| 2. Linguistic Exegesis The clause begins with hekastos hēmōn {ἕκαστος ἡμῶν | hékastos hēmōn} functioning as the compound subject, “each of us,” with the genitive pronoun hēmōn specifying the group to which “each” belongs. The dative phrase tō plēsion {τῷ πλησίον | tō plēsíon} marks the indirect object, the one for whom the action is performed. The verb aresketō {ἀρεσκέτω | areskétō} is a third person singular present active imperative, giving a general exhortation framed as “let him please,” which in English is naturally rendered as an inclusive exhortation directed to all. Two prepositional phrases, eis to agathon {εἰς τὸ ἀγαθὸν | eis to agathón} and pros oikodomēn {πρὸς οἰκοδομήν | pros oikodomḗn}, follow in sequence and together specify the purpose and orientation of the pleasing: it is “into the good” and “toward edification.” The Greek places this purpose language after the imperative, highlighting that the aim of considering the neighbor is not flattery or self-interest but genuine benefit and community strengthening. In translation, the prepositions eis and pros are rendered as “for” to keep the focus on intended outcome, while preserving the progression from general “good” to more specific “building up.” |