1
σὺ δέ ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν χρηστὸς καὶ ἀληθής μακρόθυμος καὶ ἐλέει διοικῶν τὰ πάντα
But you, our God, are kind and true, patient, and governing all things with mercy.
The chapter opens by contrasting the true God with idols through a confession of his kindness, truth, patience, and merciful rule.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
σὺyouRP NS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσὺ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
δέbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὁheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεὸςGodN2 NSM · θεόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἡμῶνourRP GP · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'our'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
χρηστὸςkindA1 NSM · χρηστόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceχρηστός: meaning 'kind'; 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.
ἀληθήςtruthfulA3H NSM · ἀληθήςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀληθής: meaning 'truthful'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
μακρόθυμοςmakrothymosA1B NSM · μακρόθυμοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceμακρόθυμος: meaning 'makrothymos'; 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.
ἐλέειmercyN3E DSN · ἔλεοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἔλεος: meaning 'mercy'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
διοικῶνgoverningV2 · παπνσμ οἰκέω + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ οἰκέω + δια: meaning 'governing'; 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.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πάνταallA3 APN · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
2
καὶ γὰρ ἐὰν ἁμάρτωμεν σοί ἐσμεν εἰδότες σου τὸ κράτος οὐχ ἁμαρτησόμεθα δέ εἰδότες ὅτι σοὶ λελογίσμεθα
For even if we sin, we are yours, knowing your dominion; but we will not sin, knowing that we have been counted as yours.
Belonging to God reshapes sin and obedience: knowledge of his dominion and claim over his people becomes motive for fidelity.
Word-by-word analysis· 17 words
καὶandD · καίadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ 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.
ἐὰνifC · ἐάνconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἐὰν: meaning 'if'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἁμάρτωμενwe should sinVB AAS1P · ἁμαρτάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ subjunctive contingencyἁμαρτάνω: meaning 'we should sin'; 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.
σοίyourRP DS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestσοί: meaning 'your'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐσμενbeV9 PAI1P · 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.
εἰδότεςknowingVX · χαπνπμ οἶδαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateχαπνπμ 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.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κράτοςmight / forceN3E ASN · κράτοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκράτος: meaning 'might'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
ἁμαρτησόμεθαwe will sinVF FMI1P · ἁμαρτάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ futureἁμαρτάνω: meaning 'we will sin'; 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.
δέbutX · δέadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδέ: meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
εἰδότεςknowingVX · χαπνπμ οἶδαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateχαπνπμ 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.
ὅτιthatC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σοὶyouRP DS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestσοὶ: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
λελογίσμεθαwe have been accountedVM XMI1P · λογίζομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateλογίζομαι: meaning 'we have been accounted'; 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
τὸ γὰρ ἐπίστασθαί σε ὁλόκληρος δικαιοσύνη καὶ εἰδέναι σου τὸ κράτος ῥίζα ἀθανασίας
For to know you is complete righteousness, and to know your power is the root of immortality.
True knowledge of God is defined as righteousness and as the root from which immortality grows.
Word-by-word analysis· 13 words
τὸtheRA NSN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: 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.
ἐπίστασθαίto knowV6 PMN · ἐπίσταμαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἐπίσταμαι: 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.
σεyouRP AS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceσε: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὁλόκληροςcompleteA1B NSF · ὁλόκληροςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὁλόκληρος: meaning 'complete'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
δικαιοσύνηdikaiosyneN1 NSF · δικαιοσύνηnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδικαιοσύνη: meaning 'dikaiosyne'; 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.
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.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
κράτοςmight / forceN3E ASN · κράτοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκράτος: meaning 'might'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ῥίζαrootN1S NSF · ῥίζαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceῥίζα: meaning 'root'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἀθανασίαςof immortalityN1A GSF · ἀθανασίαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀθανασία: meaning 'of immortality'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
4
οὔτε γὰρ ἐπλάνησεν ἡμᾶς ἀνθρώπων κακότεχνος ἐπίνοια οὐδὲ σκιαγράφων πόνος ἄκαρπος εἶδος σπιλωθὲν χρώμασιν διηλλαγμένοις
For the evil contrivance of men did not lead us astray, nor the fruitless labor of painters, a form stained with varied colors,
The worshipers of the true God are distinguished from those seduced by artistic fabrication and painted surfaces.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
οὔτεneitherC · οὔτεconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastοὔτε: meaning 'neither'; 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.
ἐπλάνησενled astrayVAI AAI3S · πλανάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristπλανάω: meaning 'led 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.
ἡμᾶςusRP AP · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἡμᾶς: meaning 'us'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀνθρώπωνman / human beingN2 GPM · ἄνθρωποςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
κακότεχνοςevil-craftedA1B NSF · κακότεχνοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκακότεχνος: meaning 'evil-crafted'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἐπίνοιαthoughtN1A NSF · ἐπίνοιαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐπίνοια: meaning 'thought'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
οὐδὲnorC · οὐδέconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐδὲ: meaning 'nor'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
σκιαγράφωνof paintersN2 GPM · σκιαγράφοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσκιαγράφος: meaning 'of painters'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
πόνοςpainN2 NSM · πόνοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπόνος: meaning 'pain'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἄκαρποςfruitlessA1B NSM · ἄκαρποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄκαρπος: meaning 'fruitless'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
εἶδοςappearanceN3E NSN · εἶδοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceεἶδος: meaning 'appearance'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
σπιλωθὲνstainedVC · αππνσν σπιλόωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαππνσν σπιλόω: meaning 'stained'; 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.
χρώμασινwith colorsN3M DPN · χρῶμαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceχρῶμα: meaning 'with colors'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
διηλλαγμένοιςvariedVK · χμπδπν ἀλλάσσω + διαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateχμπδπν ἀλλάσσω + δια: meaning 'varied'; 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
ὧν ὄψις ἄφροσιν εἰς ὄρεξιν ἔρχεται ποθεῖ τε νεκρᾶς εἰκόνος εἶδος ἄπνουν
whose appearance comes to fools as an appetite and longs for the lifeless form of a dead image.
Idolatry is traced to disordered appetite for the visible shell of a lifeless thing.
Word-by-word analysis· 12 words
ὧνwhich thingsRR GPN · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationὧν: meaning 'which 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.
ὄψιςappearanceN3I NSF · ὄψιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceὄψις: meaning 'appearance'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἄφροσινin foolsA3N DPM · ἄφρωνdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄφρων: meaning 'in fools'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὄρεξινappetiteN3I ASF · ὄρεξιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὄρεξις: meaning 'appetite'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἔρχεταιis comingV1 PMI3S · ἔρχομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἔρχομαι: meaning 'is coming'; 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.
ποθεῖlongs forV2 PAI3S · ποθέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processποθέω: meaning 'longs for'; 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.
τεandX TEadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastτε: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
νεκρᾶςdeadA1A GSF · νεκρόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationνεκρός: meaning 'dead'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εἰκόνοςimageN3N GSF · εἰκώνgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationεἰκών: meaning 'image'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εἶδοςformN3E ASN · εἶδοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationεἶδος: meaning 'form'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἄπνουνbreathlessA1B ASN · ἄπνοοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἄπνοος: meaning 'breathless'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
6
κακῶν ἐρασταὶ ἄξιοί τε τοιούτων ἐλπίδων καὶ οἱ δρῶντες καὶ οἱ ποθοῦντες καὶ οἱ σεβόμενοι
Lovers of evils and worthy of such hopes are both those who make them and those who desire them and those who worship them.
Makers, admirers, and worshipers of idols are all judged together as lovers of evil and heirs of false hopes.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
κακῶνof evil menA1 GPN · κακόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκακός: meaning 'of evil men'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐρασταὶloversN1M NPM · ἐραστήςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐραστής: meaning 'lovers'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἄξιοίworthyA1A NPM · ἄξιοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄξιος: meaning 'worthy'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τεandX TEadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastτε: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τοιούτωνof suchA1 GPF · τοιοῦτοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationτοιοῦτος: meaning 'of such'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐλπίδωνhopesN3D GPF · ἐλπίςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἐλπίς: meaning 'hopes'; 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.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
δρῶντεςmakingV3 · παπνπμ δράωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνπμ δράω: meaning 'making'; 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.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ποθοῦντεςdesiringV2 · παπνπμ ποθέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνπμ ποθέω: meaning 'desiring'; 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.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σεβόμενοιworshipingV1 · πμπνπμ σέβομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνπμ σέβομαι: meaning 'worshiping'; 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
καὶ γὰρ κεραμεὺς ἁπαλὴν γῆν θλίβων ἐπίμοχθον πλάσσει πρὸς ὑπηρεσίαν ἡμῶν ἓν ἕκαστον ἀλλ' ἐκ τοῦ αὐτοῦ πηλοῦ ἀνεπλάσατο τά τε τῶν καθαρῶν ἔργων δοῦλα σκεύη τά τε ἐναντία πάντα ὁμοίως τούτων δὲ ἑτέρου τίς ἑκάστου ἐστὶν ἡ χρῆσις κριτὴς ὁ πηλουργός
For a potter, kneading soft earth with labor, fashions each vessel for our service, yet from the same clay he molded both the vessels that serve clean uses and likewise all their opposites; and the potter is judge of the use of each one.
The potter becomes a central example: from the same clay come vessels for noble and ignoble uses, exposing the absurdity of making a god from common material.
Word-by-word analysis· 42 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.
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.
κεραμεὺςpotterN3V NSM · κεραμεύςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκεραμεύς: meaning 'potter'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἁπαλὴνsoftA1 ASF · ἁπαλόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἁπαλός: meaning 'soft'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
γῆνlandN1 ASF · γῆaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγῆ: meaning 'land'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
θλίβωνkneadingV1 · παπνσμ θλίβωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ θλίβω: meaning 'kneading'; 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.
ἐπίμοχθονlaboriouslyA1B ASF · ἐπίμοχθοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐπίμοχθος: meaning 'laboriously'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πλάσσειmoldsV1 PAI3S · πλάσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processπλάσσω: meaning 'molds'; 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.
πρὸςtoP · πρόςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; 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.
ἡμῶνourRP GP · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'our'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἓνoneA3 ASN · εἷςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ measure or countἓν: meaning 'one'; numeral expression contributing count or measure in context.
ἕκαστονeachA1 ASN · ἕκαστοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἕκαστος: meaning 'each'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀλλ'butC · ἀλλάconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλ': meaning 'but'; 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.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
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.
πηλοῦclayN2 GSM · πηλόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπηλός: meaning 'clay'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀνεπλάσατοhe shapedVAI AMI3S · πλάσσω + ἀναverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristπλάσσω + ἀνα: 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.
τάtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτά: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τεandX TEadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastτε: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τῶνthe (who are)RA GPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καθαρῶνpureA1A GPN · καθαρόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκαθαρός: meaning 'pure'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἔργωνworks / laboursN2N GPN · ἔργονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἔργον: meaning 'works'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
δοῦλαservingA1 APN · δοῦλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδοῦλος: meaning 'serving'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σκεύηimplementsN3E APN · σκεῦοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσκεῦος: meaning 'implements'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τάtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτά: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τεandX TEadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastτε: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐναντίαcontraryA1A APN · ἐναντίοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐναντίος: meaning 'contrary'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πάνταallA3 APN · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ὁμοίωςlikewiseD · ὁμοίωςadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὁμοίως: meaning 'likewise'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
τούτωνtheseRD GPN · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationτούτων: meaning '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.
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.
ἑτέρουof each otherA1A GSN · ἕτεροςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἕτερος: meaning 'of each other'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τίςwho / whatRI NSM · τίςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceτίς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἑκάστουeachA1 GSN · ἕκαστοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἕκαστος: meaning 'each'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐστὶνeimiV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'eimi'; 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.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
χρῆσιςuseN3I NSF · χρῆσιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceχρῆσις: meaning 'use'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
κριτὴςjudgeN1M NSM · κριτήςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκριτής: meaning 'judge'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὁheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πηλουργόςworker in clayN2 NSM · πηλουργόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπηλουργός: meaning 'worker in clay'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
8
καὶ κακόμοχθος θεὸν μάταιον ἐκ τοῦ αὐτοῦ πλάσσει πηλοῦ ὃς πρὸ μικροῦ ἐκ γῆς γενηθεὶς μετ' ὀλίγον πορεύεται ἐξ ἧς ἐλήμφθη τὸ τῆς ψυχῆς ἀπαιτηθεὶς χρέος
And with evil labor he fashions from the same clay a vain god, he who a little before was made from earth and after a little goes to the earth from which he was taken, when the debt of his soul is demanded.
The idol-maker is mocked as one who has barely come from dust yet labors to shape a vain god from the same dust.
Word-by-word analysis· 26 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.
κακόμοχθοςwith wicked toilA1B NSM · κακόμοχθοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκακόμοχθος: meaning 'with wicked toil'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
μάταιονvainA1A ASM · μάταιοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationμάταιος: meaning 'vain'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐκfromP · ἐκpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
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.
πλάσσειmoldsV1 PAI3S · πλάσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processπλάσσω: meaning 'molds'; 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.
πηλοῦclayN2 GSM · πηλόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπηλός: meaning 'clay'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὃςwhoRR NSM · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceὃς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
πρὸbeforeP · πρόpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπρὸ: meaning 'before'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
μικροῦlittleA1A GSN · μικρόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationμικρός: meaning 'little'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐκfromP · ἐκpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐκ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
γῆςlandN1 GSF · γῆgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγῆ: meaning 'land'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
γενηθεὶςhaving becomeVC · αππνσμ γίγνομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαππνσμ γίγνομαι: meaning 'having become'; 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.
μετ'withP · μετάpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingμετ': meaning 'with'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὀλίγονa littleA1 ASN · ὀλίγοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὀλίγος: meaning 'a little'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πορεύεταιgoesV1 PMI3S · πορεύομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processπορεύομαι: meaning 'goes'; 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.
ἐξfromP · ἐκpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐξ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἧςwho / whichRR GSF · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἧς: meaning 'who'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἐλήμφθηhe was takenVVI API3S · λαμβάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristλαμβάνω: meaning 'he was 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.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τῆςtheRA GSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῆς: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ψυχῆςlifeN1 GSF · ψυχήgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationψυχή: meaning 'life'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἀπαιτηθεὶςhaving been demandedVC · αππνσμ αἰτέω + ἀποverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateαππνσμ αἰτέω + ἀπο: meaning 'having been demanded'; 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.
χρέοςdebtN3E ASN · χρέοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationχρέος: meaning 'debt'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
9
ἀλλ' ἔστιν αὐτῷ φροντὶς οὐχ ὅτι μέλλει κάμνειν οὐδ' ὅτι βραχυτελῆ βίον ἔχει ἀλλ' ἀντερείδεται μὲν χρυσουργοῖς καὶ ἀργυροχόοις χαλκοπλάστας τε μιμεῖται καὶ δόξαν ἡγεῖται ὅτι κίβδηλα πλάσσει
But his concern is not that he is about to grow weary, nor that he has a short life, but he competes with goldsmiths and silversmiths and imitates bronze-workers, and he counts it glory that he fashions counterfeit things.
Instead of reckoning with mortality, he treats counterfeit craftsmanship as glory and competes for status in futility.
Word-by-word analysis· 28 words
ἀλλ'butC · ἀλλάconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλ': meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔστινthere isV9 PAI3S · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processεἰμί: meaning 'there 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.
αὐτῷto himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
φροντὶςconcernN3D NSF · φροντίςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceφροντίς: meaning 'concern'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
ὅτιthatC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μέλλειis aboutV1 PAI3S · μέλλωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processμέλλω: meaning 'is 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.
κάμνεινto grow wearyV1 PAN · κάμνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementκάμνω: meaning 'to grow weary'; 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.
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.
ὅτιthatC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
βραχυτελῆshort-livedA3H ASM · βραχυτελήςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationβραχυτελής: meaning 'short-lived'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
βίονlifeN2 ASM · βίοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationβίος: meaning 'life'; 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.
ἀλλ'butC · ἀλλάconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλ': meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀντερείδεταιhe competesV1 PMI3S · ἐρείδω + ἀντιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἐρείδω + ἀντι: meaning 'he competes'; 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.
μὲνon the one handX · μένadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὲν: meaning 'on the one hand'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
χρυσουργοῖςwith goldsmithsN2 DPM · χρυσουργόςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceχρυσουργός: meaning 'with goldsmiths'; 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.
ἀργυροχόοιςwith silversmithsN2 DPM · ἀργυροχόοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἀργυροχόος: meaning 'with silversmiths'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
χαλκοπλάσταςbronze-smithsN1M APM · χαλκοπλάστηςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationχαλκοπλάστης: meaning 'bronze-smiths'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τεandX TEadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastτε: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
μιμεῖταιhe imitatesV2 PMI3S · μιμέομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processμιμέομαι: meaning 'he imitates'; 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.
δόξανgloryN1S ASF · δόξαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationδόξα: meaning 'glory'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἡγεῖταιleadsV2 PMI3S · ἡγέομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἡγέομαι: meaning 'leads'; 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.
ὅτιthatC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κίβδηλαcounterfeitsA1B APN · κίβδηλοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationκίβδηλος: meaning 'counterfeits'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πλάσσειmoldsV1 PAI3S · πλάσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processπλάσσω: meaning 'molds'; 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
σποδὸς ἡ καρδία αὐτοῦ καὶ γῆς εὐτελεστέρα ἡ ἐλπὶς αὐτοῦ πηλοῦ τε ἀτιμότερος ὁ βίος αὐτοῦ
His heart is ashes, and his hope is more worthless than earth, and his life is more dishonorable than clay,
The inner and outer life of the idol-maker is reduced to ashes, earth, and dishonored clay.
Word-by-word analysis· 16 words
σποδὸςashesN2 NSF · σποδόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceσποδός: meaning 'ashes'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
καρδίαheartN1A NSF · καρδίαnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκαρδία: meaning 'heart'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
γῆςlandN1 GSF · γῆgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγῆ: meaning 'land'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εὐτελεστέραmore worthlessA3H NSFC · εὐτελήςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceεὐτελής: meaning 'more worthless'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἡtheRA NSF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingἡ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐλπὶςἐλπίςN3D NSF · ἐλπίςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐλπίς: meaning 'ἐλπίς'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
πηλοῦclayN2 GSM · πηλόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationπηλός: meaning 'clay'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
τεandX TEadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastτε: meaning 'and'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἀτιμότεροςmore dishonorableA1B NSMC · ἄτιμοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄτιμος: meaning 'more dishonorable'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὁheRA NSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingὁ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βίοςlifeN2 NSM · βίοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceβίος: meaning 'life'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
11
ὅτι ἠγνόησεν τὸν πλάσαντα αὐτὸν καὶ τὸν ἐμπνεύσαντα αὐτῷ ψυχὴν ἐνεργοῦσαν καὶ ἐμφυσήσαντα πνεῦμα ζωτικόν
because he did not know the one who formed him and breathed into him an active soul and inspired a living spirit.
This degradation arises because he does not know the Creator who gave soul and living breath.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
ὅτιthatC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἠγνόησενhe failed to knowVAI AAI3S · ἀγνοέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristἀγνοέω: meaning 'he failed 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.
πλάσανταthe one who formedVA · ααπασμ πλάσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπασμ πλάσσω: meaning 'the one who formed'; 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.
αὐτὸνhimRD ASM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὸν: meaning 'him'; 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.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐμπνεύσανταthe one who inspiredVA · ααπασμ πνέω + ἐνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπασμ πνέω + ἐν: meaning 'the one who inspired'; 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.
αὐτῷto himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ψυχὴνlifeN1 ASF · ψυχήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationψυχή: meaning 'life'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐνεργοῦσανactiveV2 · παπασφ ἐργέω + ἐνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπασφ ἐργέω + ἐν: meaning 'active'; 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.
ἐμφυσήσανταthe one who breathedVA · ααπασμ φυσάω + ἐνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπασμ φυσάω + ἐν: meaning 'the one who breathed'; 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.
πνεῦμαspiritN3M ASN · πνεῦμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπνεῦμα: meaning 'spirit'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ζωτικόνlivingA1 ASM · ζωτικόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationζωτικός: meaning 'living'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
12
ἀλλ' ἐλογίσαντο παίγνιον εἶναι τὴν ζωὴν ἡμῶν καὶ τὸν βίον πανηγυρισμὸν ἐπικερδῆ δεῖν γάρ φησιν ὅθεν δή κἂν ἐκ κακοῦ πορίζειν
But they considered our life a game and our manner of life a profitable festival; for, they say, one must get gain from wherever one can, even from evil.
The chapter exposes the economic and festive philosophy behind idolatry: life becomes play and profit can be drawn even from evil.
Word-by-word analysis· 21 words
ἀλλ'butC · ἀλλάconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastἀλλ': meaning 'but'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐλογίσαντοimaginedVAI AMI3P · λογίζομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristλογίζομαι: meaning 'imagined'; 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.
παίγνιονa gameN2N ASN · παίγνιονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπαίγνιον: meaning 'a game'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
εἶναιto beV9 PAN · εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementεἰμί: meaning 'to 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.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ζωὴνlifeN1 ASF · ζωήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationζωή: meaning 'life'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἡμῶνourRP GP · ἐγώpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἡμῶν: meaning 'our'; 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.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
βίονlifeN2 ASM · βίοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationβίος: meaning 'life'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
πανηγυρισμὸνfestivalN2 ASM · πανηγυρισμόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπανηγυρισμός: meaning 'festival'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐπικερδῆfor profitA3H ASM · ἐπικερδήςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐπικερδής: meaning 'for profit'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
δεῖνoughtV2 PAN · δέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementδέω: meaning 'ought'; 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.
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.
φησινsaysV6 PAI3S · φημίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processφημί: meaning 'says'; 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.
ὅθενthereforeD · ὅθενadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastὅθεν: meaning 'therefore'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δήdeX · δήadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastδή: meaning 'de'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
κἂνeven ifC+X · καί̈ἄνconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastκἂν: meaning 'even if'; 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.
κακοῦof evilA1 GSN · κακόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationκακός: meaning 'of evil'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
πορίζεινto get gainV1 PAN · πορίζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementπορίζω: meaning 'to get gain'; 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
οὗτος γὰρ παρὰ πάντας οἶδεν ὅτι ἁμαρτάνει ὕλης γεώδους εὔθραυστα σκεύη καὶ γλυπτὰ δημιουργῶν
For this man knows more than all that he sins while fashioning fragile vessels and carved images from earthly material.
The craftsman knows his own guilt precisely while making fragile vessels and graven images from earthly stuff.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 words
οὗτοςthisRD NSM · οὗτοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceοὗτος: meaning 'this'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
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.
παρὰfromP · παράpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπαρὰ: meaning 'from'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
πάνταςall / everyA3 APM · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
οἶδενknowVX XAI3S · οἶδαverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateοἶδα: meaning '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.
ὅτιthatC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἁμαρτάνειsinsV1 PAI3S · ἁμαρτάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἁμαρτάνω: meaning 'sins'; 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.
ὕληςmatterN1 GSF · ὕληgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὕλη: meaning 'matter'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
γεώδουςearthyA3H GSF · γεώδηςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationγεώδης: meaning 'earthy'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εὔθραυσταfragileA1B APN · εὔθραστοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationεὔθραστος: meaning 'fragile'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σκεύηimplementsN3E APN · σκεῦοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσκεῦος: meaning 'implements'; 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.
γλυπτὰglyptosA1 APN · γλυπτόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationγλυπτός: meaning 'glyptos'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
δημιουργῶνmakingN2 GPM · δημιουργόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationδημιουργός: meaning 'making'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
14
πάντες δὲ ἀφρονέστατοι καὶ τάλανες ὑπὲρ ψυχὴν νηπίου οἱ ἐχθροὶ τοῦ λαοῦ σου καταδυναστεύσαντες αὐτόν
But all the enemies of your people who oppress them are most foolish and miserable beyond the soul of an infant,
The indictment widens from the artisan to the oppressing enemies of God's people, whom the text calls utterly foolish.
Word-by-word analysis· 15 words
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.
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.
ἀφρονέστατοιmost foolishA3 NPMS · ἄφρωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄφρων: meaning 'most foolish'; 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.
τάλανεςwretchedA3N NPM · τάλαςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceτάλας: meaning 'wretched'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ὑπὲρfor / on behalf ofP · ὑπέρpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingὑπὲρ: meaning 'for'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ψυχὴνlifeN1 ASF · ψυχήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationψυχή: meaning 'life'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
νηπίουof an infantA1A GSM · νήπιοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationνήπιος: meaning 'of an infant'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐχθροὶenemiesA1A NPM · ἐχθρόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἐχθρός: meaning 'enemies'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
λαοῦpeopleN2 GSM · λαόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationλαός: meaning 'people'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
σουyouRP GS · σύpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationσου: meaning 'you'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
καταδυναστεύσαντεςhaving oppressedVA · ααπνπμ δυναστεύω + καταverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateααπνπμ δυναστεύω + κατα: meaning 'having oppressed'; 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.
αὐτόνhimRD ASM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτόν: meaning 'him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
15
ὅτι καὶ πάντα τὰ εἴδωλα τῶν ἐθνῶν ἐλογίσαντο θεούς οἷς οὔτε ὀμμάτων χρῆσις εἰς ὅρασιν οὔτε ῥῖνες εἰς συνολκὴν ἀέρος οὔτε ὦτα ἀκούειν οὔτε δάκτυλοι χειρῶν εἰς ψηλάφησιν καὶ οἱ πόδες αὐτῶν ἀργοὶ πρὸς ἐπίβασιν
because they even counted all the idols of the nations as gods, which have neither the use of eyes for seeing, nor noses for drawing in air, nor ears for hearing, nor fingers of hands for touching, and their feet are idle for walking.
The idols of the nations are anatomized as powerless pseudo-bodies lacking every faculty they pretend to symbolize.
Word-by-word analysis· 35 words
ὅτιthatC · ὅτιconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὅτι: meaning 'that'; 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.
πάνταallA3 APN · πᾶςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπᾶς: meaning 'all'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εἴδωλαidolN2N APN · εἴδωλονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationεἴδωλον: meaning 'idol'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
τῶνthe (who are)RA GPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἐθνῶνnationN3E GPN · ἔθνοςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἔθνος: meaning 'nation'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἐλογίσαντοimaginedVAI AMI3P · λογίζομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristλογίζομαι: meaning 'imagined'; 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.
θεούςGodN2 APM · θεόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
οἷςwhich / whoRR DPN · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestοἷς: meaning '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.
οὔτεneitherC · οὔτεconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastοὔτε: meaning 'neither'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὀμμάτωνeyesN3M GPN · ὄμμαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationὄμμα: meaning 'eyes'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
χρῆσιςuseN3I NSF · χρῆσιςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceχρῆσις: meaning 'use'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ὅρασινvisionN3I ASF · ὅρασιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὅρασις: meaning 'vision'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
οὔτεneitherC · οὔτεconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastοὔτε: meaning 'neither'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ῥῖνεςnostrilsN3 NPF · ῥίςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceῥίς: meaning 'nostrils'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
συνολκὴνdrawing inN1 ASF · συνολκήaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationσυνολκή: meaning 'drawing in'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀέροςof airN3 GSM · ἀήρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationἀήρ: meaning 'of air'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
οὔτεneitherC · οὔτεconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastοὔτε: meaning 'neither'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ὦταotaN3T ASN · οὖςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationοὖς: meaning 'ota'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἀκούεινakoyoV1 PAN · ἀκούωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementἀκούω: meaning 'akoyo'; 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.
οὔτεneitherC · οὔτεconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastοὔτε: meaning 'neither'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
δάκτυλοιfingerN2 NPM · δάκτυλοςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceδάκτυλος: meaning 'finger'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
χειρῶνhandsN3 GPF · χείρgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationχείρ: meaning 'hands'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
εἰςintoP · εἰςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingεἰς: meaning 'into'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ψηλάφησινtouchingN3I ASF · ψηλάφησιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationψηλάφησις: meaning 'touching'; 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.
οἱtheRA NPM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingοἱ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πόδεςfootN3D NPM · πούςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceπούς: meaning 'foot'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
αὐτῶνtheirRD GPM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationαὐτῶν: meaning 'their'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ἀργοὶuselessA1 NPM · ἀργόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἀργός: meaning 'useless'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
πρὸςtoP · πρόςpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingπρὸς: meaning 'to'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ἐπίβασινwalkingN3I ASF · ἐπίβασιςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐπίβασις: meaning 'walking'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
16
ἄνθρωπος γὰρ ἐποίησεν αὐτούς καὶ τὸ πνεῦμα δεδανεισμένος ἔπλασεν αὐτούς οὐδεὶς γὰρ αὐτῷ ὅμοιον ἄνθρωπος ἰσχύει πλάσαι θεόν
For a man made them, and one who has borrowed breath fashioned them; for no man is strong enough to fashion a god like himself.
A creature who merely borrows breath cannot manufacture a true god.
Word-by-word analysis· 18 words
ἄνθρωποςman / human beingN2 NSM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
ἐποίησενdidVAI AAI3S · ποιέωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristποιέω: meaning 'did'; 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.
αὐτούςthemRD APM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτούς: 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.
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.
τὸtheRA ASN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
πνεῦμαspiritN3M ASN · πνεῦμαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationπνεῦμα: meaning 'spirit'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
δεδανεισμένοςhaving borrowedVT · χμπνσμ δανείζωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateχμπνσμ δανείζω: meaning 'having borrowed'; 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.
ἔπλασενmoldedVAI AAI3S · πλάσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristπλάσσω: meaning 'molded'; 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.
αὐτούςthemRD APM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτούς: 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.
οὐδεὶςno oneA3 NSM · οὐδείςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceοὐδείς: meaning 'no one'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
αὐτῷto himRD DSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant reference or interestαὐτῷ: meaning 'to him'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
ὅμοιονlikeA1A ASM · ὅμοιοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὅμοιος: meaning 'like'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἄνθρωποςman / human beingN2 NSM · ἄνθρωποςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceἄνθρωπος: meaning 'man'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
ἰσχύειισχυωV1 PAI3S · ἰσχύωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἰσχύω: meaning 'ισχυω'; 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.
πλάσαιto moldVA AAN · πλάσσωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementπλάσσω: meaning 'to mold'; 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.
θεόνGodN2 ASM · θεόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
17
θνητὸς δὲ ὢν νεκρὸν ἐργάζεται χερσὶν ἀνόμοις κρείττων γάρ ἐστιν τῶν σεβασμάτων αὐτοῦ ὧν αὐτὸς μὲν ἔζησεν ἐκεῖνα δὲ οὐδέποτε
But being mortal, he works a dead thing with lawless hands; for he himself is better than the objects he worships, because he indeed lived, but they never did.
The worshiper is ironically superior to his idol because he lives while the thing he worships never lived at all.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
θνητὸςmortalA1 NSM · θνητόςnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceθνητός: meaning 'mortal'; 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.
ὢνπαπνσμ εἰμίV9 · παπνσμ εἰμίverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπαπνσμ εἰμί: meaning 'παπνσμ εἰμί'; 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.
νεκρὸνa dead thingN2 ASM · νεκρόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationνεκρός: meaning 'a dead thing'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐργάζεταιworksV1 PMI3S · ἐργάζομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processἐργάζομαι: meaning 'works'; 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.
χερσὶνhandN3 DPF · χείρdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceχείρ: meaning 'hand'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
ἀνόμοιςlawlessA1B DPF · ἄνομοςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄνομος: meaning 'lawless'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
κρείττωνbetterA3C NSM · κρείσσωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceκρείσσων: meaning 'better'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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.
ἐστινbeV9 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.
τῶνthe (who are)RA GPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
σεβασμάτωνobjects of worshipN3M GPN · σέβασμαgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationσέβασμα: meaning 'objects of worship'; 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.
ὧνwhich thingsRR GPN · ὅςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationὧν: meaning 'which 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.
αὐτὸςheRD NSM · αὐτόςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceαὐτὸς: meaning 'he'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
μὲνon the one handX · μένadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastμὲν: meaning 'on the one hand'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἔζησενliveVAI AAI3S · ζάωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ constative aoristζάω: meaning 'live'; 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.
ἐκεῖναthat / thoseRD NPN · ἐκεῖνοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ participant referenceἐκεῖνα: meaning 'that'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
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.
οὐδέποτεneverD · οὐδέποτεadverbial or particle element shaping the clause or phrase→ discourse linkage or contrastοὐδέποτε: meaning 'never'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
18
καὶ τὰ ζῷα δὲ τὰ ἔχθιστα σέβονται ἀνοίᾳ γὰρ συγκρινόμενα τῶν ἄλλων ἐστὶ χείρονα
And they worship even the most hateful animals, for compared in folly with the others they are worse.
Their folly sinks so low that they revere even the most contemptible animals.
Word-by-word analysis· 14 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.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ζῷαcreaturesN2N APN · ζῷονaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationζῷον: meaning 'creatures'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
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.
τὰtheRA APN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὰ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἔχθισταmost hatefulA1 APNS · ἐχθρόςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἐχθρός: meaning 'most hateful'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
σέβονταιthey worshipV1 PMI3P · σέβομαιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processσέβομαι: meaning 'they worship'; 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.
ἀνοίᾳin senselessnessN1A DSF · ἄνοιαdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceἄνοια: meaning 'in senselessness'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
συγκρινόμεναbeing comparedV1 · πμπνπν κρίνω + συνverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateπμπνπν κρίνω + συν: meaning 'being compared'; 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.
τῶνthe (who are)RA GPN · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτῶν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
ἄλλωνotherRD GPN · ἄλλοςpronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause→ relational specificationἄλλων: meaning 'other'; pronoun marking person, possession, or reference within the clause; here it functions as pronominal form marking person, reference, or participant role within the clause.
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.
χείροναworseA3C NPN · χείρωνnominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition→ participant prominenceχείρων: meaning 'worse'; it serves as nominative element functioning as subject, predicate, or apposition.
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οὐδ' ὅσον ἐπιποθῆσαι ὡς ἐν ζῴων ὄψει καλὰ τυγχάνει ἐκπέφευγεν δὲ καὶ τὸν τοῦ θεοῦ ἔπαινον καὶ τὴν εὐλογίαν αὐτοῦ
Nor are they as beautiful as to be desired in the sight of living creatures; but they have escaped both the praise of God and his blessing.
The chapter closes by denying such objects even the beauty of creatures, while noting that they stand outside both God's praise and blessing.
Word-by-word analysis· 20 words
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.
ὅσονso much asA1 ASN · ὅσοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationὅσος: meaning 'so much as'; it serves as accusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal.
ἐπιποθῆσαιto desire eagerlyVA AAN · ποθέω + ἐπιverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ infinitival complementποθέω + ἐπι: meaning 'to desire eagerly'; 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.
ὡςasC · ὡςconnective or conjunction linking the clause to its context→ discourse linkage or contrastὡς: meaning 'as'; conjunction or particle linking this unit with the surrounding discourse.
ἐνinP · ἐνpreposition governing its complement phrase→ spatial or relational framingἐν: meaning 'in'; here it marks the relation signaled by preposition governing its complement phrase.
ζῴωνof living creaturesN2 GPN · ζῷονgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationζῷον: meaning 'of living creatures'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ὄψειὄψιςN3I DSF · ὄψιςdative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient→ sphere or referenceὄψις: meaning 'ὄψις'; it serves as dative nominal element marking relation, instrument, sphere, or recipient.
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.
τυγχάνειit happens to beV1 PAI3S · τυγχάνωverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ ongoing verbal processτυγχάνω: meaning 'it happens to 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.
ἐκπέφευγενit has escapedVX XAI3S · φεύγω + ἐκverbal form carrying the action, process, or state of the clause→ verbal action or stateφεύγω + ἐκ: meaning 'it has escaped'; 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.
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.
τὸνtheRA ASM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὸν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
τοῦtheRA GSM · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτοῦ: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
θεοῦGodN2 GSM · θεόςgenitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality→ relational specificationθεός: meaning 'God'; it serves as genitive nominal element defining relation, possession, source, or quality.
ἔπαινονpraiseN2 ASM · ἔπαινοςaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationἔπαινος: meaning 'praise'; 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.
τὴνtheRA ASF · ὁarticle marking the following noun phrase→ noun-phrase markingτὴν: Greek article marking definiteness and the role of the accompanying noun phrase.
εὐλογίανblessingN1A ASF · εὐλογίαaccusative element functioning as object, extent, or goal→ object specificationεὐλογία: meaning 'blessing'; 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.