| 1. Linguistic Exegesis The verse is composed of two coordinated imperatives followed by a purpose clause. It begins with the present imperative diokete {Διώκετε | Diṓ-ke-te} governing the object tēn agapēn {τὴν ἀγάπην | tḕn agá-pēn}, placing “love” in the emphatic first position as the primary pursuit. The second imperative zēloute {ζηλοῦτε | zē-loû-te} is linked by the postpositive de {δὲ | dè}, creating a slight contrast or addition: the Corinthians are also to be zealous for ta pneumatikā {τὰ πνευματικά | tà pneu-ma-ti-ká}, “the spiritual things” or “spiritual gifts.” The comparative adverb mallon {μᾶλλον | mâl-lon} introduces a prioritizing nuance, shifting focus within the sphere of spiritual things. This is followed by hina {ἵνα | hína} plus the present subjunctive prophēteuēte {προφητεύητε | pro-phē-teú-ē-te}, forming a purpose or preferred-result clause: the higher goal within spiritual pursuits is that they prophesy. In translation, the sequence of imperatives is maintained, while the postpositives are brought forward to standard English conjunction positions (“and,” “but”), and the hina-clause is rendered with “that” or “so that” to express intended aim without obscuring the comparative force of mallon. |