| 29. Linguistic Exegesis The verse opens with egō {ἐγώ | egṓ} “I” in an emphatic initial position, followed by oida {οἶδα | oî-da} “know” in the perfect indicative, which conveys settled, ongoing knowledge. The conjunction hoti {ὅτι | hó-ti} “that” introduces the content clause expressing what Paul foresees. The finite verb eiseleusontai {εἰσελεύσονται | ei-se-leú-son-tai} “they will come in” is future middle indicative, projecting a definite, future intrusion. The temporal prepositional phrase meta tēn aphixin mou {μετὰ τὴν ἄφιξίν μου | me-tà tḕn á-fix-in mou} “after my departure” links the coming danger specifically to Paul’s absence, highlighting his present role as a protecting presence. The subject phrase lukoi bareis {λύκοι βαρεῖς | lú-koi ba-reîs} “severe wolves” uses a vivid metaphor for destructive opponents, with the adjective bareis intensifying their threat. The prepositional phrase eis hymas {εἰς ὑμᾶς | eis hy-mâs} “into you” marks the believing community as the very sphere of this hostile entry. The participial expression mē pheidomenoi {μὴ φειδόμενοι | mḕ phei-dó-me-noi} “not sparing” is circumstantial and further characterizes the “wolves” as merciless. The genitive phrase tou poimniou {τοῦ ποιμνίου | toû poi-mní-ou} “the flock” presents the congregation under pastoral care, sustaining the shepherd imagery in the larger discourse. In translation, the Greek word order is adjusted to standard English subject–verb–object order, and the participle is rendered with a finite verb (“they will not spare the flock”) to communicate the ongoing ruthless action clearly and naturally. |