KJV: For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
YLT: for the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world, by the things made being understood, are plainly seen, both His eternal power and Godhead -- to their being inexcusable;
Darby: for from the world's creation the invisible things of him are perceived, being apprehended by the mind through the things that are made, both his eternal power and divinity, so as to render them inexcusable.
ASV: For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse:
| ἀόρατα | invisible qualities |
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Parse: Adjective, Nominative Neuter Plural Root: ἀόρατος Sense: unseen, or that which can not be seen, e. |
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| αὐτοῦ | of Him |
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Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Root: αὐτός Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself. |
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| κτίσεως | [the] creation |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular Root: κτίσις Sense: the act of founding, establishing, building etc. |
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| κόσμου | of [the] world |
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Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: κόσμος Sense: an apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order, government. |
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| τοῖς | by the |
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Parse: Article, Dative Neuter Plural Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| ποιήμασιν | things made |
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Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Plural Root: ποίημα Sense: that which has been made. |
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| νοούμενα | being understood |
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Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Neuter Plural Root: νοέω Sense: to perceive with the mind, to understand, to have understanding. |
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| καθορᾶται | are clearly seen |
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Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular Root: καθοράω Sense: to look down, see from above, view from on high. |
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| τε | both |
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Parse: Conjunction Root: τέ Sense: not only … but also. |
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| ἀΐδιος | eternal |
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Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Singular Root: ἀί̈διος Sense: eternal, everlasting. |
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| δύναμις | power |
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Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular Root: δύναμις Sense: strength power, ability. |
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| θειότης | divinity |
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Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular Root: θειότης Sense: divinity, divine nature. |
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| τὸ | - |
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Parse: Article, Accusative Neuter Singular Root: ὁ Sense: this, that, these, etc. |
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| εἶναι | to be |
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Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active Root: εἰμί Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present. |
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| ἀναπολογήτους | without excuse |
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Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Plural Root: ἀναπολόγητος Sense: without defense or excuse. |
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Greek Commentary for Romans 1:20
Another verbal adjective The attributes of God‘s nature defined here as “his everlasting power and divinity” Αιδιος Aidios is for αειδιος aeidios from αει aei (always), old word, in N.T. only here and Judges 1:6, common in Philo (ζωη αιδιος zōē aidios), elsewhere αιωνιος aiōnios Τειοτης Theiotēs is from τειος theios (from τεος theos) quality of τεος theos and corresponds more to Latin divinitas from divus, divine. In Colossians 2:9 Paul uses τεοτης theotēs (Latin deitas from deus) deity, both old words and nowhere else in the N.T. Τεοτης Theotēs is Divine Personality, τειοτης theiotēs Divine Nature and properties (Sanday and Headlam). [source]
He means by God and unto God as antecedent to and superior to the world (cf. Colossians 1:15. about Christ). Are clearly seen (κατοραται kathoratai). Present passive indicative of κατοραω kathoraō (perfective use of κατα katȧ), old word, only here in N.T., with direct reference to αορατα aorata Being perceived Present passive participle of νοεω noeō to use the νους nous (intellect). That they may be without excuse (εις το ειναι αυτους αναπολογητους eis to einai autous anapologētous). More likely, “so that they are without excuse.” The use of εις το eis to and the infinitive (with accusative of general reference) for result like ωστε hōste is reasonably clear in the N.T. (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 219; Robertson, Grammar, p. 1003). Αναπολογητους Anapologētous is another verbal with αν an from απολογεομαι apologeomai Old word, in N.T. only here and Romans 2:1 (“inexcusable” here). [source]
Present passive indicative of κατοραω kathoraō (perfective use of κατα katȧ), old word, only here in N.T., with direct reference to αορατα aorata [source]
Present passive participle of νοεω noeō to use the νους nous (intellect). That they may be without excuse (εις το ειναι αυτους αναπολογητους eis to einai autous anapologētous). More likely, “so that they are without excuse.” The use of εις το eis to and the infinitive (with accusative of general reference) for result like ωστε hōste is reasonably clear in the N.T. (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 219; Robertson, Grammar, p. 1003). Αναπολογητους Anapologētous is another verbal with αν an from απολογεομαι apologeomai Old word, in N.T. only here and Romans 2:1 (“inexcusable” here). [source]
More likely, “so that they are without excuse.” The use of εις το eis to and the infinitive (with accusative of general reference) for result like ωστε hōste is reasonably clear in the N.T. (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 219; Robertson, Grammar, p. 1003). Αναπολογητους Anapologētous is another verbal with αν an from απολογεομαι apologeomai Old word, in N.T. only here and Romans 2:1 (“inexcusable” here). [source]
The attributes which constitute God's nature, afterward defined as “His eternal power and divinity.” [source]
From the time of. Rev., since. [source]
We have here an oxymoron, literally a pointedly foolish saying; a saying which is impressive or witty through sheer contradiction or paradox. Invisible things are clearly visible. See on Acts 5:41. Illustrations are sometimes furnished by single words, as γλυκύπικρος bittersweet θρασύδειλος abold coward. In English compare Shakespeare:“Dove-feathered raven, fiend angelical;Beautiful tyrant, wolfish-ravening lamb.”Spenser:“Glad of such luck, the luckless lucky maid.” [source]
Rev., better, divinity. Godhead expresses deity ( θεότης ). θειότης is godhood, not godhead. It signifies the sum-total of the divine attributes. [source]
The A.V. expresses result; but the sense is rather purpose. The revelation of God's power and divinity is given, so that, if, after being enlightened, they fall into sin, they may be without defense. [source]
See on answer, 1 Peter 3:15. Only here and Romans 2:1. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 1:20
Even the heathen have the evidence of nature to show the existence of God as Paul argues in Romans so that they are without excuse (Romans 1:20.). [source]
Originally, order, and hence the order of the world; the ordered universe. So in classical Greek. In the Septuagint, never the world, but the ordered total of the heavenly bodies; the host of heaven (17:3; Isaiah 24:21; 40:26). Compare, also, Proverbs href="/desk/?q=pr+17:6&sr=1">Proverbs 17:6, and see note on James 3:6. In the apocryphal books, of the universe, and mainly in the relation between God and it arising out of the creation. Thus, the king of the world (2 Maccabees 7:9); the creator or founder of the world (2 Maccabees 12:15). In the New Testament: 1. In the classical and physical sense, the universe (John href="/desk/?q=joh+17:5&sr=1">John 17:5; John 21:25.; Romans 1:20; Ephesians 1:4, etc.). 2. As the order of things of which man is the centre (Matthew 13:38; Mark 16:15; Luke 9:25; John 16:21; Ephesians 2:12; 1 Timothy 6:7). 3. Humanity as it manifests itself in and through this order (Matthew 18:7; 2 Peter 2:5; 2 Peter 3:6; Romans 3:19). Then, as sin has entered and disturbed the order of things, and made a breach between the heavenly and the earthly order, which are one in the divine ideal - 4. The order of things which is alienated from God, as manifested in and by the human race: humanity as alienated from God, and acting in opposition to him (John 1:10; John 12:31; John 15:18, John 15:19; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 1 John 2:15, etc.). The word is used here in the classical sense of the visible creation, which would appeal to the Athenians. Stanley, speaking of the name by which the Deity is known in the patriarchal age, the plural Elohim, notes that Abraham, in perceiving that all the Elohim worshipped by the numerous clans of his race meant one God, anticipated the declaration of Paul in this passage (“Jewish Church,” i., 25). Paul's statement strikes at the belief of the Epicureans, that the world was made by “a fortuitous concourse of atoms,” and of the Stoics, who denied the creation of the world by God, holding either that God animated the world, or that the world itself was God. [source]
Mercury, as the god of merchandise, was also the dispenser of food. “No one can read the speech without once more perceiving its subtle and inimitable coincidence with his (Paul's) thoughts and expressions. The rhythmic conclusion is not unaccordant with the style of his most elevated moods; and besides the appropriate appeal to God's natural gifts in a town not in itself unhappily situated, but surrounded by a waterless and treeless plain, we may naturally suppose that the 'filling our hearts with food and gladness' was suggested by the garlands and festive pomp which accompanied the bulls on which the people would afterward have made their common banquet” (Farrar, “Life and Work of Paul”). For the coincidences between this discourse and other utterances of Paul, compare Acts 14:15, and 1 Thessalonians 1:9; Acts 14:16, and Romans 3:25; Acts 17:30; Acts 14:17, and Romans 1:19, Romans 1:20. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- [source]
Old adjective First aorist active (κ k aorist indicative of απιημι aphiēmi). In that he did good Present active causal participle of αγατουργεω agathourgeō late and rare verb (also αγατοεργεω agathoergeō 1 Timothy 6:18), reading of the oldest MSS. here for αγατοποιεω agathopoieō to do good. Note two other causal participles here parallel with αγατουργων agathourgōn viz., διδους didous (“giving you”) present active of διδωμι εμπιπλων didōmiεμπιμπλαω empiplōn (“filling”) present active of εμπιμπλημι empimplaō (late form of καρποπορουσ καρπος empimplēmi). This witness to God (his doing good, giving rains and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness) they could receive without the help of the Old Testament revelation (Romans 1:20). Zeus was regarded as the god of rain (Jupiter Pluvius) and Paul claims the rain and the fruitful Paul does not talk about laws of nature as if they governed themselves, but he sees the living God “behind the drama of the physical world” (Furneaux). These simple country people could grasp his ideas as he claims everything for the one true God. Gladness (ευ euphrosunēs). Old word from πρην euphrōn (eu and phrēn), good cheer. In the N.T. only Acts 2:28 and here. Cheerfulness should be our normal attitude when we consider God‘s goodness. Paul does not here mention Christ because he had the single definite purpose to dissuade them from worshipping Barnabas and himself. [source]
Present active causal participle of αγατουργεω agathourgeō late and rare verb (also αγατοεργεω agathoergeō 1 Timothy 6:18), reading of the oldest MSS. here for αγατοποιεω agathopoieō to do good. Note two other causal participles here parallel with αγατουργων agathourgōn viz., διδους didous (“giving you”) present active of διδωμι εμπιπλων didōmiεμπιμπλαω empiplōn (“filling”) present active of εμπιμπλημι empimplaō (late form of καρποπορουσ καρπος empimplēmi). This witness to God (his doing good, giving rains and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness) they could receive without the help of the Old Testament revelation (Romans 1:20). Zeus was regarded as the god of rain (Jupiter Pluvius) and Paul claims the rain and the fruitful Paul does not talk about laws of nature as if they governed themselves, but he sees the living God “behind the drama of the physical world” (Furneaux). These simple country people could grasp his ideas as he claims everything for the one true God. Gladness (ευ euphrosunēs). Old word from πρην euphrōn (eu and phrēn), good cheer. In the N.T. only Acts 2:28 and here. Cheerfulness should be our normal attitude when we consider God‘s goodness. Paul does not here mention Christ because he had the single definite purpose to dissuade them from worshipping Barnabas and himself. [source]
Infinitive with accusative of general reference in indirect discourse. Το τειον To theion is strictly “the divine” nature like τειοτης theiotēs (Romans 1:20) rather than like τεοτης theotēs (Colossians 2:9). Paul may have used το τειον to theion here to get back behind all their notions of various gods to the real nature of God. The Athenians may even have used the term themselves. After ομοιος homoios (like) the associative instrumental case is used as with χρυσωι αργυρωι λιτωι chrusōiχαραγματι τεχνης και εντυμησεως αντρωπου argurōiχαραγματι lithōi Graven by art and device of man (χαρασσω charagmati technēs kai enthumēseōs anthrōpou). Apposition with preceding and so τεχνης charagmati in associative instrumental case. Literally, graven work or sculpture from εντυμησεως charassō to engrave, old word, but here alone in N.T. outside of Revelation (the mark of the beast). Graven work of art (technēs) or external craft, and of thought or device (enthumēseōs) or internal conception of man. [source]
Another oxymoron; see on Romans 1:20. Compare Horace, insaniens sapientia raving wisdom. Plato uses the phrase μάταιον δοξοσοφίαν vain-gloryingof wisdom (“Sophist,” 231). [source]
Καρδια Kardia is the most comprehensive term for all our faculties whether feeling (Romans 9:2), will (1 Corinthians 4:5), intellect (Romans 10:6). It may be the home of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5) or of evil desires (Romans 1:24). See notes on Mark 7:21. for list of vices that come “out of the heart.” Ασυνετος Asunetos is a verbal adjective from συνιημι suniēmi to put together, and α a privative, unintelligent, not able to put together the manifest evidence about God (Romans 1:20). So darkness settled down on their hearts (εσκοτιστη eskotisthē first aorist ingressive passive of σκοτιζω skotizō to darken). [source]
This idiom may be God‘s purpose (contemplated result) as in εις το λογιστηναι eis to logisthēnai below, or even actual result (so that he was) as in Romans 1:20. [source]
Second aorist active participle of γινωσκω ginōskō to know by personal experience. Definite statement that originally men had some knowledge of God. No people, however degraded, have yet been found without some yearning after a god, a seeking to find the true God and get back to him as Paul said in Athens (Acts 17:27). Glorified not as God (ουχ ως τεον εδοχασαν ouch hōs theon edoxasan). They knew more than they did. This is the reason for the condemnation of the heathen (Romans 2:12-16), the failure to do what they know. Their senseless heart Καρδια Kardia is the most comprehensive term for all our faculties whether feeling (Romans 9:2), will (1 Corinthians 4:5), intellect (Romans 10:6). It may be the home of the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5) or of evil desires (Romans 1:24). See notes on Mark 7:21. for list of vices that come “out of the heart.” Ασυνετος Asunetos is a verbal adjective from συνιημι suniēmi to put together, and α a privative, unintelligent, not able to put together the manifest evidence about God (Romans 1:20). So darkness settled down on their hearts (εσκοτιστη eskotisthē first aorist ingressive passive of σκοτιζω skotizō to darken). [source]
Σπραγις Sphragis is old word for the seal placed on books (Revelation 5:1), for a signet-ring (Revelation 7:2), the stamp made by the seal (2 Timothy 2:19), that by which anything is confirmed (1 Corinthians 9:2) as here. The circumcision did not convey the righteousness, but only gave outward confirmation. It came by faith and “the faith which he had while in uncircumcision” This idiom may be God‘s purpose (contemplated result) as in εις το λογιστηναι eis to logisthēnai below, or even actual result (so that he was) as in Romans 1:20. Though they be in uncircumcision Simply, “of those who believe while in the condition of uncircumcision.” [source]
This Christians held as firmly as Jews. The worship of Jesus as God‘s Son and the Holy Spirit does not recognize three Gods, but one God in three Persons. It was the worship of Mary the Mother of Jesus that gave Mahomet his cry: “Allah is One.” The cosmos, the ordered universe, can only be ruled by one God (Romans 1:20). [source]
Construe with repentance. The Rev., in order to bring out this connection, amplifies the translation: a repentance which bringeth no regret. The oxymoron (see on Romans 1:20; Romans 4:18) is in the A.V. rather than in the Greek. It should be carefully observed that the two words, repentance, not to be repented of, represent different roots and different ideas: repentance ( μετάνοιαν ) denoting the moral change, and to be repented of denoting the sentiment of misgiving or regret (see on Matthew 21:29), and so answering to λύπη sorrowThe Rev. brings out the distinction by substituting regret for repentance. [source]
Or creation. Compare Galatians 6:15. The word κτίσις is used in three senses in the New Testament. The act of creating, as Romans 1:20. The sum of created things, as Revelation 3:14; Mark 13:19. A created thing or creature, as Romans 8:39. The Rabbins used the word of a man converted from idolatry. “He who brings a foreigner and makes him a proselyte is as if he created him.” [source]
A fresh start is made Κτισις Ktisis is the old word for the act of creating (Romans 1:20), but in N.T. by metonymy it usually bears the notion of κτισμα ktisma the thing created or creature as here. [source]
Either purpose or result (εις το eis to plus infinitive as in Romans 1:11, Romans 1:20; Romans 3:26, etc.). [source]
Only here in the New Testament. See on Romans 1:20, where θειότης divinityor godhood is used. Appropriate there, because God personally would not be known from His revelation in nature, but only His attributes - His majesty and glory. Here Paul is speaking of the essential and personal deity as belonging to Christ. So Bengel: “Not the divine attributes, but the divine nature.” [source]
First aorist passive participle of κηρυσσω kērussō to herald, to proclaim. In all creation (εν πασηι κτισει en pasēi ktisei). Κτισις Ktisis is the act of founding (Romans 1:20) from κτιζω ktizō (Colossians 1:16), then a created thing (Romans 1:25), then the sum of created things as here and Revelation 3:14. It is hyperbole, to be sure, but Paul does not say that all men are converted, but only that the message has been heralded abroad over the Roman Empire in a wider fashion than most people imagine. A minister General term for service Our “deacon” is this word transliterated and given a technical meaning as in Philemon 1:1. [source]
Κτισις Ktisis is the act of founding (Romans 1:20) from κτιζω ktizō (Colossians 1:16), then a created thing (Romans 1:25), then the sum of created things as here and Revelation 3:14. It is hyperbole, to be sure, but Paul does not say that all men are converted, but only that the message has been heralded abroad over the Roman Empire in a wider fashion than most people imagine. [source]
Periphrastic perfect passive participle (continuing state of alienation) of απαλλοτριοω apallotrioō old word from Plato on, to estrange, to render αλλοτριος allotrios (belonging to another), alienated from God, a vivid picture of heathenism as in Romans 1:20-23. Only other N.T. examples in Ephesians 2:12; Ephesians 4:18. Ενεμιες Enemies Old word from εχτος echthos (hatred). Active sense here, hostile as in Matthew 13:28; Romans 8:7, not passive hateful (Romans 11:28). In your mind (τηι διανοιαι tēi dianoiāi). Locative case. Διανοια Dianoia (δια νους diaεν τοις εργοις τοις πονηροις nous), mind, intent, purpose. Old word. It is always a tragedy to see men use their minds actively against God. In your evil works Hostile purpose finds natural expression in evil deeds. [source]
is in the locative case (in faith). Grounded (τετεμελιωμενοι tethemeliōmenoi). Perfect passive participle of τεμελιοω themelioō old verb from τεμελιος themelios (adjective, from τεμα thema from τιτημι tithēmi laid down as a foundation, substantive, 1 Corinthians 3:11.). Picture of the saint as a building like Ephesians 2:20. Steadfast Old adjective from εδρα hedra (seat). In N.T. only here, 1 Corinthians 7:37; 1 Corinthians 15:58. Metaphor of seated in a chair. Not moved away (μη μετακινουμενοι mē metakinoumenoi). Present passive participle (with negative μη mē) of μετακινεω metakineō old verb, to move away, to change location, only here in N.T. Negative statement covering the same ground. From the hope of the gospel Ablative case with απο apo The hope given by or in the gospel and there alone. Which ye heard (ου ηκουσατε hou ēkousate). Genitive case of relative either by attraction or after ηκουσατε ēkousate The Colossians had in reality heard the gospel from Epaphras. Preached First aorist passive participle of κηρυσσω kērussō to herald, to proclaim. In all creation (εν πασηι κτισει en pasēi ktisei). Κτισις Ktisis is the act of founding (Romans 1:20) from κτιζω ktizō (Colossians 1:16), then a created thing (Romans 1:25), then the sum of created things as here and Revelation 3:14. It is hyperbole, to be sure, but Paul does not say that all men are converted, but only that the message has been heralded abroad over the Roman Empire in a wider fashion than most people imagine. A minister General term for service Our “deacon” is this word transliterated and given a technical meaning as in Philemon 1:1. [source]
Old adjective from εδρα hedra (seat). In N.T. only here, 1 Corinthians 7:37; 1 Corinthians 15:58. Metaphor of seated in a chair. Not moved away (μη μετακινουμενοι mē metakinoumenoi). Present passive participle (with negative μη mē) of μετακινεω metakineō old verb, to move away, to change location, only here in N.T. Negative statement covering the same ground. From the hope of the gospel Ablative case with απο apo The hope given by or in the gospel and there alone. Which ye heard (ου ηκουσατε hou ēkousate). Genitive case of relative either by attraction or after ηκουσατε ēkousate The Colossians had in reality heard the gospel from Epaphras. Preached First aorist passive participle of κηρυσσω kērussō to herald, to proclaim. In all creation (εν πασηι κτισει en pasēi ktisei). Κτισις Ktisis is the act of founding (Romans 1:20) from κτιζω ktizō (Colossians 1:16), then a created thing (Romans 1:25), then the sum of created things as here and Revelation 3:14. It is hyperbole, to be sure, but Paul does not say that all men are converted, but only that the message has been heralded abroad over the Roman Empire in a wider fashion than most people imagine. A minister General term for service Our “deacon” is this word transliterated and given a technical meaning as in Philemon 1:1. [source]
Ablative case with απο apo The hope given by or in the gospel and there alone. Which ye heard (ου ηκουσατε hou ēkousate). Genitive case of relative either by attraction or after ηκουσατε ēkousate The Colossians had in reality heard the gospel from Epaphras. Preached First aorist passive participle of κηρυσσω kērussō to herald, to proclaim. In all creation (εν πασηι κτισει en pasēi ktisei). Κτισις Ktisis is the act of founding (Romans 1:20) from κτιζω ktizō (Colossians 1:16), then a created thing (Romans 1:25), then the sum of created things as here and Revelation 3:14. It is hyperbole, to be sure, but Paul does not say that all men are converted, but only that the message has been heralded abroad over the Roman Empire in a wider fashion than most people imagine. A minister General term for service Our “deacon” is this word transliterated and given a technical meaning as in Philemon 1:1. [source]
Note the paradox, strive to be quiet. For similar instances see Romans 1:20, unseen things clearly seen: Romans 1:22, wise, be fooled (comp. Horace, Od. 1,34, 2, insaniens sapientia ): 2 Corinthians 8:2, poverty abounded unto riches: 2 Corinthians 7:10, repentance, not to be repented of. The disturbances rebuked in the second Epistle may have begun to show themselves, so that there is a possible allusion to the idle busybodies of 2 Thessalonians 3:11. [source]
For glory see on 1 Thessalonians 2:12. Ἱσχὺς powernot often in Paul. It is indwelling power put forth or embodied, either aggressively or as an obstacle to resistance: physical power organized or working under individual direction. An army and a fortress are both ἰσχυρὸς. The power inhering in the magistrate, which is put forth in laws or judicial decisions, is ἰσχὺς , and makes the edicts ἰσχυρὰ validand hard to resist. Δύναμις is the indwelling power which comes to manifestation in ἰσχὺς The precise phrase used here does not appear elsewhere in N.T. In lxx, Isaiah 2:10, Isaiah 2:19, Isaiah 2:21. The power ( δύναμις ) and glory of God are associated in Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 19:1. Comp. κράτος τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ strengthof his glory, Colossians 1:11. Additional Note on ὄλεθρον αἰώνιον eternaldestruction, 2 Thessalonians 1:9 Ἁιών transliterated eon is a period of time of longer or shorter duration, having a beginning and an end, and complete in itself. Aristotle ( περὶ οὐρανοῦ , i. 9,15) says: “The period which includes the whole time of each one's life is called the eon of each one.” Hence it often means the life of a man, as in Homer, where one's life ( αἰών ) is said to leave him or to consume away (Il. v. 685; Od. v. 160). It is not, however, limited to human life; it signifies any period in the course of events, as the period or age before Christ; the period of the millennium; the mytho-logical period before the beginnings of history. The word has not “a stationary and mechanical value” (De Quincey). It does not mean a period of a fixed length for all cases. There are as many eons as entities, the respective durations of which are fixed by the normal conditions of the several entities. There is one eon of a human life, another of the life of a nation, another of a crow's life, another of an oak's life. The length of the eon depends on the subject to which it is attached. It is sometimes translated world; world representing a period or a series of periods of time. See Matthew 12:32; Matthew 13:40, Matthew 13:49; Luke 1:70; 1 Corinthians 1:20; 1 Corinthians 2:6; Ephesians 1:21. Similarly οἱ αἰῶνες theworlds, the universe, the aggregate of the ages or periods, and their contents which are included in the duration of the world. 1 Corinthians 2:7; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 9:26; Hebrews 11:3. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The word always carries the notion of time, and not of eternity. It always means a period of time. Otherwise it would be impossible to account for the plural, or for such qualifying expressions as this age, or the age to come. It does not mean something endless or everlasting. To deduce that meaning from its relation to ἀεί is absurd; for, apart from the fact that the meaning of a word is not definitely fixed by its derivation, ἀεί does not signify endless duration. When the writer of the Pastoral Epistles quotes the saying that the Cretans are always ( ἀεί ) liars (Titus 1:12), he surely does not mean that the Cretans will go on lying to all eternity. See also Acts 7:51; 2 Corinthians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 6:10; Hebrews 3:10; 1 Peter 3:15. Ἁεί means habitually or continually within the limit of the subject's life. In our colloquial dialect everlastingly is used in the same way. “The boy is everlastingly tormenting me to buy him a drum.”-DIVIDER- In the New Testament the history of the world is conceived as developed through a succession of eons. A series of such eons precedes the introduction of a new series inaugurated by the Christian dispensation, and the end of the world and the second coming of Christ are to mark the beginning of another series. See Ephesians 3:11. Paul contemplates eons before and after the Christian era. Ephesians 1:21; Ephesians 2:7; Ephesians 3:9, Ephesians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 10:11; comp. Hebrews 9:26. He includes the series of eons in one great eon, ὁ αἰὼν τῶν αἰώνων theeon of the eons (Ephesians 3:21); and the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews describes the throne of God as enduring unto the eon of the eons (Hebrews 1:8). The plural is also used, eons of the eons, signifying all the successive periods which make up the sum total of the ages collectively. Romans 16:27; Galatians 1:5; Philemon 4:20, etc. This plural phrase is applied by Paul to God only. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- The adjective αἰώνιος in like manner carries the idea of time. Neither the noun nor the adjective, in themselves, carry the sense of endless or everlasting. They may acquire that sense by their connotation, as, on the other hand, ἀΐ̀διος , which means everlasting, has its meaning limited to a given point of time in Judges 1:6. Ἁιώνιος means enduring through or pertaining to a period of time. Both the noun and the adjective are applied to limited periods. Thus the phrase εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα , habitually rendered forever, is often used of duration which is limited in the very nature of the case. See, for a few out of many instances, lxx, Exodus 21:6; Exodus 29:9; Exodus 32:13; Joshua 14:9; 1 Samuel 8:13; Leviticus 25:46; Deuteronomy 15:17; 1 Chronicles 28:4. See also Matthew 21:19; John 13:8; 1 Corinthians 8:13. The same is true of αἰώνιος . Out of 150 instances in lxx, four-fifths imply limited duration. For a few instances see Genesis 48:4; Numbers 10:8; Numbers 15:15; Proverbs 22:28; Jonah 2:6; Habakkuk 3:6; Isaiah 61:8. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Words which are habitually applied to things temporal or material can not carry in themselves the sense of endlessness. Even when applied to God, we are not forced to render αἰώνιος everlastingOf course the life of God is endless; but the question is whether, in describing God as αἰώνιος , it was intended to describe the duration of his being, or whether some different and larger idea was not contemplated. That God lives longer than men, and lives on everlastingly, and has lived everlastingly, are, no doubt, great and significant facts; yet they are not the dominant or the most impressive facts in God's relations to time. God's eternity does not stand merely or chiefly for a scale of length. It is not primarily a mathematical but a moral fact. The relations of God to time include and imply far more than the bare fact of endless continuance. They carry with them the fact that God transcends time; works on different principles and on a vaster scale than the wisdom of time provides; oversteps the conditions and the motives of time; marshals the successive eons from a point outside of time, on lines which run out into his own measureless cycles, and for sublime moral ends which the creature of threescore and ten years cannot grasp and does not even suspect. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- There is a word for everlasting if that idea is demanded. That αἰώνιος occurs rarely in the New Testament and in lxx does not prove that its place was taken by αἰώνιος . It rather goes to show that less importance was attached to the bare idea of everlastingness than later theological thought has given it. Paul uses the word once, in Romans 1:20, where he speaks of “the everlasting power and divinity of God.” In Romans 16:26he speaks of the eternal God ( τοῦ αἰωνίου θεοῦ ); but that he does not mean the everlasting God is perfectly clear from the context. He has said that “the mystery” has been kept in silence in times eternal ( χρόνοις αἰωνίοις ), by which he does not mean everlasting times, but the successive eons which elapsed before Christ was proclaimed. God therefore is described as the God of the eons, the God who pervaded and controlled those periods before the incarnation. To the same effect is the title ὁ βασιλεὺς τῶν αἰώνων theKing of the eons, applied to God in 1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 15:3; comp. 2Timothy href="/desk/?q=2ti+1:9&sr=1">2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2), cannot mean before everlasting times. To say that God bestowed grace on men, or promised them eternal life before endless times, would be absurd. The meaning is of old, as Luke 1:70. The grace and the promise were given in time, but far back in the ages, before the times of reckoning the eons. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Ζωὴ αἰώνιος eternallife, which occurs 42 times in N.T., but not in lxx, is not endless life, but life pertaining to a certain age or eon, or continuing during that eon. I repeat, life may be endless. The life in union with Christ is endless, but the fact is not expressed by αἰώνιος . Κόλασις αἰώνιος , rendered everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46), is the punishment peculiar to an eon other than that in which Christ is speaking. In some cases ζωὴ αἰώνιος does not refer specifically to the life beyond time, but rather to the eon or dispensation of Messiah which succeeds the legal dispensation. See Matthew 19:16; John 5:39. John says that ζωὴ αἰώνιος is the present possession of those who believe on the Son of God, John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:47, John 6:64. The Father's commandment is ζωὴ αἰώσιος , John 12:50; to know the only true God and Jesus Christ is ζωὴ αἰώνιος , John 17:3. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- Bishop Westcott very justly says, commenting upon the terms used by John to describe life under different aspects: “In considering these phrases it is necessary to premise that in spiritual things we must guard against all conclusions which rest upon the notions of succession and duration. 'Eternal life' is that which St. Paul speaks of as ἡ ὄντως ζωὴ thelife which is life indeed, and ἡ ζωὴ τοῦ θεοῦ thelife of God. It is not an endless duration of being in time, but being of which time is not a measure. We have indeed no powers to grasp the idea except through forms and images of sense. These must be used, but we must not transfer them as realities to another order.”-DIVIDER- Thus, while αἰώνιος carries the idea of time, though not of endlessness, there belongs to it also, more or less, a sense of quality. Its character is ethical rather than mathematical. The deepest significance of the life beyond time lies, not in endlessness, but in the moral quality of the eon into which the life passes. It is comparatively unimportant whether or not the rich fool, when his soul was required of him (Luke 12:20), entered upon a state that was endless. The principal, the tremendous fact, as Christ unmistakably puts it, was that, in the new eon, the motives, the aims, the conditions, the successes and awards of time counted for nothing. In time, his barns and their contents were everything; the soul was nothing. In the new life the soul was first and everything, and the barns and storehouses nothing. The bliss of the sanctified does not consist primarily in its endlessness, but in the nobler moral conditions of the new eon, - the years of the holy and eternal God. Duration is a secondary idea. When it enters it enters as an accompaniment and outgrowth of moral conditions. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- In the present passage it is urged that ὄλεθρον destructionpoints to an unchangeable, irremediable, and endless condition. If this be true, if ὄλεθρος isextinction, then the passage teaches the annihilation of the wicked, in which case the adjective αἰώνιος is superfluous, since extinction is final, and excludes the idea of duration. But ὄλεθρος does not always mean destruction or extinction. Take the kindred verb ἀπόλλυμι todestroy, put an end to, or in the middle voice, to be lost, to perish. Peter says, “the world being deluged with water, perished ” ( ἀπολοῦνται 2 Peter 3:6); but the world did not become extinct, it was renewed. In Hebrews 1:11, Hebrews 1:12quoted from Isaiah href="/desk/?q=isa+51:6&sr=1">Isaiah 51:6, Isaiah 51:16; Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1. Similarly, “the Son of man came to save that which was lost ” ( ἀπολωλός ), Luke 19:10. Jesus charged his apostles to go to the lost ( ἀπολωλότα ) sheep of the house of Israel, Matthew 10:6, comp. Matthew 15:24. “He that shall lose ( ἀπολέσῃ ) his life for my sake shall find it,” Matthew 16:25. Comp. Luke 15:6, Luke 15:9, Luke 15:32. -DIVIDER- -DIVIDER- In this passage the word destruction is qualified. It is “destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power, “ at his second coming, in the new eon. In other words, it is the severance, at a given point of time, of those who obey not the gospel from the presence and the glory of Christ. Ἁιώνιος may therefore describe this severance as continuing during the millennial eon between Christ's coming and the final judgment; as being for the wicked prolonged throughout that eon and characteristic of it, or it may describe the severance as characterizing or enduring through a period or eon succeeding the final judgment, the extent of which period is not defined. In neither case is αἰώνιος to be interpreted as everlasting or endless.sa180 [source]
Instrumental case of πιστις pistis which he now illustrates in a marvellous way. Each example as far as Hebrews 11:31 is formally and with rhetorical skill introduced by πιστει pistei After that only a summary is given. We understand Present active indicative of νοεω noeō old verb (from νους nous intellect) as in Matthew 15:17; Romans 1:20. The author appeals to our knowledge of the world in which these heroes lived as an illustration of faith. Recent books by great scientists like Eddington and Jeans confirm the position here taken that a Supreme Mind is behind and before the universe. Science can only stand still in God‘s presence and believe like a little child. The worlds “The ages” as in Hebrews 1:2 (cf. Einstein‘s fourth dimension, time). Accusative case of general reference. Have been framed Perfect passive infinitive of καταρτιζω katartizō to mend, to equip, to perfect (Luke 6:40), in indirect discourse after νοουμεν nooumen So that As a rule εις το eis to with the infinitive is final, but sometimes as here it expresses result as in Romans 12:3 (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1003). Hath been made Perfect active infinitive of γινομαι ginomai What is seen Present passive articular participle (accusative case of general reference) of βλεπω blepō Of things which do appear Ablative case with εκ ek (out of) of the present passive participle. The author denies the eternity of matter, a common theory then and now, and places God before the visible universe as many modern scientists now gladly do. [source]
Accusative of time Επιλοιπον Epiloipon is old adjective (επι λοιπος epiεις το loipos remaining in addition), here only in N.T. But eis to here can be result (so that) as in Romans 1:20; Romans 4:18. [source]
Dative case of old and common word κτισις ktisis (from κτιζω ktizō to create, to found), act of creation (Romans 1:20), a creature or creation (Romans 1:25), all creation (Colossians 1:15), an institution as here (in Pindar so). For αντρωπινος anthrōpinos (human) see James 3:7. Peter here approves no special kind of government, but he supports law and order as Paul does (Romans 13:1-8) unless it steps in between God and man (Acts 4:20).For the Lord‘s sake (δια τον κυριον dia ton kurion). For Jesus‘ sake. That is reason enough for the Christian not to be an anarchist (Matthew 22:21). The heathen were keen to charge the Christians with any crime after Nero set the fashion. “It should not be forgotten that, in spite of the fine language of the philosophers, the really popular religions in Greece and Rome were forms of devil-worship, intimately blended with magic in all its grades” (Bigg).As supreme Dative singular of present active participle of υπερεχω huperechō old verb (intransitive), to stand out above (to have it over), as in Romans 13:1. It is not the divine right of kings, but the fact of the king as the outstanding ruler. [source]
Present middle infinitive of Μνημη poieō (as in 2 Peter 1:10). μναομαι Mnēmē is an old word (from μνειαν ποιουμαι mnaomai), here alone in N.T. This idiom, like the Latin mentionem facere, is common in the old writers (papyri also both for “mention” and “remembrance”), here only in N.T., but in Romans 1:20 we have mneian poioumai (I make mention). Either sense suits here. It is possible, as Irenaeus (iii. I. I) thought, that Peter had in mind Mark‘s Gospel, which would help them after Peter was gone. Mark‘s Gospel was probably already written at Peter‘s suggestion, but Peter may have that fact in mind here. [source]
As need arises, old adverb, here alone in N.T.After my decease (μετα την εμην εχοδον meta tēn emēn exodon). For εχοδος exodos meaning death see Luke 9:31, and for departure from Egypt (way out, εχ οδος exεχειν υμας hodos) see Hebrews 11:22, the only other N.T. examples. Here again Peter was present on the Transfiguration mount when the talk was about the “exodus” of Jesus from earth.That ye may be able Literally, “that ye may have it,” the same idiom with σπουδασω echō and the infinitive in Mark 14:8; Matthew 18:25. It is the object-infinitive after την τουτων μνημην ποιεισται spoudasō (I will give diligence, for which see 2 Peter 1:10).To call these things to remembrance (ποιεω tēn toutōn mnēmēn poieisthai). Present middle infinitive of Μνημη poieō (as in 2 Peter 1:10). μναομαι Mnēmē is an old word (from μνειαν ποιουμαι mnaomai), here alone in N.T. This idiom, like the Latin mentionem facere, is common in the old writers (papyri also both for “mention” and “remembrance”), here only in N.T., but in Romans 1:20 we have mneian poioumai (I make mention). Either sense suits here. It is possible, as Irenaeus (iii. I. I) thought, that Peter had in mind Mark‘s Gospel, which would help them after Peter was gone. Mark‘s Gospel was probably already written at Peter‘s suggestion, but Peter may have that fact in mind here. [source]
Literally, “that ye may have it,” the same idiom with σπουδασω echō and the infinitive in Mark 14:8; Matthew 18:25. It is the object-infinitive after την τουτων μνημην ποιεισται spoudasō (I will give diligence, for which see 2 Peter 1:10).To call these things to remembrance (ποιεω tēn toutōn mnēmēn poieisthai). Present middle infinitive of Μνημη poieō (as in 2 Peter 1:10). μναομαι Mnēmē is an old word (from μνειαν ποιουμαι mnaomai), here alone in N.T. This idiom, like the Latin mentionem facere, is common in the old writers (papyri also both for “mention” and “remembrance”), here only in N.T., but in Romans 1:20 we have mneian poioumai (I make mention). Either sense suits here. It is possible, as Irenaeus (iii. I. I) thought, that Peter had in mind Mark‘s Gospel, which would help them after Peter was gone. Mark‘s Gospel was probably already written at Peter‘s suggestion, but Peter may have that fact in mind here. [source]
Only here and Romans 1:20. For a longer form ἀείδιος , from ἀεί , always. [source]
Either locative (in) or instrumental (by, with). Αιδιος Aidios (from αει aei always), old adjective, in N.T. only here and Romans 1:20 (of God‘s power and deity). It is synonymous with αιωνιος aiōnios (Matthew 25:46). Mayor terms αιδιος aidios an Aristotelian word, while αιωνιος aiōnios is Platonic.Under darkness (υπο ζοπον hupo zophon). See 2 Peter 2:4 for ζοπος zophos In Wisdom 17:2 we find δεσμιοι σκοτους desmioi skotous (prisoners of darkness).Great Not in 2 Peter 2:9, which see note for discussion. [source]
First aorist active participle with negative μη mē with play on “kept not” and “he hath kept.”Principality (αρχην archēn). Literally, “beginning,” “rule,” (first place of power as in 1 Corinthians 15:24; Romans 8:38). In Acts 10:11 it is used for “corners” (beginnings) of the sheet. In Ephesians 6:12 the word is used for evil angels. See Deuteronomy 32:8. Both Enoch and Philo (and Milton) discuss the fallen angels.But left Second aorist active participle of απολειπω apoleipō old verb, to leave behind (2 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:20).Their own proper habitation (το ιδιον οικητηριον to idion oikētērion). Old word for dwelling-place (from οικητηρ oikētēr dweller at home, from οικος oikos), in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 5:2 (the body as the abode of the spirit).In everlasting bonds Either locative (in) or instrumental (by, with). Αιδιος Aidios (from αει aei always), old adjective, in N.T. only here and Romans 1:20 (of God‘s power and deity). It is synonymous with αιωνιος aiōnios (Matthew 25:46). Mayor terms αιδιος aidios an Aristotelian word, while αιωνιος aiōnios is Platonic.Under darkness (υπο ζοπον hupo zophon). See 2 Peter 2:4 for ζοπος zophos In Wisdom 17:2 we find δεσμιοι σκοτους desmioi skotous (prisoners of darkness).Great Not in 2 Peter 2:9, which see note for discussion. [source]
Second aorist active participle of απολειπω apoleipō old verb, to leave behind (2 Timothy 4:13, 2 Timothy 4:20).Their own proper habitation (το ιδιον οικητηριον to idion oikētērion). Old word for dwelling-place (from οικητηρ oikētēr dweller at home, from οικος oikos), in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 5:2 (the body as the abode of the spirit).In everlasting bonds Either locative (in) or instrumental (by, with). Αιδιος Aidios (from αει aei always), old adjective, in N.T. only here and Romans 1:20 (of God‘s power and deity). It is synonymous with αιωνιος aiōnios (Matthew 25:46). Mayor terms αιδιος aidios an Aristotelian word, while αιωνιος aiōnios is Platonic.Under darkness (υπο ζοπον hupo zophon). See 2 Peter 2:4 for ζοπος zophos In Wisdom 17:2 we find δεσμιοι σκοτους desmioi skotous (prisoners of darkness).Great Not in 2 Peter 2:9, which see note for discussion. [source]