What shall we say then? "A transition - expression and a debater's phrase" (Morison). The use of this phrase points to Paul's training in the Rabbinical schools, where questions were propounded and the students encouraged to debate, objections being suddenly interposed and answered. Shall we continu... [ Continue Reading ]
Know ye not [α γ ν ο ε ι τ ε]. The expression is stronger : are ye ignorant. So Rev. The indicative mood presupposes an acquaintance with the moral nature of baptism, and a consequent absurdity in the idea of persisting in sin. So many as [ο σ ο ι]. Rev., all we who. Put differently from we that (oi... [ Continue Reading ]
We are buried with [σ υ ν ε τ α φ η μ ε ν]. Rev., more accurately, were buried. Therefore, as a natural consequence of death. There is probably an allusion to the immersion of baptism. Compare Colossians 3:3. Into death. Through the baptism into death referred to in ver. 3. Both A. V. and Rev. omit... [ Continue Reading ]
We have been planted together [σ υ μ φ υ τ ο ι γ ε γ ο ν α μ ε ν]. Rev. gives more accurately the meaning of both words. Sumfutoi is not planted, which would be formed from futeuw to plant, while this word is compounded with sun together, and fuw to grow. Gegonaman is have become, denoting process,... [ Continue Reading ]
Old man [ο π α λ α ι ο ς α ν θ ρ ω π ο ς]., Only in Paul, and only three times; here, Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9. Compare John 3:3; Titus 3:5. The old, unrenewed self. Paul views the Christian before his union with Christ, as, figuratively, another person. Somewhat in the same way he regards him... [ Continue Reading ]
Is freed [δ ε δ ι κ α ι ω τ α ι]. Lit., as Rev., is justified; i e., acquitted, absolved; just as the dead person sins no more, being released from sin as from a legal claim. "As a man that is dead is acquitted and released from bondage among men, so a man that has died to sin is acquitted from the... [ Continue Reading ]
We be dead [α π ε θ α ν ο μ ε ν]. The aorist. Rev., correctly, we died. The death is viewed as an event, not as a state. We believe [π ι σ τ ε υ ο μ ε ν]. Dogmatic belief rather than trust, though the latter is not excluded. Shall live with [σ υ ν ζ η σ ο μ ε ν]. Participation of the believer's sa... [ Continue Reading ]
In that He died [ο γ α ρ α π ε θ α ν ε ν]. Lit.. what he died; the death which he died. Compare sin a sin, 1 John 5:16; the life which I live, literally, what I live, Galatians 2:20. Once [ε φ α π α ξ]. More literally, as Rev., in margin, once for all. Compare Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 10... [ Continue Reading ]
Reign [β α σ ι λ ε υ ε τ ω]. The antithesis implied is not between reigning and existing, but between reigning and being deposed. Body. Literal, thus according with members, ver : 13.... [ Continue Reading ]
Yield [π α ρ ι σ τ α ν ε τ ε]. Put at the service of; render. Rev., present. Compare Luke 2:22; Acts 9:41; Romans 12:1. See on Acts 1:3. Members [μ ε λ η]. Physical; though some include mental faculties. Compare Colossians 3:5, where members is expounded by fornication, uncleanness, etc., the physi... [ Continue Reading ]
Servants [δ ο υ λ ο υ ς]. Every man must choose between two ethical principles. Whichever one he chooses is master, and he is its bond - servant. Compare Matthew 6:24; Matthew 7:18. Sin unto death - obedience unto righteousness. The antithesis is not direct - sin unto death, obedience unto life; bu... [ Continue Reading ]
That ye were. The peculiar form of expression is explained in two ways; either making the thanksgiving bear only on the second proposition, ye obeyed, etc., and regarding the first as inserted by way of contrast or background to the salutary moral change : or, emphasizing were; ye were the servants... [ Continue Reading ]
After the manner of men [α ν θ ρ ω π ι ν ο ν]. Lit., what is human, popularly. He seems to have felt that the figures of service, bondage, etc., were unworthy of the subject, and apologizes for his use of the image of the slave mart to enforce such a high spiritual truth, on the ground of their impe... [ Continue Reading ]
Free from righteousness [ε λ ε υ θ ε ρ ο ι τ η δ ι κ α ι ο σ υ ν η]. An ambiguous translation. Better, Rev., free in regard of righteousness. Disengaged (Morison), practically independent of its demands, having offered their service to the opposing power. They could not serve two masters.... [ Continue Reading ]
Fruit. See on 1 13. Had ye [ε ι χ ε τ ε]. Imperfect tense, denoting continuance. What fruit were ye having during your service of sin ? In the things whereof [ε φ ο ι ς]. Some change the punctuation, and read "What fruit had ye at that time? Things whereof ye are now ashamed." But the majority of... [ Continue Reading ]
Wages [ο ψ ω ν ι α]. From oyon cooked meat, and later, generally, provisions. At Athens especially fish. Hence ojywnion is primarily provision - money, and is used of supplies for an army, see 1 Corinthians 9:7. The figure of ver. 13 is carried out : Sin, as a Lord to whom they tender weapons and wh... [ Continue Reading ]