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.).
Characteristics of the Progressive Present– 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.
Examples of the Progressive PresentMark 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