Download 1 present active indicative

PRESENT ACTIVE
INDICATIVE
By Corey Keating at http://www.ntgreek.org/
Its uses, tenses and moods
PROPERTIES OF THE
GREEK VERBS
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TENSE. Tense not only indicates the time of
action but also the kind of action.
VOICE.
The active voice represents the subject as
acting.
The passive voice represents the subject as
being acted upon.
MOOD.
Indicative mood makes an assertion.
Imperative mood makes a command.
Subjunctive mood makes a wish.
Machen, New Testament Greek for Beginners,
20
TENSE
In relation to aktionsart-1
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Greek indicates both the time of action and
the kind of action.
The German word "Aktionsart," meaning
"kind of action," is often used with
reference to what is indicated by the tense
of a verb. There are three basic kinds of
action:
The first is linear. It is also called durative,
continuous, or progressive. It can be
represented graphically by a line. In this
case, the speaker conceives of the action
as happening. The Present tense
indicates this kind of action. See below:
______________ Linear action
TENSE
In relation to aktionsart-2
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The second is punctiliar and can be
represented by a point. In this case, the
speaker conceives of the action without
any notion of its continuance. This kind of
action is associated with the Future
tense. Note carefully that the future tense
does not imply the action takes place
instantaneously. Rather we should say
the speaker conceives of the fact of the
action without indicating continuity. See
below:
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. Punctiliar action.
TENSE
In relation to aktionsart-3
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The third kind of action is ongoing
result of previous action, and can
be represented graphically by a
line proceeding from a point. In
this case the speaker conceives of
the action as being the ongoing
result of a previous event. See
below:
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.__________ Ongoing result
TENSE
In relation to aktionsart-4
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In English, we think of the tense of a verb as
denoting the "time" of the action. In Greek also time
is indicated by tense, but only absolutely so in the
Indicative mood. And time is not the primary
significance of Greek tenses. Fundamentally, Kind
of Action, rather than Time of Action, is indicated by
tense.
For now, we will distinguish between two kinds of
action, linear and punctiliar.
Linear action can also be called durative,
continuous, or progressive.
Punctiliar action is instantaneous. (However, we
need to guard against supposing that those tenses
sometimes described as punctiliar necessarily imply
instantaneous action. We will elaborate on this point
when we discuss the aorist tense.)
TENSE
In relation to aktionsart-5
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The kind of action indicated by the use of
the present tense is durative. There are
special uses of the present tense where
the durative idea may not be conspicuous.
Sometimes, someone will learn of these
special uses and mistakenly conclude that
the durative idea is not fundamentally
characteristic of the present tense. In the
following paragraphs, we will consider the
comments of several well known authors of
Greek grammars in order to put the
different uses of the present tense in
perspective.
PRESENT TENSE
Linear Aspect is its Characteristic-1
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It is incorrect to think of the time element
(present time) as fundamental to a present
tense verb and to therefore conclude that
linear action is just a trait that may or may
not accrue to the verb. In fact, it is the other
way around.
“The original function of the so-called tense
stems of the verb in Indo-European
languages was not that of levels of time
(present, past, future) but that of
Aktionsarten (kinds of action) or aspects
(points of views)” (Blass & DeBrunner, A
Greek Grammar of the New Testament and
Other Early Christian Literature, p. 166.)
PRESENT TENSE
Linear Aspect is its Characteristic-2
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“...essentially the tense in Greek expresses
the kind of action, not time, which the
speaker has in view and the state of the
subject.... In short, the tense-stems
indicate the point of view from which the
action or state is regarded....the present
expresses linear action” (Nigel Turner, A
Grammar of New Testament Greek, vol. 3:
Syntax, p. 59.).
The Present Indicative “normally expresses
linear action” (Turner, A Grammar of New
Testament Greek, vol. 3: Syntax, p. 60.)
PRESENT TENSE
Linear Aspect is its Characteristic-3
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“The durative (linear or progressive) in the
present stem: the action is represented as
durative (in progress) and either as timeless
(ἔστιν ὁ θεός) or as taking place in present time
(including, of course, duration on one side or the
other of the present moment: γράφω 'I am writing
[now]';...The present stem may also be iterative:
ἔβαλλεν 'threw repeatedly (or each time)” (Blass
& DeBrunner, A Greek Grammar of the New
Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, p.
166).
“These ideas (punctiliar, durative, perfected state)
lie behind the three tenses (aorist, present,
perfect) that run through all moods. The forms of
these tenses are meant to accentuate these
ideas” (A.T. Robertson, A Grammar of the Greek
New Testament, p. 824).
PRESENT TENSE
Linear Aspect is its Characteristic-4
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The grammars quoted above are widely recognized
as the most thorough and authoritative. Other
grammars, not as extensive in scope, also provide
valuable insights. One is by Maximilian Zerwick,
who describes three "aspects" with which a speaker
might use a verb:
1) as a simple realization...without reference to
continuation or repetition...: the "aorist"
2) as a nature or kind of activity in progress or
habitual (repeated) or simply as this kind of activity
or activity tending to a given end: the "present" or
"imperfect"
3) as a completed act resulting in a "state of affairs"
which is predicated by the verb as holding for the
present time: the "perfect" (Maximilian Zerwick,
Biblical Greek, p. 77.)
PRESENT TENSE
Linear Aspect is its Characteristic-5
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There are therefore, three fundamental tenses
in Greek: the present, representing continuous
action; the perfect, representing completed
action; and the aorist... representing indefinite
action. (Dana & Mantey, A Manual Grammar of
the Greek New Testament, p. 178).
There are really two fundamental ways of
viewing action. It may be contemplated in
single perspective, as a point, which we may
call punctiliar action (R. 823); or it may be
regarded as in progress, as a line, and this we
may call linear action (M. 109)....The aorist
may be represented by a dot (.), the present by
a line (_________), and the perfect by the
combination of the two (.________). (Dana &
Mantey, A Manual Grammar of the Greek New
Testament, p. 179.)
PRESENT TENSE
Linear Aspect is its Characteristic-6
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Hence, beginning, instructive grammars,
instruct the student to assume the
continuous idea when translating, and to
view as exceptional those occasions when
context and the requirements of English
idiom demand some other rendering.
The present active indicative verb “can be
either a continuous ('I am studying') or
undefined ('I study') action. We recommend
using a continuous translation by default,
and if it does not fit the context switch to
the undefined. (William D. Mounce, Basics
of Biblical Greek, p. 125).
PRESENT TENSE
Linear Aspect is its Characteristic-7
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“The present tense is basically linear or
durative, ongoing in its kind of action. The
durative notion may be expressed
graphically by an unbroken line
(___________), since the action is simply
continuous. This is known as the
progressive present. Refinements of the
general rule will be encountered; however,
the fundamental distinction will not be
negated” (James Allen Hewett, New
Testament Greek, A Beginning and
Intermediate Grammar, p. 13.)
TENSE
In relation to Aktionsart and Aspekt-1
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From German, we get these two terms
which are used to represent the chief
significance of tense in the Greek
language. Aktionsart is "kind of action."
Aspekt is "point of view" and refers to the
kind of action as perceived by the speaker.
During most of the 20th century, the term
Aktionsart has been in the forefront of
discussions about Greek tenses,
sometimes being used as distinct from
Aspekt, and sometimes being used
comprehensively so as to include the idea
of Aspekt.
TENSE
In relation to Aktionsart and Aspekt-2
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An example of Aktionsart being used
to cover both ideas is found in Nigel
Turner's volume on Syntax. He
summarized the significance of the
tense stems in Greek saying they
“indicate the point of view from which
the action or state is regarded. The
word Aktionsart (kind of action) has
been taken over in all countries to
express this essential idea” (New
Testament Greek, vol. 3: Syntax, A
Grammar of, p. 59).
USES OF PRESENT TENSE
that obscure the linear idea-1
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Are there occasions when there is no
durative idea even though the present tense
is used? A. T. Robertson wrote: “It is not wise
therefore to define the present indicative as
denoting 'action in progress' like the
imperfect, as Burton does, for he has to take
it back on p. 9 in the discussion of the
'Aoristic Present,' which he calls a 'distinct
departure from the prevailing use of the
present tense to denote action in progress.'
In sooth, it is no 'departure' at all. The idiom
is as old as the tense itself and is due to the
failure in the development of separate tenses
for punctiliar and linear action in the
indicative of present time” (p. 864)
USES OF PRESENT TENSE
that obscure the linear idea-2
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In other words, Robertson is saying
the kind of action may be punctiliar
even though the present is used.
Fifteen pages later, he alludes to this
observation saying, “It has already
been seen that the durative sense
does not monopolize the 'present'
tense, though it more frequently
denotes linear action. The verb and
the context must decide” (p. 879).
USES OF PRESENT TENSE
that obscure the linear idea-3
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But this does not mean Robertson
considered the present tense to be equally
well suited to a linear idea and a punctiliar
idea. Rather, certain verbs in certain
contexts may call for a punctiliar
understanding.
Similarly, James Hope Moulton described
the present stem as "normally denoting
linear or durative action," but cautioned, "It
must not be thought, however, that the
durative meaning monopolizes the present
stem." (A Grammar of New Testament
Greek, vol. 1: Prolegomena, p. 119.)
USES OF PRESENT TENSE
that obscure the linear idea-4
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Still, we should not be too quick to cease looking for
a durative idea in instances where it is not at first
apparent. In the phrase, "Friend, I do thee no
wrong" (Matt 20:13), the durative idea may not be
obvious. The verb translated "do wrong" is the
present active indicative ἀδικῶ. The perceived
wrong, that is, the perceived inequitable treatment,
was a one-time occurrence. Is linear akionsart
present here?
Linear aspect doesn't necessarily mean action
perceived as continuing into perpetuity. It simply
represents the subject as speaking from a
perspective in the midst of the action. "Friend, I do
thee no wrong." These words are spoken as the
householder is in the midst of compensating his
workers. The addressee has yet to take up that
which is his. From the speaker's perspective, he is
doing something (and he denies that what he is
doing is wrong.) The linear idea is not absent.
USES OF PRESENT TENSE
that obscure the linear idea-5
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In Matt 17:15, we read "oftimes he falleth into the
fire." The verb "falleth" is the present active
indicative πίπτει. We know from the context that it
refers to repeated action. It is not literally continuous
action. Each incident of falling is repeated again and
again. Is a durative idea present?
The durative idea can be iterative or habitual, rather
than constant. Robertson even suggests a different
graph to illustrate an iterative action. Rather than a
line ( _________ ), he illustrates with dots: (.....). (p.
880.) From the viewpoint of the father of the boy,
falling into the fire is something that happens over
time inasmuch as it happens repeatedly. In fact, the
father means to convey the idea that this is not an
isolated incident. This use is called the Iterative
Present. This is not a different tense. It is rather one
category of usage wherein the durative idea has a
particular quality.
USES OF PRESENT TENSE
that obscure the linear idea-6
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According to Moulton, Burton regarded "we
forgive" (ἀφίομεν) in Luke 11:4 as
punctiliar. And at first glance we might
agree, understanding that forgiveness
occurs at a point in time, and is not a
process. However, Moulton offers the
alternative view that ἀφίομεν may be
describing habitual action and should here
be considered an Iterative Present.
Certainly that suits the context: "And
forgive us our sins; for we ourselves also
forgive every one that is indebted to us."
USES OF PRESENT TENSE
that obscure the linear idea-7
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Burton, as well as Robertson, identified a
Gnomic Present used in proverbs. Turner,
citing Burton's discussion of the Gnomic
Present, offers Matt. 7:17, Jno. 7:52, 2 Cor.
9:7, and Jas. 1:13-15 as examples.
Consider Matt. 7:17, "Every good tree
makes (ποιεῖ, pres. act. ind.) good fruit, but
the corrupt tree makes evil fruit." One might
argue that producing fruit is not a
continuous activity, that there are seasonal
interruptions of the process. But the very
nature of a proverb is to state that which is
generally true. The reference is not to a
single, isolated instance of bearing fruit, but
to that which is characteristic over time.
Thus the durative idea is present.
USES OF PRESENT TENSE
that obscure the linear idea-8
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In Mt. 13:44, ἀγοράζει ("buys") is present
active indicative, and yet is not easily
understood to be linear. The man paid the
money, took possession, and the deed was
done. What use of the present justifies its
occurrence here if the aspect is not linear?
The Historic Present (again, not a
different verb form, just a different use)
occurs frequently in narrative, especially in
the gospels. Often the verb λέγω ("say") is
present in form even though it is describing
past action. In these cases, kind of action
is not necessarily durative.
USES OF PRESENT TENSE
that obscure the linear idea-9
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Now, in Matt. 13:44, where "goes," "sells,"
"has," and "buys" are all present active
indicatives, if one insists on bringing the idea
of continuous action over into English, I
suppose one could translate, "and from joy of
it, he is going and selling all things
whatsoever he is having and is buying that
field." This, however, would obviously not
convey in English the idea intended in Greek.
I believe what we have here is an example of
Historic Present verbs. This seems to be
confirmed by the parallel between the
occurences of ἀγοράζω in verse 44 and
verse 46. In the former case, it is present,
and in the latter, past; however it serves the
same purpose in both cases.
USES OF PRESENT TENSE
that obscure the linear idea-10
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According to Turner, "the historic present is
an instance where Aktionsart and tenseforms do not coincide; this present usually
has punctiliar action" (p. 60). But then he
goes on to say that Mark and John are
particularly fond of this use and "their
narrative is made vivid thereby." It seems
to me that in this last observation, we find
the durative idea. This mode of speech,
relating a past incident using present tense
verbs, makes the narrative vivid by
transporting the hearer to the time of the
action. Or it could be said the incident
being described is transported to the time
of the narration.
USES OF PRESENT TENSE
that obscure the linear idea-11
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By this means, the speaker recreates the
incident as if it is happening at the
moment. He puts the scene before
himself and his audience and they
imagine the events unfolding before their
eyes. They are imagining themselves as
being in the midst of the time of the
action. The action is viewed as
happening and accordingly, I wonder if it
is not best to consider that even though
the action may be instantaneous, from
the Aspekt of the speaker, there is a
linear quality to it.
USES OF PRESENT TENSE
that obscure the linear idea-12
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Conclusion: Linear Aktionsart characterizes
the Present tense. If it can be argued that
there is such a thing as a punctiliar use of
the present, one should not be too quick to
resort to this explanation when a linear
idea is not immediately apparent. Not only
the nature of the activity, but also the point
of view of the speaker or the intended
impression upon the hearer may call for
linear Aktionsart and account for the
present tense.
VOICE
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Voice refers to the relationship
between subject and verb. In
English, it answers the question, is
the subject active or passive with
respect to the action?
There are three voices in Greek.
They are the Active, the Middle, and
the Passive. In this first course, we
will only concern ourselves with the
Active Voice.
MOOD-1
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Think of different moods (also called
"modes" in some grammars) as different
degrees of contingency. There is the
Indicative Mood which contemplates the
action with no contingency at all. The
action is indicated. It is real, or at least the
speaker presents it to be considered as
real. Even if the statement is false, it is at
least presented as if it is a fact. Negating
the action does not alter the mood. Saying,
"I do not eat spinach" leaves no more
contingency in the matter than saying, "I
eat spinach."
MOOD-2
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We will only study the indicative mood in
this introductory course. But to help clarify
what we mean by mood, or degrees of
contingency, consider a mood where there
is more contingency. The Subjunctive
Mood is illustrated in the following
sentences:
Might you eat some spinach?
Were I to eat spinach, I would get sick.
Should I get sick, I would not be able to go
to work.
If you were unable to go to work, you would
not be paid.
MOOD-3
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In English, we use the words "were,"
"should," "might," or "would" when we are
speaking in the subjunctive mode. In each
of the sentences above, only the possibility
of eating spinach, or of being sick, or of
being unable to go to work is being
considered. The reality remains contingent.
The case is contemplated with the action
being hypothesized.
Greek grammarians had various names for
the subjunctive mood, but one name was ἡ
διστακτικὴ ἔγκλισις, "the mood expressive
of doubt." In contrast, the indicative mood
was called ἡ ὁριστικὴ ἔγκλισις, "the
definitive mood."
PRESENT ACTIVE
INDICATIVE/ luo-1
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Because the verb λύω ("I loose") is regular
throughout its conjugation, it is often the
first verb a student learns, and it is the verb
used to illustrate the omega conjugation
throughout its various tenses, voices and
moods.
The stem is λυ, and the various endings
added to this stem are personal endings,
identifying the person and number of the
verb. In the absence of a named subject, a
pronoun is not necessary to indicate the
subject. The person, whether 1st ("I"), 2nd
("You"), or 3rd ("He," "She," "It") is
indicated by the ending.
PRESENT ACTIVE
INDICATIVE/ luo-2
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We do this in English for 2nd person
imperative verbs. We may say, "Go
to the corner and turn left." The verb
is "Go" but what is the subject? We
say the subject is understood to be
"You." "You go to the corner and turn
left." In Romantic languages, the
person is implied for all three
persons. And so it is in Greek.
PRESENT ACTIVE
INDICATIVE/ luo-3
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The Present Active Indicative forms of λύω
might also be translated, "I am loosing," "you
are loosing," "he is loosing," "we are loosing,"
"you (plural) are loosing," "they are loosing." In
English, we may mean one thing if we say "He
pitches" and something a bit different if we say
"He is pitching." In the former case, we may
mean he regularly plays the position of pitcher.
In the latter case, we may mean, he is pitching
at this very moment. In Greek, the present
active indicative is used for both of these ideas.
In both cases, the Aktionsart is linear, but in
one case the action is habitual or iterative.
When translating from Greek, you will need to
let the nature of the verb and especially the
context of its use determine the whether or not
to use "-ing" in English.
Present Active Indicative of the verb LUO, I
loose. Note: the omega letter is substituted
with w but the sound is long o.
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SINGULAR
1. lu’w, I loose, I
am loosing
2. lu’eis, you
loose, you are
loosing
3. lu’ei, he
looses, he is
loosing
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PLURAL
1. lu’omen, we
loose, we are
loosing
2. lu’ete, you
loose, you are
loosing
3. lu’ousi, they
loose, they are
loosing
The Endings and the Stem
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“It will be observed that the
distinctions between first person
(person speaking), second person
(person spoken to), third person
(person spoken of), and between
singular and plural numbers, are
indicated in the Greek by the
endings” (Machen, 20).
“The part of the verb which remains
constant throughout the conjugation
and has the various endings added
to it is called the stem” (Ibid.)
I loose, I am loosing
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In the present tense there is in
Greek no distinction between I
loose and I am loosing.
I loose represents the action as
taking place in the present time.
I am loosing represents the
action as continuing
Vocabulary
(taken from Machen’s, p. 20).
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ble’pw, I see
ginw’skw, I
know
gra’phw, I write
dida’skw, I
teach
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lamba’nw, I take
le’gw, I say
‘echw, I have