Welcome to Lesson 12 of the Latinum Institute's Koine Greek course. This lesson focuses on the various ways to express "to" in Koine Greek, a fundamental concept for understanding movement, direction, and indirect objects in the language. For the complete course index and additional resources, please visit https://latinum.substack.com/p/index.
The English word "to" can be expressed in Koine Greek through several different prepositions and grammatical constructions, each with its own nuances: -
εἰς (eis) - into, to (motion into) -
πρός (pros) - to, toward (motion toward) -
ἐπί (epi) - to, upon (motion onto) -
παρά (para) - to, beside (motion alongside) -
Dative case - used without a preposition to indicate the indirect object
Question: What does "to" mean in Koine Greek? Answer: The English word "to" is expressed in Koine Greek through various prepositions including εἰς (eis) meaning "into/to", πρός (pros) meaning "toward/to", ἐπί (epi) meaning "upon/to", παρά (para) meaning "beside/to", and through the dative case for indirect objects. Each form carries slightly different directional or relational meanings.
Course: Koine Greek Language Learning Level: Beginner to Intermediate Topic: Prepositions and Case Usage - "to" Learning Objectives: - Understand the various Greek equivalents of English "to" - Recognize when to use each preposition - Master the dative case for indirect objects - Apply knowledge through authentic text examples Materials: Text-based lesson with interlinear glossing Institution: Latinum Institute
In this lesson, you will encounter "to" expressed through different Greek prepositions and grammatical constructions. The examples progress from simple directional uses to more complex idiomatic expressions. Each example is carefully chosen to demonstrate a different aspect of how "to" functions in Koine Greek, helping you build a comprehensive understanding of this essential concept.
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Koine Greek uses multiple prepositions where English uses "to" -
The choice of preposition depends on the type of motion or relationship -
The dative case alone can express "to" for indirect objects -
Context determines which Greek expression best translates English "to" -
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate Greek comprehension
12.1a ὁ the (ho) ἄνθρωπος man (an-thrō-pos) ἦλθεν came (ēl-then) εἰς to/into (eis) τὴν the (tēn) πόλιν city (po-lin) 12.1b ὁ (ho) the ἄνθρωπος (an-thrō-pos) man ἦλθεν (ēl-then) came εἰς (eis) to τὴν (tēn) the πόλιν (po-lin) city
12.2a ἔπεμψα I-sent (e-pem-psa) τὴν the (tēn) ἐπιστολὴν letter (e-pi-sto-lēn) πρὸς to/toward (pros) τὸν the (ton) ἀδελφόν brother (a-del-phon) 12.2b ἔπεμψα (e-pem-psa) I-sent τὴν (tēn) the ἐπιστολὴν (e-pi-sto-lēn) letter πρὸς (pros) to τὸν (ton) the ἀδελφόν (a-del-phon) brother
12.3a ἔδωκεν he-gave (e-dō-ken) τὸ the (to) βιβλίον book (bi-bli-on) τῷ to-the (tō) μαθητῇ disciple (ma-thē-tē) 12.3b ἔδωκεν (e-dō-ken) he-gave τὸ (to) the βιβλίον (bi-bli-on) book τῷ (tō) to-the μαθητῇ (ma-thē-tē) disciple
12.4a ἐλάλησεν he-spoke (e-la-lē-sen) τῷ to-the (tō) ὄχλῳ crowd (okh-lō) παρὰ beside/to (pa-ra) τὴν the (tēn) θάλασσαν sea (tha-las-san) 12.4b ἐλάλησεν (e-la-lē-sen) he-spoke τῷ (tō) to-the ὄχλῳ (okh-lō) crowd παρὰ (pa-ra) beside τὴν (tēn) the θάλασσαν (tha-las-san) sea
12.5a τὸ the (to) παιδίον child (pai-di-on) ἔδραμεν ran (e-dra-men) πρὸς to/toward (pros) τὴν the (tēn) μητέρα mother (mē-te-ra) 12.5b τὸ (to) the παιδίον (pai-di-on) child ἔδραμεν (e-dra-men) ran πρὸς (pros) to τὴν (tēn) the μητέρα (mē-te-ra) mother
12.6a ἀνέβη he-went-up (a-ne-bē) ἐπὶ onto/to (e-pi) τὸ the (to) ὄρος mountain (o-ros) προσεύξασθαι to-pray (pros-euk-sas-thai) 12.6b ἀνέβη (a-ne-bē) he-went-up ἐπὶ (e-pi) onto τὸ (to) the ὄρος (o-ros) mountain προσεύξασθαι (pros-euk-sas-thai) to-pray
12.7a οἱ the (hoi) μαθηταὶ disciples (ma-thē-tai) ἀπῆλθον went-away (a-pēl-thon) εἰς to/into (eis) τὰς the (tas) κώμας villages (kō-mas) 12.7b οἱ (hoi) the μαθηταὶ (ma-thē-tai) disciples ἀπῆλθον (a-pēl-thon) went-away εἰς (eis) to τὰς (tas) the κώμας (kō-mas) villages
12.8a λέγει he-says (le-gei) αὐτῇ to-her (au-tē) ὁ the (ho) Ἰησοῦς Jesus (I-ē-sous) 12.8b λέγει (le-gei) he-says αὐτῇ (au-tē) to-her ὁ (ho) the Ἰησοῦς (I-ē-sous) Jesus
12.9a φέρουσιν they-bring (phe-rou-sin) αὐτῷ to-him (au-tō) τυφλόν blind-man (tuph-lon) 12.9b φέρουσιν (phe-rou-sin) they-bring αὐτῷ (au-tō) to-him τυφλόν (tuph-lon) blind-man
12.10a ἐξῆλθεν he-went-out (ek-sēl-then) εἰς to/into (eis) ἔρημον desolate (e-rē-mon) τόπον place (to-pon) 12.10b ἐξῆλθεν (ek-sēl-then) he-went-out εἰς (eis) to ἔρημον (e-rē-mon) desolate τόπον (to-pon) place
12.11a εἶπεν he-said (ei-pen) πρὸς to/toward (pros) αὐτούς them (au-tous) παραβολήν parable (pa-ra-bo-lēn) 12.11b εἶπεν (ei-pen) he-said πρὸς (pros) to αὐτούς (au-tous) them παραβολήν (pa-ra-bo-lēn) parable
12.12a καταβαίνει he-goes-down (ka-ta-bai-nei) παρὰ to/beside (pa-ra) τὸν the (ton) ποταμόν river (po-ta-mon) 12.12b καταβαίνει (ka-ta-bai-nei) he-goes-down παρὰ (pa-ra) to τὸν (ton) the ποταμόν (po-ta-mon) river
12.13a ἀποστέλλω I-send (a-po-stel-lō) ὑμᾶς you (hu-mas) εἰς to/into (eis) τὸν the (ton) κόσμον world (kos-mon) 12.13b ἀποστέλλω (a-po-stel-lō) I-send ὑμᾶς (hu-mas) you εἰς (eis) to τὸν (ton) the κόσμον (kos-mon) world
12.14a προσῆλθον they-came (pros-ēl-thon) αὐτῷ to-him (au-tō) οἱ the (hoi) Φαρισαῖοι Pharisees (Pha-ri-sai-oi) 12.14b προσῆλθον (pros-ēl-thon) they-came αὐτῷ (au-tō) to-him οἱ (hoi) the Φαρισαῖοι (Pha-ri-sai-oi) Pharisees
12.15a ἐπέστρεψαν they-returned (e-pe-strep-san) εἰς to/into (eis) Ἰερουσαλήμ Jerusalem (I-e-rou-sa-lēm) 12.15b ἐπέστρεψαν (e-pe-strep-san) they-returned εἰς (eis) to Ἰερουσαλήμ (I-e-rou-sa-lēm) Jerusalem
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12.1 ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἦλθεν εἰς τὴν πόλιν. The man came to the city.
12.2 ἔπεμψα τὴν ἐπιστολὴν πρὸς τὸν ἀδελφόν. I sent the letter to my brother.
12.3 ἔδωκεν τὸ βιβλίον τῷ μαθητῇ. He gave the book to the disciple.
12.4 ἐλάλησεν τῷ ὄχλῳ παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν. He spoke to the crowd by the sea.
12.5 τὸ παιδίον ἔδραμεν πρὸς τὴν μητέρα. The child ran to his mother.
12.6 ἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὸ ὄρος προσεύξασθαι. He went up to the mountain to pray.
12.7 οἱ μαθηταὶ ἀπῆλθον εἰς τὰς κώμας. The disciples went away to the villages.
12.8 λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ Ἰησοῦς. Jesus says to her.
12.9 φέρουσιν αὐτῷ τυφλόν. They bring to him a blind man.
12.10 ἐξῆλθεν εἰς ἔρημον τόπον. He went out to a desolate place.
12.11 εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτοὺς παραβολήν. He told a parable to them.
12.12 καταβαίνει παρὰ τὸν ποταμόν. He goes down to the river.
12.13 ἀποστέλλω ὑμᾶς εἰς τὸν κόσμον. I send you to the world.
12.14 προσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ Φαρισαῖοι. The Pharisees came to him.
12.15 ἐπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ. They returned to Jerusalem.
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12.1 ὁ ἄνθρωπος ἦλθεν εἰς τὴν πόλιν.
12.2 ἔπεμψα τὴν ἐπιστολὴν πρὸς τὸν ἀδελφόν.
12.3 ἔδωκεν τὸ βιβλίον τῷ μαθητῇ.
12.4 ἐλάλησεν τῷ ὄχλῳ παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν.
12.5 τὸ παιδίον ἔδραμεν πρὸς τὴν μητέρα.
12.6 ἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὸ ὄρος προσεύξασθαι.
12.7 οἱ μαθηταὶ ἀπῆλθον εἰς τὰς κώμας.
12.8 λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ Ἰησοῦς.
12.9 φέρουσιν αὐτῷ τυφλόν.
12.10 ἐξῆλθεν εἰς ἔρημον τόπον.
12.11 εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτοὺς παραβολήν.
12.12 καταβαίνει παρὰ τὸν ποταμόν.
12.13 ἀποστέλλω ὑμᾶς εἰς τὸν κόσμον.
12.14 προσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ Φαρισαῖοι.
12.15 ἐπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ.
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The English word "to" corresponds to several different constructions in Koine Greek, each with specific uses and meanings:
1. εἰς + Accusative Case -
Primary meaning: "into, to" -
Indicates motion into or direction toward -
Used with verbs of motion -
Example: ἦλθεν εἰς τὴν πόλιν (he came to/into the city)
2. πρός + Accusative Case -
Primary meaning: "to, toward, with reference to" -
Indicates motion toward or relationship -
Often used with persons -
Example: πρὸς τὸν ἀδελφόν (to the brother)
3. ἐπί + Accusative Case -
Primary meaning: "to, upon, onto" -
Indicates motion onto a surface or toward a goal -
Example: ἐπὶ τὸ ὄρος (to/onto the mountain)
4. παρά + Accusative Case -
Primary meaning: "to, beside, alongside" -
Indicates motion to a position beside -
Example: παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν (to/beside the sea)
5. Dative Case (without preposition) -
Used for indirect objects -
Answers "to whom?" or "for whom?" -
Example: τῷ μαθητῇ (to the disciple)
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Using εἰς when πρός is required -
Wrong: εἰς αὐτόν (to him) for personal interaction -
Correct: πρὸς αὐτόν (to him) -
Forgetting case requirements -
All these prepositions require accusative except the dative construction -
The dative case alone expresses "to" without a preposition -
Confusing directional nuances -
εἰς emphasizes entry or penetration -
πρός emphasizes approach or facing toward -
English speakers often miss these subtle distinctions -
Overusing one preposition -
English "to" is versatile, but Greek requires choosing the right preposition -
Context determines which Greek preposition best translates "to"
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Is it an indirect object? -
If yes → Use dative case without preposition -
Example: "He gave the book to John" → ἔδωκεν τὸ βιβλίον τῷ Ἰωάννῃ -
Is it motion into something? -
If yes → Use εἰς + accusative -
Example: "He went to (into) the house" → ἦλθεν εἰς τὸν οἶκον -
Is it motion toward a person or thing? -
If yes → Use πρός + accusative -
Example: "She came to Jesus" → ἦλθεν πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν -
Is it motion onto a surface? -
If yes → Use ἐπί + accusative -
Example: "He climbed to the roof" → ἀνέβη ἐπὶ τὸ δῶμα -
Is it motion to a position beside? -
If yes → Use παρά + accusative -
Example: "They sat down to the lake" → ἐκάθισαν παρὰ τὴν λίμνην
Dative Case Forms (for indirect object "to")
Singular: -
First declension: -ῃ, -ᾳ -
Second declension: -ῳ -
Third declension: -ι
Plural: -
All declensions: -σι(ν) or vowel lengthening + -σι(ν)
Accusative Case Forms (used with prepositions)
Singular: -
First declension: -ην, -αν -
Second declension: -ον -
Third declension: -α (or various)
Plural: -
First declension: -ας -
Second declension: -ους -
Third declension: -ας (or various)
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For English speakers learning Koine Greek, understanding the various expressions of "to" requires appreciating the spatial and relational thinking of ancient Greek speakers. Unlike modern English, which uses "to" as a general directional marker, Koine Greek preserved fine distinctions that reflected how ancient Mediterranean peoples conceptualized movement and relationships.
The distinction between εἰς (into) and πρός (toward) reveals a culture that paid careful attention to boundaries and transitions. When someone went εἰς τὴν πόλιν (to/into the city), Greek speakers visualized crossing the city gates and entering the enclosed space. This reflects the walled cities of the ancient world where entering meant passing through definite boundaries.
The use of πρός with persons (πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα - to the king) emphasizes the relational and social dimensions of ancient society. Approaching a person was different from entering a space, and the language reflects this social awareness. This distinction appears frequently in the New Testament, where Jesus' interactions with people typically use πρός.
The dative case for indirect objects without any preposition shows Greek's economical use of inflection rather than additional words. This synthetic nature of Greek contrasts with English's more analytic approach. For a Greek speaker, the word ending itself carried the meaning of "to," making prepositions unnecessary in many contexts.
Archaeological evidence from ancient harbors, roads, and city plans helps us understand why Greeks distinguished between παρά (alongside) and other prepositions. The layout of ancient ports with their long wharves and the practice of teaching beside bodies of water (as rabbis often did) made "to the seaside" (παρὰ τὴν θάλασσαν) a culturally significant expression.
For modern English speakers, mastering these distinctions means thinking more precisely about spatial relationships and social interactions than English typically requires. This precision, while challenging, opens up the nuanced world of ancient Greek thought and expression.
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From the Gospel of Matthew 11:28-30
Δεῦτε Come (deu-te) πρός to (pros) με me (me) πάντες all (pan-tes) οἱ who (hoi) κοπιῶντες labor (ko-pi-ōn-tes) καὶ and (kai) πεφορτισμένοι are-burdened (pe-phor-tis-me-noi), κἀγὼ and-I (ka-gō) ἀναπαύσω will-give-rest (a-na-pau-sō) ὑμᾶς you (hu-mas). ἄρατε Take (a-ra-te) τὸν the (ton) ζυγόν yoke (zu-gon) μου my (mou) ἐφ' upon (eph') ὑμᾶς you (hu-mas) καὶ and (kai) μάθετε learn (ma-the-te) ἀπ' from (ap') ἐμοῦ me (e-mou), ὅτι because (ho-ti) πραΰς gentle (praus) εἰμι I-am (ei-mi) καὶ and (kai) ταπεινὸς humble (ta-pei-nos) τῇ in-the (tē) καρδίᾳ heart (kar-di-a), καὶ and (kai) εὑρήσετε you-will-find (heu-rē-se-te) ἀνάπαυσιν rest (a-na-pau-sin) ταῖς for-the (tais) ψυχαῖς souls (psu-khais) ὑμῶν your (hu-mōn).
Δεῦτε πρός με πάντες οἱ κοπιῶντες καὶ πεφορτισμένοι, κἀγὼ ἀναπαύσω ὑμᾶς. ἄρατε τὸν ζυγόν μου ἐφ' ὑμᾶς καὶ μάθετε ἀπ' ἐμοῦ, ὅτι πραΰς εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ, καὶ εὑρήσετε ἀνάπαυσιν ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Δεῦτε πρός με πάντες οἱ κοπιῶντες καὶ πεφορτισμένοι, κἀγὼ ἀναπαύσω ὑμᾶς. ἄρατε τὸν ζυγόν μου ἐφ' ὑμᾶς καὶ μάθετε ἀπ' ἐμοῦ, ὅτι πραΰς εἰμι καὶ ταπεινὸς τῇ καρδίᾳ, καὶ εὑρήσετε ἀνάπαυσιν ταῖς ψυχαῖς ὑμῶν.
This passage beautifully illustrates the use of πρός (to/toward) in a personal, relational context. Jesus uses "Δεῦτε πρός με" (Come to me) rather than εἰς, emphasizing the personal relationship and approach to his person rather than entry into a location. This choice of preposition underscores the invitational and relational nature of the call.
The passage also demonstrates other prepositional uses that relate to our theme: -
ἐφ' ὑμᾶς (upon you) - showing ἐπί with accusative for the placement of the yoke -
ἀπ' ἐμοῦ (from me) - showing the source of learning -
ταῖς ψυχαῖς (for your souls) - dative case showing benefit without a preposition
The cultural context of yoke-bearing in ancient agriculture makes this metaphor particularly powerful. A yoke was fitted "to" (ἐπί) the animal, and here Jesus invites people to take his yoke "upon" themselves - using the same preposition but with profound spiritual meaning.
For English speakers, note how Greek's precision in prepositions creates layers of meaning: coming "toward" (πρός) Jesus as a person, taking something "upon" (ἐπί) oneself, and finding rest "for" (dative) one's soul - each preposition carefully chosen to convey specific relational and spatial concepts that English might blur together with its versatile "to."
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12.16a Παῦλος Paul (Pau-los) ἀπόστολος apostle (a-po-sto-los) Χριστοῦ of-Christ (Khri-stou) Ἰησοῦ Jesus (I-ē-sou) πᾶσιν to-all (pa-sin) τοῖς the (tois) ἁγίοις saints (ha-gi-ois) τοῖς the (tois) οὖσιν being (ou-sin) ἐν in (en) Φιλίπποις Philippi (Phi-lip-pois) 12.16b Παῦλος (Pau-los) Paul ἀπόστολος (a-po-sto-los) apostle Χριστοῦ (Khri-stou) of-Christ Ἰησοῦ (I-ē-sou) Jesus πᾶσιν (pa-sin) to-all τοῖς (tois) the ἁγίοις (ha-gi-ois) saints τοῖς (tois) the οὖσιν (ou-sin) being ἐν (en) in Φιλίπποις (Phi-lip-pois) Philippi
12.17a χάρις grace (kha-ris) ὑμῖν to-you (hu-min) καὶ and (kai) εἰρήνη peace (ei-rē-nē) ἀπὸ from (a-po) θεοῦ God (the-ou) πατρὸς Father (pa-tros) ἡμῶν our (hē-mōn) 12.17b χάρις (kha-ris) grace ὑμῖν (hu-min) to-you καὶ (kai) and εἰρήνη (ei-rē-nē) peace ἀπὸ (a-po) from θεοῦ (the-ou) God πατρὸς (pa-tros) Father ἡμῶν (hē-mōn) our
12.18a γράφω I-write (gra-phō) ὑμῖν to-you (hu-min) τὴν the (tēn) ἐπιστολὴν letter (e-pi-sto-lēn) ταύτην this (tau-tēn) ἐν in (en) ἀγάπῃ love (a-ga-pē) 12.18b γράφω (gra-phō) I-write ὑμῖν (hu-min) to-you τὴν (tēn) the ἐπιστολὴν (e-pi-sto-lēn) letter ταύτην (tau-tēn) this ἐν (en) in ἀγάπῃ (a-ga-pē) love
12.19a ἀσπάζομαι I-greet (a-spa-zo-mai) πάντας all (pan-tas) τοὺς the (tous) ἀδελφοὺς brothers (a-del-phous) τοὺς the (tous) σὺν with (sun) ἐμοί me (e-moi) 12.19b ἀσπάζομαι (a-spa-zo-mai) I-greet πάντας (pan-tas) all τοὺς (tous) the ἀδελφοὺς (a-del-phous) brothers τοὺς (tous) the σὺν (sun) with ἐμοί (e-moi) me
12.20a πέμπω I-send (pem-pō) πρὸς to (pros) ὑμᾶς you (hu-mas) Τιμόθεον Timothy (Ti-mo-the-on) τὸν the (ton) ἀγαπητόν beloved (a-ga-pē-ton) 12.20b πέμπω (pem-pō) I-send πρὸς (pros) to ὑμᾶς (hu-mas) you Τιμόθεον (Ti-mo-the-on) Timothy τὸν (ton) the ἀγαπητόν (a-ga-pē-ton) beloved
12.21a εὐχαριστῶ I-thank (eu-kha-ri-stō) τῷ to-the (tō) θεῷ God (the-ō) μου my (mou) πάντοτε always (pan-to-te) περὶ concerning (pe-ri) ὑμῶν you (hu-mōn) 12.21b εὐχαριστῶ (eu-kha-ri-stō) I-thank τῷ (tō) to-the θεῷ (the-ō) God μου (mou) my πάντοτε (pan-to-te) always περὶ (pe-ri) concerning ὑμῶν (hu-mōn) you
12.22a παρακαλῶ I-exhort (pa-ra-ka-lō) οὖν therefore (oun) ὑμᾶς you (hu-mas) ἀδελφοί brothers (a-del-phoi) διὰ through (di-a) τῶν the (tōn) οἰκτιρμῶν mercies (oik-tir-mōn) τοῦ of-the (tou) θεοῦ God (the-ou) 12.22b παρακαλῶ (pa-ra-ka-lō) I-exhort οὖν (oun) therefore ὑμᾶς (hu-mas) you ἀδελφοί (a-del-phoi) brothers διὰ (di-a) through τῶν (tōn) the οἰκτιρμῶν (oik-tir-mōn) mercies τοῦ (tou) of-the θεοῦ (the-ou) God
12.23a ἡ the (hē) χάρις grace (kha-ris) τοῦ of-the (tou) κυρίου Lord (ku-ri-ou) ἡμῶν our (hē-mōn) Ἰησοῦ Jesus (I-ē-sou) Χριστοῦ Christ (Khri-stou) μετὰ with (me-ta) πάντων all (pan-tōn) ὑμῶν of-you (hu-mōn) 12.23b ἡ (hē) the χάρις (kha-ris) grace τοῦ (tou) of-the κυρίου (ku-ri-ou) Lord ἡμῶν (hē-mōn) our Ἰησοῦ (I-ē-sou) Jesus Χριστοῦ (Khri-stou) Christ μετὰ (me-ta) with πάντων (pan-tōn) all ὑμῶν (hu-mōn) of-you
12.24a ἀσπάσασθε greet (a-spa-sas-the) ἀλλήλους one-another (al-lē-lous) ἐν in (en) φιλήματι kiss (phi-lē-ma-ti) ἁγίῳ holy (ha-gi-ō) 12.24b ἀσπάσασθε (a-spa-sas-the) greet ἀλλήλους (al-lē-lous) one-another ἐν (en) in φιλήματι (phi-lē-ma-ti) kiss ἁγίῳ (ha-gi-ō) holy
12.25a γνωρίζω I-make-known (gnō-ri-zō) δὲ but (de) ὑμῖν to-you (hu-min) ἀδελφοί brothers (a-del-phoi) τὸ the (to) εὐαγγέλιον gospel (eu-an-ge-li-on) 12.25b γνωρίζω (gnō-ri-zō) I-make-known δὲ (de) but ὑμῖν (hu-min) to-you ἀδελφοί (a-del-phoi) brothers τὸ (to) the εὐαγγέλιον (eu-an-ge-li-on) gospel
12.26a ἔγραψα I-wrote (e-grap-sa) ὑμῖν to-you (hu-min) διὰ through (di-a) Σιλουανοῦ Silvanus (Si-lou-a-nou) τοῦ the (tou) πιστοῦ faithful (pi-stou) ἀδελφοῦ brother (a-del-phou) 12.26b ἔγραψα (e-grap-sa) I-wrote ὑμῖν (hu-min) to-you διὰ (di-a) through Σιλουανοῦ (Si-lou-a-nou) Silvanus τοῦ (tou) the πιστοῦ (pi-stou) faithful ἀδελφοῦ (a-del-phou) brother
12.27a προσεύχεσθε pray (pros-eu-khes-the) περὶ for (pe-ri) ἡμῶν us (hē-mōn) ἵνα that (hi-na) ὁ the (ho) λόγος word (lo-gos) τοῦ of-the (tou) κυρίου Lord (ku-ri-ou) τρέχῃ may-run (tre-khē) 12.27b προσεύχεσθε (pros-eu-khes-the) pray περὶ (pe-ri) for ἡμῶν (hē-mōn) us ἵνα (hi-na) that ὁ (ho) the λόγος (lo-gos) word τοῦ (tou) of-the κυρίου (ku-ri-ou) Lord τρέχῃ (tre-khē) may-run
12.28a εἰρήνη peace (ei-rē-nē) τοῖς to-the (tois) ἀδελφοῖς brothers (a-del-phois) καὶ and (kai) ἀγάπη love (a-ga-pē) μετὰ with (me-ta) πίστεως faith (pi-ste-ōs) 12.28b εἰρήνη (ei-rē-nē) peace τοῖς (tois) to-the ἀδελφοῖς (a-del-phois) brothers καὶ (kai) and ἀγάπη (a-ga-pē) love μετὰ (me-ta) with πίστεως (pi-ste-ōs) faith
12.29a ὁ the (ho) ἀσπασμὸς greeting (a-spa-smos) τῇ by-the (tē) ἐμῇ my (e-mē) χειρὶ hand (khei-ri) Παύλου Paul (Pau-lou) 12.29b ὁ (ho) the ἀσπασμὸς (a-spa-smos) greeting τῇ (tē) by-the ἐμῇ (e-mē) my χειρὶ (khei-ri) hand Παύλου (Pau-lou) Paul
12.30a μνημονεύετε remember (mnē-mo-neu-e-te) μου my (mou) τῶν the (tōn) δεσμῶν bonds (des-mōn) ἡ the (hē) χάρις grace (kha-ris) μεθ' with (meth') ὑμῶν you (hu-mōn) 12.30b μνημονεύετε (mnē-mo-neu-e-te) remember μου (mou) my τῶν (tōn) the δεσμῶν (des-mōn) bonds ἡ (hē) the χάρις (kha-ris) grace μεθ' (meth') with ὑμῶν (hu-mōn) you
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12.16 Παῦλος ἀπόστολος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ πᾶσιν τοῖς ἁγίοις τοῖς οὖσιν ἐν Φιλίπποις. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, to all the saints who are in Philippi.
12.17 χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ θεοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν. Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
12.18 γράφω ὑμῖν τὴν ἐπιστολὴν ταύτην ἐν ἀγάπῃ. I write this letter to you in love.
12.19 ἀσπάζομαι πάντας τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς τοὺς σὺν ἐμοί. I greet all the brothers who are with me.
12.20 πέμπω πρὸς ὑμᾶς Τιμόθεον τὸν ἀγαπητόν. I send to you Timothy the beloved.
12.21 εὐχαριστῶ τῷ θεῷ μου πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν. I thank my God always concerning you.
12.22 παρακαλῶ οὖν ὑμᾶς ἀδελφοί διὰ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν τοῦ θεοῦ. I exhort you therefore, brothers, through the mercies of God.
12.23 ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
12.24 ἀσπάσασθε ἀλλήλους ἐν φιλήματι ἁγίῳ. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
12.25 γνωρίζω δὲ ὑμῖν ἀδελφοί τὸ εὐαγγέλιον. But I make known to you, brothers, the gospel.
12.26 ἔγραψα ὑμῖν διὰ Σιλουανοῦ τοῦ πιστοῦ ἀδελφοῦ. I wrote to you through Silvanus, the faithful brother.
12.27 προσεύχεσθε περὶ ἡμῶν ἵνα ὁ λόγος τοῦ κυρίου τρέχῃ. Pray for us that the word of the Lord may run.
12.28 εἰρήνη τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς καὶ ἀγάπη μετὰ πίστεως. Peace to the brothers and love with faith.
12.29 ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου. The greeting by my hand, Paul's.
12.30 μνημονεύετε μου τῶν δεσμῶν ἡ χάρις μεθ' ὑμῶν. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you.
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12.16 Παῦλος ἀπόστολος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ πᾶσιν τοῖς ἁγίοις τοῖς οὖσιν ἐν Φιλίπποις.
12.17 χάρις ὑμῖν καὶ εἰρήνη ἀπὸ θεοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν.
12.18 γράφω ὑμῖν τὴν ἐπιστολὴν ταύτην ἐν ἀγάπῃ.
12.19 ἀσπάζομαι πάντας τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς τοὺς σὺν ἐμοί.
12.20 πέμπω πρὸς ὑμᾶς Τιμόθεον τὸν ἀγαπητόν.
12.21 εὐχαριστῶ τῷ θεῷ μου πάντοτε περὶ ὑμῶν.
12.22 παρακαλῶ οὖν ὑμᾶς ἀδελφοί διὰ τῶν οἰκτιρμῶν τοῦ θεοῦ.
12.23 ἡ χάρις τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν.
12.24 ἀσπάσασθε ἀλλήλους ἐν φιλήματι ἁγίῳ.
12.25 γνωρίζω δὲ ὑμῖν ἀδελφοί τὸ εὐαγγέλιον.
12.26 ἔγραψα ὑμῖν διὰ Σιλουανοῦ τοῦ πιστοῦ ἀδελφοῦ.
12.27 προσεύχεσθε περὶ ἡμῶν ἵνα ὁ λόγος τοῦ κυρίου τρέχῃ.
12.28 εἰρήνη τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς καὶ ἀγάπη μετὰ πίστεως.
12.29 ὁ ἀσπασμὸς τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ Παύλου.
12.30 μνημονεύετε μου τῶν δεσμῶν ἡ χάρις μεθ' ὑμῶν.
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Ancient Greek letters follow specific conventions for expressing "to" that differ from general narrative usage:
1. Opening Address Formula -
The dative case (without preposition) is standard: πᾶσιν τοῖς ἁγίοις (to all the saints) -
This represents the recipient of the letter -
Pattern: Sender (nominative) + Recipient (dative)
2. Benedictions and Wishes -
Dative for recipients of blessings: χάρις ὑμῖν (grace to you) -
No preposition needed in formulaic expressions -
The dative expresses benefit or advantage
3. Writing and Sending -
γράφω ὑμῖν (I write to you) - dative for indirect object -
πέμπω πρὸς ὑμᾶς (I send to you) - πρός for sending persons -
Note the difference: writing uses dative, sending uses πρός
4. Greetings and Commands -
ἀσπάσασθε ἀλλήλους (greet one another) - reciprocal pronoun needs no "to" -
Commands to groups use direct address without "to"
Standard Opening Elements: -
Sender (nominative) -
Recipient (dative) - expressing "to" -
Greeting (χάρις ὑμῖν - grace to you)
Standard Closing Elements: -
Final greetings (ἀσπάζομαι - I greet) -
Grace formula (ἡ χάρις μεθ' ὑμῶν - grace with you) -
Personal signature reference
Important Distinctions: -
Letters TO churches: dative without preposition -
Sending people TO churches: πρός + accusative -
Writing TO individuals: dative of person -
Prayers TO God: dative (τῷ θεῷ)
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