| 10. Linguistic Exegesis The verse is composed of two parallel imperatival clauses, each headed by aspasasthe {ἀσπάσασθε | aspá-sa-sthe} ‘greet,’ creating a coordinated series of salutations. In the first clause, the direct object is Apellen {Ἀπελλῆν | Apellên}, further specified by the appositional phrase ton dokimon en Christo {τὸν δόκιμον ἐν Χριστῷ | tón dókimon en Christō}, literally “the approved one in Christ.” The adjective dokimon {δόκιμον | dókimon} carries the nuance of having been tested and found genuine, and the prepositional phrase en Christo {ἐν Χριστῷ | en Christō} frames the sphere or realm in which this approval holds, reflecting Pauline theology of union with Christ. The second clause shifts from an individual to a group with tous ek ton Aristoboulou {τοὺς ἐκ τῶν Ἀριστοβούλου | toús ek tôn Aristoboúlou}, “those from Aristobulus.” The preposition ek {ἐκ | ek} plus the genitive ton Aristoboulou {τῶν Ἀριστοβούλου | tôn Aristoboúlou} idiomatically denotes people belonging to or originating from a household or circle associated with Aristobulus, even though the noun “household” is not stated. English therefore supplies “household” or “family” to make the relational nuance explicit. The parallel structure—individual approved in Christ and group associated with a household—highlights the inclusive nature of the greetings, recognizing both personal character and communal affiliation within the Roman congregation. |