| 9. Linguistic Exegesis The verse is framed as a rhetorical question introduced by the negative particle me {μὴ | mḗ}, which anticipates a negative answer. The main clause consists of the present indicative echei {ἔχει | é-khei} with the direct object charin {χάριν | khá-rin} and the dative complement tō doulō {τῷ δούλῳ | tôi doú-lō} indicating the one who would receive gratitude. The conjunction hoti {ὅτι | hó-ti} introduces a causal clause explaining the supposed reason for thanks. Within this subordinate clause, the aorist verb epoiesen {ἐποίησεν | e-poí-ē-sen} denotes a completed act, and its object is the articular aorist passive participle ta diatakhthenta {τὰ διαταχθέντα | tà di-a-takh-thén-ta}, literally “the things having been commanded,” summarizing the servant’s required duties. The contrast between the present tense “has gratitude” and the aorist “did” heightens the point: a master customarily does not extend special thanks merely because a servant has performed what was already commanded, reinforcing the larger context about humility and unmerited reward. |