| 14. Linguistic Exegesis The clause begins with the nominative adjective polloi {πολλοὶ | pólloi} ‘many’, followed by the postpositive conjunction gar {γάρ | gár} indicating explanation. The verb eisin {εἰσιν | eísin} ‘are’ predicates kletoi {κλητοὶ | klē-toî} ‘called’, denoting the invited group. The adversative de {δὲ | dè} ‘but’ introduces the contrast with the nominative adjective oligoi {ὀλίγοι | olígoi} ‘few’, which is paired with eklektoi {ἐκλεκτοί | ek-lék-toî} ‘chosen’. This parallel antithesis between ‘called’ and ‘chosen’ underscores the distinction between the broad invitation and the narrow election. |