| 21. Linguistic Exegesis The phrase esthiontes {ἐσθίοντες | es-thí-on-tes} functions as a substantival participial clause acting as the subject, “those who were eating,” with the imperfect verb esan {ἦσαν | ê-san} linking to the predicate andres hōsei pentakischilioi {ἄνδρες ὡσεὶ πεντακισχίλιοι | án-dres hō-seì pen-ta-kis-khí-li-oi}, which provides gender and an approximate number. The adverbial hosei {ὡσεὶ | hō-seì} marks approximation rather than exactness. The prepositional phrase choris gynaikōn kai paidion {χωρὶς γυναικῶν καὶ παιδίων | khō-rìs gy-nai-kôn kaí pai-dí-ōn} expresses exclusion, with choris governing the genitives, emphasizing that women and children are not included. This structure highlights the substantial male count while implying a larger group overall. |