| 8. Linguistic Exegesis The verse opens with the accusative adverbial noun eschaton {ἔσχατον | és-kha-ton} “last,” linked by the postpositive conjunction de {δὲ | dé} to the preceding list. The genitive panton {πάντων | pán-tōn} “of all” encompasses those earlier witnesses. The comparative particle hosper {ὡσπερεὶ | hōs-pe-reì} introduces a simile with the dative phrase tō ektrōmati {τῷ ἐκτρώματι | tôi ek-trō-ma-ti} “to an untimely birth,” portraying Paul’s irregular call. The main verb ophthe {ὤφθη | ō-ph-thē} in the aorist passive continues the pattern of resurrection appearances, showing Christ as the one who initiates revelation. The crasis kamoi {κἀμοί | ka-moí} “and to me also” emphasizes Paul’s inclusion. English shifts “last of all” for readability and retains the metaphorical force of “untimely birth.” |