| 10. Linguistic Exegesis The main clause begins with echo-men {ἔχομεν | ékho-men}, a present active indicative verb asserting possession, followed by its direct object thysiasterion {θυσιαστήριον | thysiastḗrion}, highlighting the locus of communal worship. A relative clause introduced by the prepositional phrase ex hou {ἐξ οὗ | ex hoû} “from which” specifies the source from which the infinitive phagein {φαγεῖν | phageîn} is restricted. The negated present indicative ouk echousin exousian {οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἐξουσίαν | ouk échousin exousían} denies authority to the subject identified by the substantival participle hoi te skene latreuontes {οἱ τῇ σκηνῇ λατρεύοντες | hoi tē skēnē}, where hoi substantivizes latreuontes and the dative phrase te skene marks the sphere of service. This contrast underscores that “we” possess the new covenant altar while the old tabernacle ministers lack access, emphasizing the theological shift in worship. |