| 5. Linguistic Exegesis The verse begins with a fronted object–verb sequence, heautous peirázete {ἑαυτοὺς πειράζετε | heautoús peirázete} “test yourselves,” emphasizing the reflexive focus on personal evaluation. This is followed by the conditional clause ei esté en tē pístei {εἰ ἐστὲ ἐν τῇ πίστει | ei esté en tē pístei}, linking the ongoing imperative to verify one’s standing “in the faith.” The repetition with heautous dokimázete {ἑαυτοὺς δοκιμάζετε | heautoús dokimázete} “examine yourselves” intensifies the exhortation through synonymous imperatives. The rhetorical question introduced by ḕ ouk epiginṓskete heautoús {ἢ οὐκ ἐπιγινώσκετε ἑαυτοὺς | ḕ ouk epiginṓskete heautoús} “or do you not recognize yourselves” shifts from external testing to inward awareness. The hoti-clause hóti Iēsous Christós en hymîn {ὅτι Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς ἐν ὑμῖν | hóti Iēsous Christós en hymîn} underscores the foundational doctrine of Christ’s indwelling presence. Finally, the exceptive clause ei mḗti adókimoi esté {εἰ μὴτι ἀδόκιμοί ἐστε | ei mḗti adókimoi esté} “unless you are unapproved” serves as a solemn warning, contrasting true believers with those who fail divine scrutiny. |