Ephesians 4:11

An Exegetical Analysis of Ephesians 4:11-12: Syntactic Structure and Semantic Implications of Ministerial Gifts

This exegetical study of Ephesians 4:11-12 is based on a b-greek discussion from May 6, 2003. The initial inquiry posed questions regarding the syntactic significance of the `μεν...δε...δε...δε...και` construction in Ephesians 4:11, specifically whether the final two elements in the list (`ποιμένας καὶ διδασκάλους`) are syntactically equivalent and parallel to the preceding three, and whether "pastors" are to be considered identical to "teachers" or as two distinct elements.

The central exegetical issue revolves around two main grammatical points: first, the precise function of the correlative particles `μεν...δε` in enumerating the spiritual gifts given by Christ, and second, the implications of the single definite article governing both `ποιμένας` and `διδασκάλους` for understanding the relationship between these two ministries. A related concern raised later in the discussion questioned whether this `μεν...δε` construction might imply a temporal succession or replacement of ministries (e.g., "once apostles and prophets...but now pastors and teachers"), which was largely rejected by participants as eisegetical. The discussion consistently emphasized the importance of rigorous grammatical analysis for accurate translation and theological understanding of these ministerial roles within the church.


καὶ αὐτὸς ἔδωκεν τοὺς μὲν ἀποστόλους, τοὺς δὲ προφήτας, τοὺς δὲ εὐαγγελιστάς, τοὺς δὲ ποιμένας καὶ διδασκάλους, πρὸς τὸν καταρτισμὸν τῶν ἁγίων εἰς ἔργον διακονίας, εἰς οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ, (Nestle 1904)


Key differences with SBLGNT (2010):

    
No substantive lexical or syntactic differences exist between the Nestle 1904 text and the SBLGNT (2010) edition for Ephesians 4:11. Both critical editions present the same Greek wording and punctuation for this verse.


Textual Criticism (NA28) and Lexical Notes (KITTEL, BDAG)

The critical apparatus of NA28 shows no significant textual variants for Ephesians 4:11 that would alter the `μεν...δε...και` construction or the grouping of `ποιμένας καὶ διδασκάλους`. The text is stable in this regard, ensuring that the grammatical analysis is based on a well-attested reading.

Lexically, the terms used are standard in the New Testament to describe various ministries and functions within the early Christian community:

    
`Ἀποστόλους` (apostles): BDAG defines an `ἀπόστολος` as "one sent on a mission, messenger, envoy," especially referring to "the special messengers of Christ." They held a foundational role (cf. Eph 2:20).
    
`Προφήτας` (prophets): BDAG describes `προφήτης` as "one who speaks forth, an inspired speaker, prophet." These individuals conveyed God's message, often revealing divine will or truth.
    
`Εὐαγγελιστάς` (evangelists): A `εὐαγγελιστής` is "a preacher of the gospel, evangelist" (BDAG), someone whose primary function is to proclaim the good news.
    
`Ποιμένας` (shepherds/pastors): The term `ποιμήν` literally means "shepherd" (BDAG) and is used metaphorically for those who care for, guide, and protect the flock (the church). KITTEL (TDNT) elaborates on the rich Old Testament background of this term, where leaders and rulers are often described as shepherds.
    
`Διδασκάλους` (teachers): A `διδάσκαλος` is "one who teaches, a teacher" (BDAG), implying instruction in Christian doctrine and ethics.


The phrase `καὶ αὐτὸς ἔδωκεν` ("and he himself gave") highlights Christ's divine agency in distributing these gifts, emphasizing that these ministries are divinely instituted. The prepositional phrases `πρὸς τὸν καταρτισμὸν τῶν ἁγίων` (`for the equipping of the saints`), `εἰς ἔργον διακονίας` (`for the work of ministry`), and `εἰς οἰκοδομὴν τοῦ σώματος τοῦ Χριστοῦ` (`for the building up of the body of Christ`) articulate the overarching purpose of these gifts: to mature believers for service and to foster the growth of the church.

Translation Variants and Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis

The core of the discussion centered on the interpretation of the `μεν...δε` construction and the grouping of `ποιμένας καὶ διδασκάλους`. The repeated use of `τοὺς μὲν` followed by `τοὺς δὲ` (repeated three times) clearly functions as a correlative particle series. This construction serves to differentiate distinct, yet related, categories within the list. It indicates a distribution or apportionment of individuals to different roles. The repeated definite article `τοὺς` preceding each role (`τοὺς μὲν ἀποστόλους, τοὺς δὲ προφήτας, τοὺς δὲ εὐαγγελιστάς, τοὺς δὲ ποιμένας καὶ διδασκάλους`) confirms that distinct groups of people are being referred to, rather than abstract functions. This structure implicitly rejects interpretations suggesting a temporal succession or replacement of ministries; rather, it highlights a diversity of coexisting and complementary roles given by Christ.

The most debated point is the grouping of `ποιμένας καὶ διδασκάλους`. The fact that `τοὺς δὲ` precedes `ποιμένας` but not `διδασκάλους`, and that both are joined by the conjunction `καὶ`, is highly significant. In Koine Greek, a single definite article governing two plural nouns connected by `καὶ` often indicates that the two nouns refer to either the same set of people, or to a single, unified concept or closely related function. This is frequently referred to in discussions of Granville Sharp's rule, though its application here with plural nouns is more about conceptual unity or overlap than strict identity. The consensus among grammarians and many commentators is that "pastors and teachers" should be understood as a single, combined ministry or a closely integrated function (i.e., pastor-teachers). Had the author intended two entirely separate groups, the expectation would be `τοὺς δὲ ποιμένας καὶ τοὺς δὲ διδασκάλους` or `τοὺς δὲ ποιμένας καὶ τοὺς διδασκάλους` (with a repeated article). The omission of the second article strongly suggests that the functions of pastoring and teaching are so intertwined that they are viewed as a single, comprehensive role, implying that effective pastoring inherently involves teaching, and perhaps teaching within a congregational context often involves shepherding. The rhetorical effect is to emphasize the combined nature of these two roles as distinct from the more itinerant or foundational roles of apostles, prophets, and evangelists, which often operated across multiple congregations.

Conclusions and Translation Suggestions

The grammatical structure of Ephesians 4:11 firmly establishes Christ's act of gifting distinct groups of individuals for specific ministries within the church. The `μεν...δε` sequence signals a distribution of these gifts, not a temporal progression or replacement. Furthermore, the singular article before "pastors and teachers" strongly indicates a unified or overlapping ministerial function, distinguishing it from the preceding, more distinct roles.

Based on this analysis, the following translation suggestions are offered:


    
And he himself gave, on the one hand, those who are apostles, and on the other hand, those who are prophets, and on the other hand, those who are evangelists, and on the other hand, those who are pastor-teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.
        This translation emphasizes the correlative `μεν...δε` structure to highlight the distinct yet complementary nature of the gifted individuals, while accurately rendering "pastor-teachers" as a single combined ministry.
    
And he himself gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastor-teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.
        This version adopts a more idiomatic English rendering of `μεν...δε` as "some...and some," directly stating that Christ appointed individuals to these specific roles, maintaining the unity of the "pastor-teacher" role.
    
And it was he who gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastor-teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry and for the building up of the body of Christ.
        This translation maintains the emphasis on Christ as the giver, treating the list as a direct enumeration of the gifted leaders. It implies the distinctness of each category while still combining "pastors and teachers" under a single article-governed phrase, and streamlines the purpose clauses for readability.