Adverbs in New Testament Greek (ἐπιρρήματα) are indeclinable words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, conveying nuances of manner, time, place, degree, or negation. They remain invariable in form and can be formed by adding –ως to adjective stems, though many exist independently. Examples include manner adverbs like ταχέως (“quickly”), time adverbs like νῦν (“now”), and negation adverbs like οὐ (“not”). Their syntactic position is flexible, often appearing near the verb or at the start of a clause for emphasis. Beyond single words, adverbial phrases and clauses enrich expression, as seen in constructions like ἐν ἀληθείᾳ (“in truth”) or ὅταν ἔλθῃ (“when he comes”). In texts like Mark 1:10, adverbs such as εὐθὺς (“immediately”) shape narrative pace and theological tone, revealing their vital role in the rhythm and depth of New Testament discourse.
What Are Adverbs?
In New Testament Greek, adverbs (ἐπιρρήματα) are indeclinable words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Their function is to express details such as manner, time, place, degree, or negation. Unlike adjectives, which agree with the nouns they describe in case, gender, and number, adverbs remain invariable in form.
Key Functions of Adverbs
1. Manner
These adverbs explain how an action is performed.
- ταχέως – “quickly”
- ἀκριβῶς – “exactly, carefully” (Ephesians 5:15)
- καλῶς – “well”
2. Time
These indicate when something happens.
- νῦν – “now”
- τότε – “then”
- εὐθέως – “immediately” (Mark 1:10)
3. Place
These describe where something takes place.
- ἐκεῖ – “there”
- ἔξω – “outside”
4. Degree or Quantity
These describe the extent or intensity of an action or quality.
- σφόδρα – “very, exceedingly” (Matthew 2:10)
- μᾶλλον – “more” (Galatians 4:27)
5. Negation
Adverbs of negation deny the action of a verb or verbal construction.
- οὐ – “not” (used with indicative verbs)
- μή – “not” (used with subjunctive, infinitive, imperative, etc.)
Formation of Adverbs
Many adverbs are derived from adjectives by adding the suffix –ως to the stem of the adjective.
- δίκαιος → δικαίως – “righteous” → “righteously”
- ταχύς → ταχέως – “quick” → “quickly”
However, numerous adverbs are lexical items in their own right and are not derived from adjectives, such as οὐ, νῦν, or εὐθέως.
Syntactic Position
Adverbs are generally flexible in word order. They tend to appear near the verb they modify or at the beginning of a clause for emphasis. Their placement can affect the emphasis but does not typically alter grammatical relations.
Adverbial Phrases and Clauses
Besides single-word adverbs, Koine Greek uses adverbial phrases and clauses for adverbial functions:
- ἐν ἀληθείᾳ – “in truth” (adverbial prepositional phrase)
- ὅταν ἔλθῃ – “when he comes” (adverbial subordinate clause of time)
Illustrative Verse: Mark 1:10
Καὶ εὐθὺς ἀναβαίνων ἐκ τοῦ ὕδατος εἶδεν σχιζομένους τοὺς οὐρανοὺς…
Here, the adverb εὐθὺς (“immediately”) modifies the verb ἀναβαίνων (“coming up”), indicating the immediacy of the action. This is a classic example of a time adverb showing temporal sequencing and narrative pace, a hallmark of Markan style.
The Rhythm of Meaning: Why Adverbs Matter
Though small and often overlooked, adverbs infuse Greek prose with subtlety, urgency, and tone. They calibrate actions—softly, suddenly, truly, never—and modulate how we interpret theological moments, moral commands, and eschatological hope. In the hands of New Testament authors, adverbs become more than grammatical modifiers: they are instruments of theological nuance and literary artistry.
