| 1. Linguistic Exegesis The sentence opens with mē {Μὴ | mḗ} and tarassesthō {ταρασσέσθω | tarassésthō}, a standard prohibitive combination that blocks inner agitation before it takes hold. The subject is hē kardia {ἡ καρδία | hē kardía}, with hymōn {ὑμῶν | hymôn} marking possession; the singular noun functions collectively for the whole group, so one “heart” represents the disciples together. The second half turns to pisteuete {πιστεύετε | pistéuete}, a form that can be read either as indicative or imperative; the rendering here follows the exhortational force created by the surrounding command and the balanced repetition. The paired prepositional phrases eis ton theon {εἰς τὸν θεόν | eis tón theón} and eis eme {εἰς ἐμὲ | eis emé} express directed confidence toward personal objects, not mere abstract assent. Kai {καὶ | kaí} binds God and Jesus in a coordinated parallel, so the syntax places them side by side as equal focal points of trust while preserving the distinction between them. |