mean gracious speech (Clem. Al.; also Jer., with a perhaps), or pious, edifying discourse generally (Calv., on the analogy of Col. iv. 6; Prov. xi.6). Others give it the sense of courteous speech (Mor.). But the idea of gracious speech would be ex- pressed rather by εὔχαρι, and, as Meyer points out, the contrast which would thus result would be less in keeping with “ the Christian character and the profoundly vivid piety of the Apostle”. On nothing does he more insist than on the grace of thankfulness, and the expression of it, to God for the gifts of His love to sinful men.
Ver. 5. τοῦτο yap ἴστε γινώσκοντες: for this ye know, being aware that. The TR reads ἐστε = ye are (with D°KL, Theod., Theophyl., etc.), taking it with the participle as = ‘‘ ye are aware”. But tore (which is supported by BX43AD*GP, Vulg., Goth., Sah., Boh., Arm., Chrys., etc.) must be preferred. The phrase ἴστε γινώσκοντες is explained by some as a Hebr. form, following the well-known use of the inf. with the fin. verb, or as having the force of the participle with the fin. verb in such expressions as γινώσκων γνώσῃ (Gen. xv. 13); and so the RV renders Ἱε--έγε know of a surety’. But in such formule the same verb occurs in both cases, whereas here we have two distinct verbs. Hence it is best rendered—‘ ye know, being aware that”. It is an appeal to their consciousness of the incompatibility of such sins with the inheritance of the Kingdom of God. It is not necessary, therefore (with von Hofmann), to put a full stop between the tore and the γινώσκοντες, and make ἴστε refer to the preceding statement. Nor is there any reason for taking tore as an imper. (so Vulg., Beng., etc.) instead of an indic. The τοῦτο refers to what follows, and the γάρ introduces a reason for the former injunctions, These injunctions are en- forced by a reference to the reader’s own knowledge, and that reference to their knowledge is made in direct appeal to
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br Tim. ii. καὶ " θεοῦ.] 14;James ς i. 26 only. yap cx Cor. xv.
1ο, 14, 58 al.; Col. ii. 8; James ii. 20; Exod. v. 9; Job. vi. 6.