| 22. Linguistic Exegesis The sentence takes the form of a polar (yes–no) question, led by the impersonal verb exestin {ἔξεστιν | é-xe-stin} “it is lawful,” which frames the issue in terms of legal or halakhic permissibility rather than personal preference. The accusative hēmas {ἡμᾶς | hē-mâs} functions as the logical subject of the infinitive, indicating those whose action is in question. The dative Kaisari {Καίσαρι | Kaí-sa-ri} marks the recipient of the payment. The accusative phoron {φόρον | phó-ron} specifies the object “tribute, tax,” while the complementary aorist infinitive dounai {δοῦναι | doû-nai} completes the verbal idea “to give.” The coordinating conjunction ē {ἢ | ē} followed by the simple negation ou {οὔ | oú} creates a stark either–or construction (“or not”), heightening the tension of the dilemma. English reproduces this structure by using a fronted verb phrase (“Is it lawful / Is it permitted”) and a final “or not?” to preserve the binary nature and legal focus of the original question. |