GREEK VERBSGREEK VERBS

http://www.ntgreek.org/learn_nt_greek/verbs1.htm#PARTICIPLEhttp://www.ntgreek.org/learn_nt_greek/verbs1.htm#PARTICIPLE

Shorter DefinitionsShorter Definitions

CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Just like Greek nouns, the Greek verb also Just like Greek nouns, the Greek verb also changes form (the Greek 'spelling', so to changes form (the Greek 'spelling', so to speak). speak).

The form changes based upon the The form changes based upon the subject of the verbsubject of the verb and the and the kind of action indicatedkind of action indicated. As was mentioned . As was mentioned earlier, Greek is a fully "inflected language." earlier, Greek is a fully "inflected language." Each Greek word actually changes form Each Greek word actually changes form (inflection) based upon the role that it plays in (inflection) based upon the role that it plays in the sentence. the sentence.

The stem of the verb shows the basic The stem of the verb shows the basic meaning or action of the word, but the ending meaning or action of the word, but the ending (or ‘suffix’) changes to show various details. (or ‘suffix’) changes to show various details. Not only the ending of the verb may change, Not only the ending of the verb may change, but the verb form may have a ‘prefix’ added to but the verb form may have a ‘prefix’ added to the beginning of the verbal stem. the beginning of the verbal stem.

CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Sometimes the actual stem of the verb may Sometimes the actual stem of the verb may change or may add an ‘infix’ to indicate change or may add an ‘infix’ to indicate certain other details. certain other details.

The prefix, suffix, and verbal stem all The prefix, suffix, and verbal stem all combine together to define a certain form combine together to define a certain form of a verb. Each verb form indicates a of a verb. Each verb form indicates a specific meaning.  specific meaning. 

There are five basic parts (or aspects) that There are five basic parts (or aspects) that are clearly defined or indicated by every are clearly defined or indicated by every Greek verb form. Greek verb form.

These five parts are: These five parts are: PersonPerson, , NumberNumber, , TenseTense, , VoiceVoice, and , and MoodMood.  See below for .  See below for details of these five aspects of Greek details of these five aspects of Greek verbs.verbs.

Grammatical Person of Grammatical Person of Verbs-1Verbs-1 There are three main classes of There are three main classes of

grammatical person in both English grammatical person in both English and Greek. and Greek.

Person indicates the form of the Person indicates the form of the verb (and also pronouns) which verb (and also pronouns) which refer to: refer to:

11stst Person: Person: the person(s) speakingthe person(s) speaking 22ndnd Person Person: the person(s) being : the person(s) being

spoken to spoken to 33rdrd Person: Person: the person(s) being the person(s) being

spoken of or aboutspoken of or about

Grammatical Person of Grammatical Person of Verbs-2Verbs-2 For example: "Because I For example: "Because I livelive, you shall , you shall

livelive also" (John 14:19b) also" (John 14:19b) "He "He liveslives by the power of God" (II Cor. by the power of God" (II Cor.

13:4). 13:4). First Person: 'I live' - the person First Person: 'I live' - the person

speaking (i.e. 'I') is the subject of the speaking (i.e. 'I') is the subject of the verb. verb.

Second Person: 'you live' - the person Second Person: 'you live' - the person being spoken to (i.e. 'you') is the subject being spoken to (i.e. 'you') is the subject of the verb. of the verb.

Third Person: 'He lives' - the person Third Person: 'He lives' - the person being spoken about (i.e. 'He') is the being spoken about (i.e. 'He') is the subject of the verb.subject of the verb.

Grammatical Number of Grammatical Number of Verbs Verbs The concept of grammatical number is quite The concept of grammatical number is quite

straightforward in both English and Koine Greek. straightforward in both English and Koine Greek. It is the property of a It is the property of a verbverb (and (and nounsnouns and and pronouns also) which indicates whether the pronouns also) which indicates whether the reference is to one (reference is to one (singularsingular) or to more than ) or to more than one (one (pluralplural). (Classical Greek at one time had a ). (Classical Greek at one time had a 'dual' number which made a distinction for 'two', 'dual' number which made a distinction for 'two', besides the customary singular and plural.) besides the customary singular and plural.)

Each grammatical Each grammatical personperson (First, Second, and (First, Second, and Third) can be either singular or plural in number. Third) can be either singular or plural in number.

For example: Singular Number: "For I For example: Singular Number: "For I am am persuadedpersuaded that neither death, nor life,...shall be that neither death, nor life,...shall be able to separate us from the love of God," (Rom. able to separate us from the love of God," (Rom. 8:38-39). 8:38-39). Plural Number: "For we Plural Number: "For we areare His workmanship," His workmanship," (Eph. 2:10a). (Eph. 2:10a).

Grammatical Voice of Grammatical Voice of Verbs-1Verbs-1 Active VoiceActive Voice

Grammatical voice indicates whether the Grammatical voice indicates whether the subjectsubject is the performer of the action of the is the performer of the action of the verbverb (active voice), or the subject is the (active voice), or the subject is the recipient of the action (recipient of the action (passive voicepassive voice). If the ). If the subject of the sentence is executing the subject of the sentence is executing the action, then the verb is referred to as being action, then the verb is referred to as being in the active voice. in the active voice.

For example: "Jesus For example: "Jesus was baptizingwas baptizing the the people" (paraphrase of John 3:22; 4:1,2). people" (paraphrase of John 3:22; 4:1,2). "Jesus" is the subject of the sentence and "Jesus" is the subject of the sentence and is the one that is performing the action of is the one that is performing the action of the verb; therefore the verb is said to be in the verb; therefore the verb is said to be in the "Active Voice". the "Active Voice".

Grammatical Voice of Grammatical Voice of Verbs-2Verbs-2 Passive VoicePassive Voice

Grammatical voice indicates whether the Grammatical voice indicates whether the subjectsubject is the performer of the action of is the performer of the action of the the verbverb ( (active voiceactive voice), or the subject is ), or the subject is the recipient of the action (passive voice). the recipient of the action (passive voice). If the subject of the sentence is being If the subject of the sentence is being acted upon, then the verb is referred to acted upon, then the verb is referred to as being in the passive voice. as being in the passive voice.

For example: "Jesus ... For example: "Jesus ... was baptizedwas baptized by by John in the Jordan" (Mark 1:9). "Jesus" is John in the Jordan" (Mark 1:9). "Jesus" is the subject of the sentence, but in this the subject of the sentence, but in this case He is being acted upon (i.e. He is case He is being acted upon (i.e. He is the recipient of the action), therefore the the recipient of the action), therefore the verb is said to be in the "Passive Voice". verb is said to be in the "Passive Voice".

Grammatical Voice of Grammatical Voice of Verbs-3Verbs-3 Middle VoiceMiddle Voice

The Greek middle voice shows the The Greek middle voice shows the subjectsubject acting in his own interest or on his own behalf, acting in his own interest or on his own behalf, or participating in the results of the verbal or participating in the results of the verbal action. In overly simplistic terms, sometimes action. In overly simplistic terms, sometimes the middle form of the verb could be translated the middle form of the verb could be translated as "the performer of the action actually acting as "the performer of the action actually acting upon himself" (reflexive action). upon himself" (reflexive action).

For example: "I For example: "I am washing myselfam washing myself." "I" is the ." "I" is the subject of the sentence (performing the action subject of the sentence (performing the action of the verb) and yet "I" am also receiving the of the verb) and yet "I" am also receiving the action of the verb. This is said to be in the action of the verb. This is said to be in the "Middle Voice". Many instances in the Greek "Middle Voice". Many instances in the Greek are not this obvious and cannot be translated are not this obvious and cannot be translated this literally. this literally.    

Verbal MoodsVerbal Moods

The aspect of the grammatical "mood" of a The aspect of the grammatical "mood" of a verbverb has to do with the statement's relationship to has to do with the statement's relationship to reality. In broad terms, mood deals with the fact reality. In broad terms, mood deals with the fact of whether the asserted statement is actual or if of whether the asserted statement is actual or if there is only the possibility of its actual there is only the possibility of its actual occurrence. occurrence.

"Whether the verbal idea is objectively a fact or "Whether the verbal idea is objectively a fact or not is not the point: mood represents the way in not is not the point: mood represents the way in which the matter is conceived" (Dana & Mantey). which the matter is conceived" (Dana & Mantey). If the one asserting the If the one asserting the sentencesentence states it as states it as actual, then the mood reflects this, regardless of actual, then the mood reflects this, regardless of whether the statement is true or false. whether the statement is true or false.

The The indicative moodindicative mood is the only mood conceived is the only mood conceived of as actual while with the other three moods (of as actual while with the other three moods (imperativeimperative, , subjunctivesubjunctive, and , and optativeoptative) the action ) the action is only thought of as possible or potential. is only thought of as possible or potential.

Verbal Moods-1Verbal Moods-1

Indicative Mood.Indicative Mood. The indicative mood is a statement of fact or an The indicative mood is a statement of fact or an

actual occurrence from the writer's or speaker's actual occurrence from the writer's or speaker's perspective. Even if the writer is lying, he may perspective. Even if the writer is lying, he may state the action as if it is a fact, and thus the state the action as if it is a fact, and thus the verbverb would be in the indicative mood. It may be action would be in the indicative mood. It may be action occurring in past, present, or future time. This occurring in past, present, or future time. This 'statement of fact' can even be made with a 'statement of fact' can even be made with a negative negative adverbadverb modifying the verb (see the modifying the verb (see the second example). second example). This is in contrast to one of the other moods (see This is in contrast to one of the other moods (see below) in which the writer/speaker may desire or below) in which the writer/speaker may desire or ask for the action to take place. ask for the action to take place.

For example:For example: "And they "And they overcameovercame him by the blood of the him by the blood of the

Lamb” (Rev. 12:11).Lamb” (Rev. 12:11). "God "God isis not not mockedmocked" (Gal. 6:7)." (Gal. 6:7).

Verbal Moods-2Verbal Moods-2

Imperative Mood. Imperative Mood. The The imperative mood is a command imperative mood is a command or instruction given to the or instruction given to the hearer, charging the hearer to hearer, charging the hearer to carry out or perform a certain carry out or perform a certain action. action.

For example: "For example: "FleeFlee youthful youthful lusts" (2 Tim. 2:22). lusts" (2 Tim. 2:22).    

Verbal Moods-3Verbal Moods-3

Subjunctive MoodSubjunctive Mood The subjunctive mood indicates probability or The subjunctive mood indicates probability or objective possibility. The action of the objective possibility. The action of the verbverb will will possibly happen, depending on certain objective possibly happen, depending on certain objective factors or circumstances. It is oftentimes used in factors or circumstances. It is oftentimes used in conditional statements (i.e. 'If...then...' clauses) or conditional statements (i.e. 'If...then...' clauses) or in purpose clauses. However if the subjunctive in purpose clauses. However if the subjunctive mood is used in a purpose or result clause, then mood is used in a purpose or result clause, then the action should not be thought of as a possible the action should not be thought of as a possible result, but should be viewed as a definite outcome result, but should be viewed as a definite outcome that will happen as a result of another stated that will happen as a result of another stated action. action.

For example: "For example: "Let us come forwardLet us come forward to the Holy of to the Holy of Holies with a true heart in full assurance of faith" Holies with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Heb 10:23).(Heb 10:23).

"In order that now the manifold wisdom of God "In order that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made knownmight be made known through the church..." (Eph through the church..." (Eph 3:10). 3:10).

Verbal Moods-4Verbal Moods-4

Optative Mood. Optative Mood. The optative is the mood The optative is the mood of possibility, removed even further than of possibility, removed even further than the the subjunctive moodsubjunctive mood from something from something conceived of as actual. Often it is used to conceived of as actual. Often it is used to convey a wish or hope for a certain action convey a wish or hope for a certain action to occur. to occur.

For example: "And the very God of peace For example: "And the very God of peace sanctifysanctify you wholly; and I pray God your you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body whole spirit and soul and body be be preservedpreserved blameless unto the coming of blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thess 5:23). our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thess 5:23).

Verb Tenses Verb Tenses

Time & "Kind of Action" in Greek Verbs:Time & "Kind of Action" in Greek Verbs: In English, and in most other languages, the In English, and in most other languages, the

tense of the tense of the verbverb mainly refers to the 'time' of mainly refers to the 'time' of the action of the verb (present, past, or future the action of the verb (present, past, or future time). time).

In Greek, however, although time does bear In Greek, however, although time does bear upon the meaning of tense, the primary upon the meaning of tense, the primary consideration of the tense of the verb is not consideration of the tense of the verb is not time, but rather the 'kind of action' that the verb time, but rather the 'kind of action' that the verb portrays. portrays.

The most important element in Greek tense is The most important element in Greek tense is kind of action; time is regarded as a secondary kind of action; time is regarded as a secondary element. For this reason, many grammarians element. For this reason, many grammarians have adopted the German word 'aktionsart' have adopted the German word 'aktionsart' (kind of action) to be able to more easily refer (kind of action) to be able to more easily refer to this phenomenon of Greek verbs. to this phenomenon of Greek verbs.

The Kind of Action of Greek The Kind of Action of Greek VerbVerb The kind of action (aktionsart) of a Greek verb will The kind of action (aktionsart) of a Greek verb will

generally fall into one of three categories: generally fall into one of three categories: 1) 1) Continuous (or 'Progressive')Continuous (or 'Progressive') kind of action. kind of action.

This is true if the tense is in the present.This is true if the tense is in the present. 2) 2) Completed (or 'Accomplished)Completed (or 'Accomplished) kind of kind of

action, with continuing results. This is true when action, with continuing results. This is true when the verb is in the perfect tense.the verb is in the perfect tense.

3) 3) Simple occurrence, (or 'Summary Simple occurrence, (or 'Summary occurrence')occurrence') without reference to the question of without reference to the question of progress. The kind of action that occurs in an progress. The kind of action that occurs in an aorist. (This is sometimes referred to as aorist. (This is sometimes referred to as 'Punctiliar' kind of action , but it is a misnomer to 'Punctiliar' kind of action , but it is a misnomer to thus imply that, in every instance, the action only thus imply that, in every instance, the action only happened at one point of time. This can be true, happened at one point of time. This can be true, but it is often dependent on other factors such as but it is often dependent on other factors such as the meaning of the verb, other words in the the meaning of the verb, other words in the context, etc.). context, etc.).

The Kind of Action of Greek The Kind of Action of Greek VerbVerb It is an important distinction to It is an important distinction to

understand (and it will be understand (and it will be discussed more fully later) that discussed more fully later) that the only place in which 'time' the only place in which 'time' comes to bear directly upon the comes to bear directly upon the tense of a verb is when the verb tense of a verb is when the verb is in the is in the indicative moodindicative mood. In all . In all other moods and uses the other moods and uses the aktionsart of the verb tense aktionsart of the verb tense should be seen as primary. should be seen as primary.

The Kind of Action of Greek The Kind of Action of Greek Verb-1Verb-1 (1) Present Tense. (1) Present Tense. The present The present

tense usually denotes tense usually denotes continuous kind of actioncontinuous kind of action. It shows . It shows 'action in progress' or 'a state of 'action in progress' or 'a state of persistence.' When used in the persistence.' When used in the indicative moodindicative mood, the present tense , the present tense denotes action taking place or going denotes action taking place or going on in the present time. on in the present time.

For example: "In Whom you also are For example: "In Whom you also are being built togetherbeing built together into a dwelling into a dwelling place of God in spirit" (Eph 2:22). place of God in spirit" (Eph 2:22).

"Not "Not forsakingforsaking the assembling of the assembling of ourselves together" (Heb 10:25). ourselves together" (Heb 10:25).

The Kind of Action of Greek The Kind of Action of Greek Verb-2Verb-2 (2) Aorist Tense(2) Aorist Tense. The aorist is said . The aorist is said

to be "to be "simple occurrencesimple occurrence" or " or "summary occurrence", without "summary occurrence", without regard for the amount of time taken regard for the amount of time taken to accomplish the action. This tense to accomplish the action. This tense is also often referred to as the is also often referred to as the 'punctiliar' tense. 'punctiliar' tense.

'Punctiliar' in this sense means 'Punctiliar' in this sense means 'viewed as a single, collective whole,' 'viewed as a single, collective whole,' a "one-point-in-time" action, although a "one-point-in-time" action, although it may actually take place over a it may actually take place over a period of time. period of time.

The Kind of Action of Greek The Kind of Action of Greek Verb-2Verb-2 In the indicative mood the aorist In the indicative mood the aorist

tense denotes action that occurred in tense denotes action that occurred in the past time, often translated like the past time, often translated like the English simple past tense. the English simple past tense.

For example: "God...For example: "God...mademade us us alive alive togethertogether with Christ." Eph 2:5 with Christ." Eph 2:5 "He who "He who has begunhas begun a good work in a good work in you will complete it until the day of you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6 Christ Jesus." Phil 1:6

The Kind of Action of Greek The Kind of Action of Greek Verb-3Verb-3 (3) Imperfect Tense. (3) Imperfect Tense. The imperfect The imperfect

tense shows tense shows continuouscontinuous or linear type or linear type of action just like the of action just like the present tensepresent tense. .

It always indicates an action It always indicates an action continually or repeatedly happening in continually or repeatedly happening in past time. past time.

It portrays the action as going on for It portrays the action as going on for some extended period of time in the some extended period of time in the past. past.

The idea of continual action in the The idea of continual action in the past does not apply when the verb "to past does not apply when the verb "to be" is in the imperfect tense. be" is in the imperfect tense.

The Kind of Action of Greek The Kind of Action of Greek Verb-3Verb-3 (3) Imperfect Tense. (3) Imperfect Tense. There it should be considered a There it should be considered a

simple action happening in past time, simple action happening in past time, without regard to its "on-going" or without regard to its "on-going" or "repeated happening" in the past. "repeated happening" in the past.

For example: "For you For example: "For you werewere once once darkness, but now light in the Lord." darkness, but now light in the Lord." Eph 5:8 Eph 5:8

The Kind of Action of Greek The Kind of Action of Greek Verb-4Verb-4 (4) Perfect Tense. (4) Perfect Tense. The basic thought of The basic thought of

the perfect tense is that the progress of the perfect tense is that the progress of an action has been an action has been completedcompleted and the and the results of the action are continuing on, in results of the action are continuing on, in full effect. full effect.

In other words, the progress of the action In other words, the progress of the action has reached its culmination and the has reached its culmination and the finished results are now in existence. finished results are now in existence.

Unlike the English perfect, which Unlike the English perfect, which indicates a completed past action, the indicates a completed past action, the Greek perfect tense indicates the Greek perfect tense indicates the continuation and present state of a continuation and present state of a completed past action. completed past action.

The Kind of Action of Greek The Kind of Action of Greek Verb-4Verb-4 (4) Perfect Tense. (4) Perfect Tense. For example, Galatians 2:20 should For example, Galatians 2:20 should

be translated "I be translated "I am in a present state am in a present state of having been crucifiedof having been crucified with Christ," with Christ," indicating that not only was I indicating that not only was I crucified with Christ in the past, but I crucified with Christ in the past, but I am existing now in that present am existing now in that present condition. condition. "..."...having been rootedhaving been rooted and and groundedgrounded in love," Eph 3:17 in love," Eph 3:17

The Kind of Action of Greek The Kind of Action of Greek Verb-5Verb-5 (5) Future Tense. (5) Future Tense. Just like the Just like the

English future tense, the Greek English future tense, the Greek future tells about an anticipated future tells about an anticipated action or a certain happening that action or a certain happening that will occur at some time in the future. will occur at some time in the future.

For example: "We know that if he is For example: "We know that if he is manifested, we manifested, we will bewill be like Him, for like Him, for we we will seewill see Him even as He is." 1 Him even as He is." 1 John 3:2 John 3:2

The Kind of Action of Greek The Kind of Action of Greek Verb-6Verb-6 (6) Pluperfect Tense.(6) Pluperfect Tense. The pluperfect The pluperfect

('past perfect') shows action that is ('past perfect') shows action that is complete and existed at some time complete and existed at some time in the past, (the past time being in the past, (the past time being indicated by the context). indicated by the context).

This tense is only found in the This tense is only found in the indicative moodindicative mood and is rarely used in and is rarely used in the New Testament. the New Testament.

For example: "...and they beat For example: "...and they beat against that house; and it did not fall, against that house; and it did not fall, for it for it was foundedwas founded on the rock." Matt on the rock." Matt 7:25 7:25

The Kind of Action of Greek The Kind of Action of Greek Verb-7Verb-7 (7) Future Perfect Tense. (7) Future Perfect Tense. There is There is

also a future perfect tense in Greek also a future perfect tense in Greek which is very rare in the New which is very rare in the New Testament. Testament.

It is only formed by It is only formed by periphrasisperiphrasis in the in the New Testament is much like the New Testament is much like the past perfectpast perfect, only the completed , only the completed state will exist at some time in the state will exist at some time in the future rather than in the past. future rather than in the past.

Non-finite Verb Forms: Non-finite Verb Forms: Participles and Infinitives-1Participles and Infinitives-1 (1) Participles. (1) Participles. A participle is considered A participle is considered

a "verbal adjective.” a "verbal adjective.” It is often a word that ends with an "-ing" It is often a word that ends with an "-ing"

in English (such as "speaking," "having," in English (such as "speaking," "having," or "seeing"). or "seeing").

It can be used as an It can be used as an adjectiveadjective, in that it , in that it can modify a can modify a nounnoun (or substitute as a (or substitute as a noun), or it can be used as an noun), or it can be used as an adverbadverb and further explain or define the action of and further explain or define the action of a a verbverb. .

(For a more complete explanation of (For a more complete explanation of participles, please go to the participles, please go to the advanced section on participlesadvanced section on participles.) .)

Non-finite Verb Forms: Non-finite Verb Forms: Participles and Infinitives-1Participles and Infinitives-1 Participles have two uses:Participles have two uses: Adjectival use: "The Adjectival use: "The coming Onecoming One will will

come and will not delay" (Heb come and will not delay" (Heb 10:37). 10:37).

Adverbial use: "But Adverbial use: "But speaking truthspeaking truth in in love, we may grow up into Him in all love, we may grow up into Him in all things" (Eph 4:15). things" (Eph 4:15).

Non-finite Verb Forms: Non-finite Verb Forms: Participles and Infinitives-2Participles and Infinitives-2 (2) Infinitives. (2) Infinitives. The Greek infinitive is the The Greek infinitive is the

form of the form of the verbverb that is usually translated that is usually translated into English with the word "to" attached to into English with the word "to" attached to it, often used to complement another it, often used to complement another verb. verb.

It can be used to function as a noun and It can be used to function as a noun and is therefore referred to as a "verbal is therefore referred to as a "verbal noun". noun". For instance, "For to me For instance, "For to me to liveto live is Christ" is Christ" (Phil 1:21). In this sentence, the words "to (Phil 1:21). In this sentence, the words "to live" are an infinitive in Greek and are live" are an infinitive in Greek and are functioning as the subject of the sentence functioning as the subject of the sentence (a noun). (a noun).

Additional Study on Additional Study on Participles: Participle DefinedParticiples: Participle Defined Participle. Participle. A participle is considered a A participle is considered a

"verbal adjective,“ a word that ends with an "verbal adjective,“ a word that ends with an "-ing" in English"-ing" in English

It can be used as an adjective, in that it can It can be used as an adjective, in that it can modify a noun (or substitute as a noun)modify a noun (or substitute as a noun)

It can be used as an adverb and further It can be used as an adverb and further explain or define the action of a verb. explain or define the action of a verb.

For example:For example: Adjectival use: "The Adjectival use: "The coming Onecoming One will come will come

and will not delay." Heb 10:37and will not delay." Heb 10:37 Adverbial use: "But Adverbial use: "But speaking truthspeaking truth in love, in love,

we may grow up into Him in all things." Eph we may grow up into Him in all things." Eph 4:15 4:15

Additional Study on Additional Study on Participles: Importance of itParticiples: Importance of it Introduction and Importance of the Introduction and Importance of the

Greek Participle. Greek Participle. Greek has been called a Greek has been called a 'participle loving language'. "There are few 'participle loving language'. "There are few languages which have equaled the Greek languages which have equaled the Greek in the abundance and variety of its use of in the abundance and variety of its use of the participle, and certainly none has the participle, and certainly none has surpassed it.... This wealth of significance surpassed it.... This wealth of significance which belonged to the Greek participle at which belonged to the Greek participle at the zenith of its development lies the zenith of its development lies undiminished before the student of the undiminished before the student of the New Testament, and becomes a valuable New Testament, and becomes a valuable asset in interpretation when adequately asset in interpretation when adequately comprehended." (Quote by Dana and comprehended." (Quote by Dana and Mantey, pg 220.) Mantey, pg 220.)

Additional Study on Participles: Additional Study on Participles: The Uses of the ParticipleThe Uses of the Participle Uses of the Greek Participle.Uses of the Greek Participle. A participle is called a 'verbal adjective' A participle is called a 'verbal adjective'

because it is formed from a verb, yet often because it is formed from a verb, yet often modifies other words. Oftentimes it may be modifies other words. Oftentimes it may be hard to to translate a participle into English hard to to translate a participle into English and still bring out the same force as it has and still bring out the same force as it has in the Greek. First try to understand the in the Greek. First try to understand the meaning of the Greek participle is trying to meaning of the Greek participle is trying to convey, then worry about an appropriate convey, then worry about an appropriate English translation. The translation may English translation. The translation may have to be as an English relative clause have to be as an English relative clause when used adjectivally in Greek.when used adjectivally in Greek.The participle can be used in one of three The participle can be used in one of three major categories of use: major categories of use:

Additional Study on Additional Study on Participles: Its UsesParticiples: Its Uses (1)(1) Adjectivally.Adjectivally. A participle can be used as an A participle can be used as an

adjective to modify a noun or assert adjective to modify a noun or assert something about it. something about it.

This is a common use of the This is a common use of the adjective in Greek. adjective in Greek. 

E.g. Colossians 1:12 "to the Father E.g. Colossians 1:12 "to the Father who made us sufficient". The word who made us sufficient". The word 'made sufficient' is a participle in 'made sufficient' is a participle in Greek, but it needs to be translated Greek, but it needs to be translated into a relative clause in English to into a relative clause in English to make sense.  make sense. 

Additional Study on Additional Study on Participles: Its UsesParticiples: Its Uses

(2)(2) Substantively.Substantively. This category is really a subset This category is really a subset

of the adjectival use.of the adjectival use. A participle can be used as a A participle can be used as a

'substantive' to take the place of 'substantive' to take the place of a noun. a noun.

Additional Study on Additional Study on Participles: Its UsesParticiples: Its Uses (3) Adverbially.(3) Adverbially. Participles can also be used in the same Participles can also be used in the same

way that an adverb is, to modify a verb. way that an adverb is, to modify a verb. There are different classifications and uses There are different classifications and uses

of adverbial participles. (These are also of adverbial participles. (These are also referred to as 'referred to as 'Circumstantial participlesCircumstantial participles'.) '.) One of the most exciting and enlightening One of the most exciting and enlightening areas of Greek grammar for the student of areas of Greek grammar for the student of the New Testament comes in identifying the the New Testament comes in identifying the use of these adverbial participles. use of these adverbial participles.

Below are some of the most common uses Below are some of the most common uses found in the New Testament. For a complete found in the New Testament. For a complete list of all adverbial participles (and all non-list of all adverbial participles (and all non-adjectival uses), please view the chart at the adjectival uses), please view the chart at the bottom of this page. bottom of this page.

Additional Study on Additional Study on Participles: Its UsesParticiples: Its Uses (3.1)(3.1) Adverbial use of the Adverbial use of the

participlesparticiples A. A. Temporal ParticipleTemporal Participle i) Translated with English words i) Translated with English words

‘while’ or ‘after’‘while’ or ‘after’ ii) Shows ‘when’ something ii) Shows ‘when’ something

happened.happened. iii)   Mark 9:5 ‘All the crowd, seeing iii)   Mark 9:5 ‘All the crowd, seeing

Him, were amazed.’ Him, were amazed.’  (“(“WhenWhen all the crowd all the crowd sawsaw Him, they Him, they

were amazed.”) were amazed.”)

Additional Study on Additional Study on Participles: Its UsesParticiples: Its Uses (3.2) Adverbial use of the participles:(3.2) Adverbial use of the participles: B) B) Causal ParticipleCausal Participle   i) Indicates the Cause or Reasoni) Indicates the Cause or Reason ii) Answers the question “Why?”ii) Answers the question “Why?” iii) Translated by ‘because’ (or ‘since’)iii) Translated by ‘because’ (or ‘since’) iv) John 4:6 “Jesus, being wearied, sat.” iv) John 4:6 “Jesus, being wearied, sat.”

(‘Because Jesus was wearied, He sat.’)(‘Because Jesus was wearied, He sat.’) v) Perfect Adverbial participles very v) Perfect Adverbial participles very

often belong to this category (i.e. often belong to this category (i.e. convey this meaning). convey this meaning).

Additional Study on Additional Study on Participles: Its UsesParticiples: Its Uses (3.3) Adverbial use of the (3.3) Adverbial use of the

participlesparticiples C) C) Instrumental Participle Instrumental Participle

(Participle of Means)(Participle of Means) i) Shows “How?”i) Shows “How?” ii) Translated with ‘by’ or ‘by ii) Translated with ‘by’ or ‘by

means of’means of’ iii) Matt. 27:4 – “I have sinned iii) Matt. 27:4 – “I have sinned by by

betrayingbetraying innocent blood.” innocent blood.”

Additional Study on Additional Study on Participles: Its UsesParticiples: Its Uses ((3.4) Adverbial use of the participles3.4) Adverbial use of the participles D)    D)    Participle of Purpose (Telic Use)Participle of Purpose (Telic Use) i) Indicates the purpose of the action of the i) Indicates the purpose of the action of the

finite verbfinite verb ii) Answers the questions ‘Why?’ii) Answers the questions ‘Why?’ iii) Should be translated with the English iii) Should be translated with the English

‘infinitive’ or ‘with the purpose of’ or ‘in order ‘infinitive’ or ‘with the purpose of’ or ‘in order to’. A simple ‘-ing’ translation misses the to’. A simple ‘-ing’ translation misses the point.point.

iv) (A future adverbial participles iv) (A future adverbial participles alwaysalways belong here.)belong here.)

v) Luke 10:25 “A certain lawyer stood up v) Luke 10:25 “A certain lawyer stood up testing Him (in order to test Him), saying, testing Him (in order to test Him), saying, ‘Teacher, what must I do to gain eternal life?’” ‘Teacher, what must I do to gain eternal life?’”

Additional Study on Additional Study on Participles: Its UsesParticiples: Its Uses ((3.5) Adverbial use of the participles:3.5) Adverbial use of the participles: E) E) Participle of ConcessionParticiple of Concession i) Indicates that the action of the main i) Indicates that the action of the main

verb is true verb is true in spite ofin spite of the state or action the state or action of the participle.of the participle.

ii) Usually translated 'ii) Usually translated 'although.although. iii) Romans 1:21 “although they knew iii) Romans 1:21 “although they knew

God, they did not glorify (honor) Him as God, they did not glorify (honor) Him as God.God.

iv) 1 Peter 1:8 “whom having not seen iv) 1 Peter 1:8 “whom having not seen (although you have not seen Him), you (although you have not seen Him), you love” love”