Special constructions in New Testament Greek go beyond basic syntax to convey nuanced meaning, theological emphasis, and literary artistry. These include periphrastic constructions (e.g., εἰμί + participle) that highlight aspectual nuance, and accusative + infinitive clauses used for indirect discourse. The genitive absolute introduces background action independent of the main clause, while the nominative-for-vocative form adds emotional or poetic weight. Emphatic αὐτός reinforces the subject for rhetorical emphasis, and although ἵνα typically governs the subjunctive, rare debated cases suggest possible idiomatic or textual variation when paired with the indicative. The article with the infinitive nominalizes verbal actions, allowing them to function as subjects, objects, or expressions of purpose depending on case. These constructions, often subtle, are essential for interpreting narrative flow, theological intent, and rhetorical force in the Greek New Testament.
What Are Special Constructions?
Special constructions in New Testament Greek refer to grammatical patterns that go beyond simple subject-verb-object syntax. These include idiomatic expressions, structural deviations, and case-mood interactions that carry specific literary or theological force. Recognizing these helps in accurate exegesis and interpretation of nuanced passages.
1. Periphrastic Constructions
A periphrastic construction pairs a form of εἰμί (“to be”) with a participle to express continuous or completed action, often emphasizing aspect.
- Imperfect Periphrasis: ἦν προσευχόμενος – “He was praying.” (Luke 5:16)
- Perfect Periphrasis: ἐστὶν ἐγηγερμένος – “He is risen.” (cf. Luke 24:6)
Periphrasis often appears in Luke-Acts and adds aspectual clarity to verbs.
2. Accusative + Infinitive (Indirect Discourse)
In this construction, an accusative noun (the logical subject) and an infinitive form a clause indicating reported speech or thought.
- Example: λέγουσιν αὐτὸν ἑωρακέναι ὀπτασίαν ἀγγέλων – “They say he has seen a vision of angels.” (Luke 24:23)
This structure is typically introduced by verbs like λέγω, δοκέω, or οἶδα, without a conjunction.
3. Genitive Absolute
A genitive absolute is a participial phrase set in the genitive, syntactically independent from the main clause. It often gives temporal, causal, or concessive background.
- Example: τοῦ Ἰησοῦ προσευχομένου – “While Jesus was praying…” (Luke 3:21)
This construction regularly marks narrative transitions.
4. Nominative for Vocative
Greek occasionally uses the nominative in place of the vocative for direct address, especially in elevated, poetic, or liturgical settings.
- Example: ὁ Θεός μου, ὁ Θεός μου – “My God, my God…” (Mark 15:34)
This usage reflects a Semitic influence and adds emotional gravity.
5. Emphatic αὐτός with Subject
An emphatic pronoun αὐτός is often used for reinforcement when the subject is already present or implied. While not strictly redundant, it serves to emphasize the actor.
- Example: μέλλων αὐτὸς πεζεύειν – “He himself was about to go on foot.” (Acts 20:13)
Though not following the noun directly, αὐτός is emphatic and reinforces the subject (Paul).
6. Rare Use of ἵνα + Indicative
While ἵνα almost always introduces the subjunctive (purpose/result), there are rare instances where the indicative appears, often debated and possibly due to textual variation, scribal assimilation, or idiomatic influence.
- Example: No secure example in the Byzantine text tradition. Instead, most debated cases (e.g., 2 Thess 2:4) are better explained by other constructions such as result clauses (ὥστε + infinitive) or ὅτι clauses.
Thus, claims of ἵνα + indicative should be treated with caution unless clearly attested.
7. Article with Infinitive
Greek uses the neuter article with an infinitive to nominalize the verbal idea, allowing it to act syntactically as a noun. The case of the article determines the syntactic role (subject, object, genitive of purpose, etc.).
- Example 1: ἐν τῷ εἶναι αὐτὸν ἐν μιᾷ τῶν πόλεων – “While he was in one of the cities…” (Luke 5:12)
- Example 2: τοῦ προσκυνῆσαι αὐτόν – “to worship him” (Acts 10:25)
This construction parallels English infinitive phrases (“to eat,” “in speaking”) but shows more syntactic flexibility via inflected case.
Reading Between the Lines
Special constructions in Koine Greek offer a deeper layer of grammatical nuance and expressive force. They highlight emphasis, signal background action, and shape theological meaning. Precision in identifying and interpreting these forms is vital for exegesis, especially in narrative and didactic passages. A single participle or structural choice can reveal narrative tension, divine action, or human agency. In these subtle constructions, the artistry of the New Testament’s inspired Greek comes alive.
