| 10. Linguistic Exegesis The verse begins with the temporal-inferential formula nyn oun {νῦν οὖν | nŷn oûn}, linking the speech to prior context. The interrogative ti {τί | tí} “why” introduces a rhetorical question with peirazete {πειράζετε | pei-rá-ze-te} “are you testing” in the present active indicative addressing a plural audience. Its object is ton theon {τὸν θεόν | tón the-ón} “God,” emphasizing the gravity of the challenge. The complementary infinitive epitheinai zygon {ἐπιθεῖναι ζυγόν | e-pi-theî-nai zygón} specifies the action of imposing, localized by epi ton trachelon {ἐπὶ τὸν τράχηλον | e-pí tón trá-khē-lon} “on the neck” with matheton {μαθητῶν | ma-thē-tôn} “of the disciples” in the genitive. The defining relative clause hon…oute…oute {ὃν… οὔτε… οὔτε | hon… oú-te… oú-te} “which neither… nor” links two subjects—our fathers and we—under the aorist ischysamen bastasai {ἰσχύσαμεν βαστάσαι | is-khý-sa-men bas-tá-sai}, highlighting a complete inability. This single, forceful interrogative structure underscores the rejection of additional burdens on new believers. |