηςof skillN1 GSF · τέχνηgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationτέχνη: meaning 'of skill'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐμμελέτημαcareful productN3M ASN · ἐμμελέτημαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐμμελέτημα: meaning 'careful product'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀπεικάσματαlikenessesN3M APN · ἀπείκασμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀπείκασμα: meaning 'likenesses'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ζῴωνof animalsN2 GPN · ζῷονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationζῷον: meaning 'of animals'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἢorC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
λίθονstoneN2 ASM · λίθοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationλίθος: meaning 'stone'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἄχρηστονuselessA1B ASM · ἄχρηστοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄχρηστος: meaning 'useless'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
χειρὸςof a handN3 GSF · χείρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationχείρ: meaning 'of a hand'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἔργονworksN2N ASN · ἔργονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἔργον: meaning 'works'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀρχαίαςancientA1A GSF · ἀρχαῖοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀρχαῖος: meaning 'ancient'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
11
εἰ δὲ καί τις ὑλοτόμος τέκτων εὐκίνητον φυτὸν ἐκπρίσας περιέξυσεν εὐμαθῶς πάντα τὸν φλοιὸν αὐτοῦ καὶ τεχνησάμενος εὐπρεπῶς κατεσκεύασεν χρήσιμον σκεῦος εἰς ὑπηρεσίαν ζωῆς
Now suppose some woodcutter, a carpenter, having sawn down a straight-growing tree, skillfully stripped off all its bark and, having worked it neatly, constructed a useful vessel for the service of life,
The satire begins with an ordinary artisan whose competent labor first produces something genuinely useful.
Word-by-word analysis· 24 words
εἰifC · εἰconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastεἰ: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καίnow suppose alsoD · καίadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastκαί: meaning 'now suppose also'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τιςsomeoneRI NSM · τιςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτις: meaning 'someone'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὑλοτόμοςwoodcutterA1B NSM · ὑλοτόμοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὑλοτόμος: meaning 'woodcutter'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τέκτωνcarpenterN3N NSM · τέκτωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceτέκτων: meaning 'carpenter'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
εὐκίνητονstraight-growingA1B ASN · εὐκίνητοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationεὐκίνητος: meaning 'straight-growing'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
φυτὸνtreeN2N ASN · φυτόνaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationφυτόν: meaning 'tree'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐκπρίσαςhaving sawn downVA · ααπνσμ πρίω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ πρίω + ἐκ: meaning 'having sawn down'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
περιέξυσενstripped aroundVAI AAI3S · ξύω + περιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristξύω + περι: meaning 'stripped around'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εὐμαθῶςskillfullyD · εὐμαθῶςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastεὐμαθῶς: meaning 'skillfully'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πάνταallA3 ASM · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
φλοιὸνbarkN2 ASM · φλοιόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationφλοιός: meaning 'bark'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τεχνησάμενοςhaving workedVA · αμπνσμ τεχνάομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαμπνσμ τεχνάομαι: meaning 'having worked'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εὐπρεπῶςneatlyD · εὐπρεπῶςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastεὐπρεπῶς: meaning 'neatly'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κατεσκεύασενconstructedVAI AAI3S · σκευάζω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristσκευάζω + κατα: meaning 'constructed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
χρήσιμονusefulA1 ASN · χρήσιμοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationχρήσιμος: meaning 'useful'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σκεῦοςvesselN3E ASN · σκεῦοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσκεῦος: meaning 'vessel'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
εἰςforP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὑπηρεσίανserviceN1A ASF · ὑπηρεσίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὑπηρεσία: meaning 'service'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ζωῆςof lifeN1 GSF · ζωήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationζωή: meaning 'of life'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
12
τὰ δὲ ἀποβλήματα τῆς ἐργασίας εἰς ἑτοιμασίαν τροφῆς ἀναλώσας ἐνεπλήσθη
and after consuming the scraps of his work for the preparation of food, he was filled,
Even the leftovers serve practical ends better than the idol that will soon be fashioned from the remaining remnant.
Word-by-word analysis· 10 words
τὰthe thingsRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀποβλήματαscrapsN3M APN · ἀπόβλημαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀπόβλημα: meaning 'scraps'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τῆςof theRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐργασίαςworkN1A GSF · ἐργασίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἐργασία: meaning 'work'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εἰςforP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἑτοιμασίανpreparationN1A ASF · ἑτοιμασίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἑτοιμασία: meaning 'preparation'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τροφῆςof foodN1 GSF · τροφήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationτροφή: meaning 'of food'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀναλώσαςhaving consumedVA · ααπνσμ ἁλίσκω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ ἁλίσκω + ἀνα: meaning 'having consumed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐνεπλήσθηhe was filledVSI API3S · πίμπλημι + ἐνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristπίμπλημι + ἐν: meaning 'he was filled'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
13
τὸ δὲ ἐξ αὐτῶν ἀπόβλημα εἰς οὐθὲν εὔχρηστον ξύλον σκολιὸν καὶ ὄζοις συμπεφυκός λαβὼν ἔγλυψεν ἐν ἐπιμελείᾳ ἀργίας αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐμπειρίᾳ συνέσεως ἐτύπωσεν αὐτό ἀπείκασεν αὐτὸ εἰκόνι ἀνθρώπου
but taking the refuse left from them, fit for nothing, a crooked piece of wood and knotted with branches, he carved it in the leisure of his idleness and with practiced understanding shaped it; he made it like the image of a man,
The contrast becomes cutting: worthless material is painstakingly transformed into an object that will be treated as divine.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐξfromP · ἐκpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐξ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αὐτῶνthemRD GPN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'them'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀπόβλημαrefuseN3M ASN · ἀπόβλημαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀπόβλημα: meaning 'refuse'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
εἰςforP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
οὐθὲνnothingA3 ASN · οὐδείςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationοὐδείς: meaning 'nothing'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
εὔχρηστονusefulA1B ASN · εὔχρηστοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationεὔχρηστος: meaning 'useful'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ξύλονpiece of woodN2N ASN · ξύλονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationξύλον: meaning 'piece of wood'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σκολιὸνcrookedA1A ASN · σκολιόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσκολιός: meaning 'crooked'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὄζοιςwith knotsN2 DPM · ὄζοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceὄζος: meaning 'with knots'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
συμπεφυκόςgrown togetherVX · χαπνσμ φύω + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateχαπνσμ φύω + συν: meaning 'grown together'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
λαβὼνhaving takenVB · ααπνσμ λαμβάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ λαμβάνω: meaning 'having taken'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἔγλυψενcarvedVAI AAI3S · γλύφωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristγλύφω: meaning 'carved'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἐνamongP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἐπιμελείᾳwith careN1A DSF · ἐπιμέλειαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἐπιμέλεια: meaning 'with care'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἀργίαςof leisureN1A GSF · ἀργίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀργία: meaning 'of leisure'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐμπειρίᾳwith experienceN1A DSF · ἐμπειρίαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἐμπειρία: meaning 'with experience'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
συνέσεωςof skillN3I GSF · σύνεσιςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσύνεσις: meaning 'of skill'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐτύπωσενhe shapedVAI AAI3S · τυπόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristτυπόω: meaning 'he shaped'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτόitRD ASN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτό: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀπείκασενhe made likeVA AAI3S · εἰκάζω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristεἰκάζω + ἀπο: meaning 'he made like'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτὸitRD ASN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὸ: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
εἰκόνιto an imageN3N DSF · εἰκώνdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceεἰκών: meaning 'to an image'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἀνθρώπουof a manN2 GSM · ἄνθρωποςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'of a man'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
14
ἢ ζῴῳ τινὶ εὐτελεῖ ὡμοίωσεν αὐτὸ καταχρίσας μίλτῳ καὶ φύκει ἐρυθήνας χρόαν αὐτοῦ καὶ πᾶσαν κηλῖδα τὴν ἐν αὐτῷ καταχρίσας
or he likened it to some cheap animal, smearing it with red pigment and reddening its surface with paint and covering over every blemish in it,
Cosmetic finish replaces real life or power; paint and polish substitute for genuine being.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ἢorC · ἤconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἢ: meaning 'or'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ζῴῳto an animalN2 DSN · ζῷονdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceζῷον: meaning 'to an animal'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
τινὶsomeRI DSN · τιςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestτινὶ: meaning 'some'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
εὐτελεῖcheapA3H DSN · εὐτελήςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceεὐτελής: meaning 'cheap'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ὡμοίωσενhe likenedVAI AAI3S · ὁμοιόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristὁμοιόω: meaning 'he likened'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτὸitRD ASN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὸ: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καταχρίσαςhaving smearedVA · ααπνσμ χρίω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ χρίω + κατα: meaning 'having smeared'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
μίλτῳwith red pigmentN2 DSF · μίλτοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceμίλτος: meaning 'with red pigment'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
φύκειwith paintN3E DSN · φῦκοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceφῦκος: meaning 'with paint'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἐρυθήναςhaving reddenedVA · ααπνσμ ἐρυθαίνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ ἐρυθαίνω: meaning 'having reddened'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
χρόανsurfaceN1A ASF · χρόαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationχρόα: meaning 'surface'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πᾶσανeveryA1S ASF · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'every'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
κηλῖδαblemishN3D ASF · κηλίςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκηλίς: meaning 'blemish'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐνamongP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
αὐτῷin itRD DSN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'in it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καταχρίσαςhaving smearedVA · ααπνσμ χρίω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ χρίω + κατα: meaning 'having smeared'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
15
καὶ ποιήσας αὐτῷ αὐτοῦ ἄξιον οἴκημα ἐν τοίχῳ ἔθηκεν αὐτὸ ἀσφαλισάμενος σιδήρῳ
and making for it a dwelling worthy of it, he set it in a wall, securing it with iron,
The supposed god must be housed and fastened in place, already exposing its dependence on human support.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ποιήσαςhaving madeVA · ααπνσμ ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνσμ ποιέω: meaning 'having made'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτῷin itRD DSN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'in it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἄξιονworthyA1A ASN · ἄξιοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄξιος: meaning 'worthy'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
οἴκημαdwellingN3M ASN · οἴκημαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationοἴκημα: meaning 'dwelling'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐνamongP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'among'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τοίχῳin a wallN2 DSM · τοῖχοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceτοῖχος: meaning 'in a wall'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἔθηκενhe setVAI AAI3S · τίθημιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristτίθημι: meaning 'he set'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτὸitRD ASN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὸ: meaning 'it'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀσφαλισάμενοςhaving securedVA · αμπνσμ ἀσφαλίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαμπνσμ ἀσφαλίζω: meaning 'having secured'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
σιδήρῳwith ironN2 DSM · σίδηροςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceσίδηρος: meaning 'with iron'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
16
ἵνα μὲν οὖν μὴ καταπέσῃ προενόησεν αὐτοῦ εἰδὼς ὅτι ἀδυνατεῖ ἑαυτῷ βοηθῆσαι καὶ γάρ ἐστιν εἰκὼν καὶ χρείαν ἔχει βοηθείας
so that indeed it might not fall, he took thought for it, knowing that it is unable to help itself; for it is an image and has need of assistance.
The contradiction is explicit: an object protected from collapse cannot rationally function as a protector.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
ἵναso thatC · ἵναconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἵνα: meaning 'so that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μὲνindeedX · μένadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὲν: meaning 'indeed'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
οὖνthereforeX · οὖνadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὖν: meaning 'therefore'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μὴnotD · μήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὴ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
καταπέσῃit might fallVA AAS3S · πίπτω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyπίπτω + κατα: meaning 'it might fall'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
προενόησενhe took thought beforehandVAI AAI3S · νοέω + προverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristνοέω + προ: meaning 'he took thought beforehand'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSN · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
εἰδὼςknowingVX · χαπνσμ οἶδαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateχαπνσμ οἶδα: meaning 'knowing'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ὅτιbecauseC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'because'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀδυνατεῖit is unableV2 PAI3S · ἀδυνατέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἀδυνατέω: meaning 'it is unable'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
ἑαυτῷitselfRD DSN · ἑαυτοῦpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestἑαυτῷ: meaning 'itself'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
βοηθῆσαιto helpVA AAN · βοηθέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementβοηθέω: meaning 'to help'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γάρforX · γάρadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastγάρ: meaning 'for'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐστινisV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'is'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
εἰκὼνimageV1 · παπνσμ εἰκώνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ εἰκών: meaning 'image'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
χρείανneedN1A ASF · χρείαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationχρεία: meaning 'need'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἔχειhasV1 PAI3S · ἔχωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἔχω: meaning 'has'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
βοηθείαςof helpN1A GSF · βοήθειαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationβοήθεια: meaning 'of help'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
17
περὶ δὲ κτημάτων καὶ γάμων αὐτοῦ καὶ τέκνων προσευχόμενος οὐκ αἰσχύνεται τῷ ἀψύχῳ προσλαλῶν καὶ περὶ μὲν ὑγιείας τὸ ἀσθενὲς ἐπικαλεῖται
And when praying about possessions and his marriages and children, he is not ashamed to address the lifeless thing, and for health he calls upon the weak,
The worshiper entrusts the ordinary burdens of life to what has no breath, exposing the irrationality of the exchange.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
περὶaboutP · περίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'about'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κτημάτωνpossessionsN3M GPN · κτῆμαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκτῆμα: meaning 'possessions'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
γάμωνmarriagesN2 GPM · γάμοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγάμος: meaning 'marriages'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
αὐτοῦhisRD GSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτοῦ: meaning 'his'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τέκνωνchildrenN2N GPN · τέκνονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationτέκνον: meaning 'children'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
προσευχόμενοςwhile prayingV1 · πμπνσμ εὔχομαι + προςverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνσμ εὔχομαι + προς: meaning 'while praying'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
οὐκnotD · οὐadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐκ: meaning 'not'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
αἰσχύνεταιis ashamedV1 PMI3S · αἰσχύνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processαἰσχύνω: meaning 'is ashamed'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
τῷto theRA DSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῷ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀψύχῳlifeless thingA1B DSN · ἄψυχοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄψυχος: meaning 'lifeless thing'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
προσλαλῶνaddressingV2 · παπνσμ λαλέω + προςverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ λαλέω + προς: meaning 'addressing'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
περὶaboutP · περίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'about'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
μὲνindeedX · μένadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὲν: meaning 'indeed'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὑγιείαςhealthN1A GSF · ὑγίειαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὑγίεια: meaning 'health'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀσθενὲςthe weak thingA3H ASN · ἀσθενήςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀσθενής: meaning 'the weak thing'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐπικαλεῖταιhe calls uponV2 PMI3S · καλέω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processκαλέω + ἐπι: meaning 'he calls upon'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
18
περὶ δὲ ζωῆς τὸ νεκρὸν ἀξιοῖ περὶ δὲ ἐπικουρίας τὸ ἀπειρότατον ἱκετεύει περὶ δὲ ὁδοιπορίας τὸ μηδὲ βάσει χρῆσθαι δυνάμενον
and for life he asks the dead, and for help he supplicates the utterly inexperienced, and for a journey the one unable even to use its feet,
The irony intensifies as each petition names a need that the idol is manifestly unable to meet.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
περὶaboutP · περίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'about'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ζωῆςof lifeN1 GSF · ζωήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationζωή: meaning 'of life'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
νεκρὸνthe deadA1A ASN · νεκρόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationνεκρός: meaning 'the dead'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀξιοῖhe asksV4 PAI3S · ἀξιόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἀξιόω: meaning 'he asks'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
περὶaboutP · περίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'about'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐπικουρίαςfor helpN1A GSF · ἐπικουρίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἐπικουρία: meaning 'for help'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀπειρότατονthe utterly inexperiencedA1B ASNS · ἄπειροςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄπειρος: meaning 'the utterly inexperienced'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἱκετεύειhe supplicatesV1 PAI3S · ἱκετεύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἱκετεύω: meaning 'he supplicates'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
περὶaboutP · περίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'about'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁδοιπορίαςfor a journeyN1A GSF · ὁδοιπορίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὁδοιπορία: meaning 'for a journey'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
μηδὲnot evenC · μηδέconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastμηδὲ: meaning 'not even'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
βάσειwith a stepN3I DSF · βάσιςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceβάσις: meaning 'with a step'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
χρῆσθαιto useV3 PMN · χράομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementχράομαι: meaning 'to use'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
δυνάμενονbeing ableV6 · πμπασν δύναμαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπασν δύναμαι: meaning 'being able'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.
19
περὶ δὲ πορισμοῦ καὶ ἐργασίας καὶ χειρῶν ἐπιτυχίας τὸ ἀδρανέστατον ταῖς χερσὶν εὐδράνειαν αἰτεῖται
and for gain and work and success of his hands he asks strength from what is most inactive in its hands.
The chapter closes by reducing idolatry to its final absurdity: practical competence is sought from what is wholly inert.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
περὶaboutP · περίpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπερὶ: meaning 'about'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
δὲbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδὲ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
πορισμοῦfor gainN2 GSM · πορισμόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπορισμός: meaning 'for gain'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐργασίαςworkN1A GSF · ἐργασίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἐργασία: meaning 'work'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
καὶandC · καίconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκαὶ: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
χειρῶνof handsN3 GPF · χείρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationχείρ: meaning 'of hands'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐπιτυχίαςfor successN1A GSF · ἐπιτυχίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἐπιτυχία: meaning 'for success'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἀδρανέστατονwhat is most inactiveA3H ASNS · ἀδρανήςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἀδρανής: meaning 'what is most inactive'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ταῖςwith theRA DPF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingταῖς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χερσὶνhandsN3 DPF · χείρdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceχείρ: meaning 'hands'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
εὐδράνειανskillfulnessN1A ASF · εὐδράνειαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationεὐδράνεια: meaning 'skillfulness'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
αἰτεῖταιhe asksV2 PMI3S · αἰτέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processαἰτέω: meaning 'he asks'; it carries the action, process, or state of the clause; here it functions as verbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause.