τω 3588 T-DSM δε 1161 CONJ βασιλει 935 N-DSM των 3588 T-GPM αιωνων 165 N-GPM αφθαρτω 862 A-DSM αορατω 517 A-DSM μονω 3441 A-DSM σοφω 4680 A-DSM θεω 2316 N-DSM τιμη 5092 N-NSF και 2532 CONJ δοξα 1391 N-NSF εις 1519 PREP τους 3588 T-APM αιωνας 165 N-APM των 3588 T-GPM αιωνων 165 N-GPM αμην 281 HEB
Vincent's NT Word Studies
16. First (prwtw) Not the chief sinner, but the representative instance of God's longsuffering applied to a high-handed transgressor. It is explained by pattern.All longsuffering (thn apasan makroqumian). More correctly, "all his longsuffering." The A.V. misses the possessive force of the article. For longsuffering see on be patient, Jas. v. 7. The form apav occurs as an undisputed reading only once in Paul, Eph. vi. 13, and not there as an adjective. Often in Acts and Luke. This use of the article with the adjective pav or apav is without parallel in Paul.
Pattern (upotupwsin). Or, ensample. Only here and 2 Tim. i. 13. o LXX. o Class. An example of the writer's fondness for high-sounding compounds. Paul uses tupov.
To them. The A.V. conveys the sense more clearly than Rev. "Of them," which is ambiguous. The genitive has a possessive sense. He would be their ensample, or an ensample for their benefit.
Believe (pisteu.ein). This verb, so frequent in Paul, occurs six times in the pastorals. In two instances, 1 Tim. i. 11; Tit. i. 3, it is passive, in the sense of to be intrusted with. Here in the Pauline sense of believing on Christ. In 1 Tim. iii. 16, passive, of Christ believe d on in the world. In 2 Tim. i. 12, of God the Father, in whom the writer confides to keep the trust committed to him. In Tit. iii. 8, of belief in God. With ejpi upon and the dative, Roman ix. 33; x. 11; 1 Pet. ii. 6 (all citations), and Roman iv. 18; Luke xxiv. 25.
Unto life everlasting (eiv zwhn aiwnion). Better, eternal life. See additional not on 2 Thess. i. 9. The conception of life eternal is not limited to the future life (as von Soden). Godliness has promise of the life which now is, as well as of that which is to come (Timothy iv. 8). The promise of eteral life (2 Tim. i. 1) and the words who brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Tim. i. 10) may fairly be taken to cover the present life.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
1:16 {In me as chief} (en emoi prwtwi). Probably starts with the same sense of prwtos as in verse #15 (rank), but turns to order (first in line). Paul becomes the "specimen" sinner as an encouragement to all who come after him. {Might shew forth} (endeixetai). First aorist middle subjunctive (purpose with hina) of endeiknumi, to point out, for which see #Eph 2:7 (same form with hina). {Longsuffering} (makroqumian). Common Pauline word (#2Co 6:6). {For an ensample} (pros hupotup"sin). Late and rare word (in Galen, Sext. Emp., Diog. Laert., here only in N.T.) from late verb hupotupow (in papyri) to outline. So substantive here is a sketch, rough outline. Paul is a sample of the kind of sinners that Jesus came to save. See hupodeigma in #2Pe 2:6.
