New Testament Greek

The verse John 1:2 follows the highly structured and theologically rich opening of the Gospel of John. It is a short but dense statement that reaffirms the identity and eternal nature of the Λόγος (Word) as introduced in John 1:1.

This sentence consists of a demonstrative pronoun as the subject (Οὗτος), an imperfect indicative verb (ἦν), a prepositional phrase indicating a temporal setting (ἐν ἀρχῇ), and a prepositional phrase indicating directionality or relationship (πρὸς τὸν Θεόν).

The pronoun Οὗτος (nominative singular masculine of οὗτος) refers back to the subject of the previous verse, ὁ Λόγος (the Word).… Learn Koine Greek

Ἔστι δὲ καὶ ἄλλα πολλὰ ὃσα ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς, ἅτινα ἐὰν γράφηται καθ’ ἕν, οὐδὲ αὐτὸν οἶμαι τὸν κόσμον χωρῆσαι τὰ γραφόμενα βιβλία.

The sentence in John 21:25 exhibits an intricate syntactical structure characteristic of Johannine Greek. The presence of Ἔστι δὲ καὶ suggests a narrative continuation with a postpositive conjunction (δὲ) that softens the transition rather than signaling a strong contrast. The subject is unstated but implied, following a common Greek syntactical pattern where Ἔστι (a present form of εἰμί) introduces existential statements.

The sentence consists of multiple clauses with a mix of relative, conditional, and resultative constructions.… Learn Koine Greek

Matthew 1:1 Βίβλος γενέσεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ· υἱοῦ Δαυὶδ· υἱοῦ Ἀβραάμ·

Matthew 1:1 serves as the introduction to the Gospel according to Matthew, framing the genealogy of Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ and establishing His Davidic and Abrahamic lineage. The syntax, vocabulary, and morphology of this verse reveal important aspects of Koine Greek, particularly in its genitive constructions, noun phrase structures, and theological implications.

This verse contains a series of genitive constructions, each performing different syntactical functions.

1. Βίβλος γενέσεως – Βίβλος (biblos) is a nominative singular feminine noun meaning “book” or “record.” – γενέσεως (geneseōs) is a genitive singular feminine noun derived from γένεσις (genesis), meaning “origin,” “generation,” or “genealogy.”… Learn Koine Greek

The progressive present in New Testament Greek expresses an action that is currently in progress or unfolding at the present moment. It is the closest equivalent to the English present continuous tense (“is doing,” “are saying,” etc.).

– Ongoing Action: The action is happening right now, at the moment of speaking or writing. – Vividness: It often brings vividness to the narrative, as if the reader is witnessing the action as it occurs. – Common in Dialogue: Frequently found in conversations or when narrators want to emphasize an action in progress.

Mark 2:5: τέκνον, ἀφίενταί σου αἱ ἁμαρτίαι – Child, your sins are being forgiven (the action of forgiveness is happening at that very moment).… Learn Koine Greek

The present indicative is one of the most frequently used tenses in the New Testament, serving as a fundamental building block for understanding the Greek text. This tense is pivotal in conveying actions that occur in the present time, but its primary significance extends beyond mere temporality. It is the aspect of the present indicative—continuous, repeated, or habitual action—that adds depth and nuance to the text.

In the New Testament, the present indicative is employed to describe ongoing actions, illustrating the dynamic and living nature of the events and teachings it narrates. It often emphasizes actions that are continuously unfolding, reflecting the immediacy and relevance of these actions for both the original audience and contemporary readers.… Learn Koine Greek

The indicative mood in New Testament Greek is primarily used to express factual statements and actual occurrences. The tenses in the indicative mood convey both the time of action and the kind of action (aspect). Understanding these tenses is crucial for accurate interpretation of the New Testament texts.

The present tense denotes an action that is occurring in the present time, often with a sense of continuous or repeated action. It can also express general truths or habitual actions, known as gnomic presents. Example: ἀγαπᾷ τὸν θεόν – He/she loves God (with an ongoing sense of love). Gnomic Example: ὁ θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν – God is love (a timeless truth).… Learn Koine Greek