| 27. Linguistic Exegesis The conjunction kai {καί | kaí} connects this saying to the previous teaching, while the generic conditional relative clause hos án thélēi {ὃς ἂν θέλῃ | hós án thélēi} uses the modal particle án plus the present subjunctive thélēi ‘desires’ to indicate an open possibility. The prepositional phrase en hymîn {ἐν ὑμῖν | en hymîn} ‘among you’ defines the interpersonal context. The infinitive eînai {εἶναι | eînai} with the superlative adjective prôtos {πρῶτος | prôtos} ‘first’ states the aim, and the future middle indicative éstai hymôn doûlos {ἔσται ὑμῶν δοῦλος | éstai hymôn doûlos} declares the result or requirement that the aspirant must become a doûlos ‘slave,’ thus underscoring the reversal of status from highest honor to lowest role. |