| 25. Linguistic Exegesis The sentence opens with the comparative predication eukopoteron gar estin {εὐκοπώτερον γάρ ἐστιν | eukopṓteron gár estin} “for it is easier,” where the neuter comparative adjective functions as a predicate with an implied subject, introducing a proverbial comparison. The infinitive phrase kamelon dia trematos belones eiselthein {κάμηλον διὰ τρήματος βελόνης εἰσελθεῖν | kámēlon diá trḗmatos belónēs eiseltheîn} presents an infinitive of result or possibility, with the accusative kamelon as the logical subject of the infinitive and the prepositional phrase dia plus genitive specifying the impossible pathway “through the opening of a needle.” The comparative conjunction e {ἢ | ē} “than” coordinates a second infinitival clause, plousion eis ten basileian tou theou eiselthein {πλούσιον εἰς τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ εἰσελθεῖν | ploúsion eis tēn basileían tou theoû eiseltheîn}, paralleling the first structure and placing the rich man as the accusative subject of entering. The prepositional phrase eis ten basileian tou theou marks the divine realm as goal, with the genitive tou theou indicating that the kingdom belongs to or is ruled by God. The parallel infinitives joined by the comparison build an extreme hyperbolic image, which is preserved in English by retaining the infinitive “to enter” construction and the familiar idiom “eye of a needle,” allowing the rhetorical force of impossibility to remain clear. |