Petition and Politeness: The Optative and Subjunctive in Numbers 32:5

Καὶ ἔλεγον· εἰ εὕρομεν χάριν ἐνώπιόν σου, δοθείη ἡ γῆ αὕτη τοῖς οἰκέταις σου ἐν κατασχέσει, καὶ μὴ διαβιβάσῃς ἡμᾶς τὸν Ἰορδάνην.
(Numbers 32:5 LXX)

Setting the Petition in Context

In this verse, the Reubenites and Gadites speak with Mosheh, expressing a desire to settle east of the Jordan. The LXX captures the tone of humble negotiation through two carefully chosen moods: the aorist passive optative in δοθείη (“may it be given”) and the aorist active subjunctive in μὴ διαβιβάσῃς (“do not cause us to cross”). These are not commands but deferential appeals, preserving both respect and request.

Key Grammatical Elements

1. δοθείη — The Optative of Wish

Form: Aorist Passive Optative, 3rd Person Singular from δίδωμι.

Function: Expresses a polite wish or request, often in dependent clauses after a condition.

Nuance: The optative mood softens the tone; it invites rather than commands, rendering “may this land be given.”

Contextual Note: This use parallels the Hebrew jussive יִתֵּן in function—both convey a hoped-for granting rather than an imperative demand.

2. μὴ διαβιβάσῃς — The Prohibitive Subjunctive

Form: Aorist Active Subjunctive, 2nd Person Singular from διαβιβάζω.

Function: Used with μή to express a prohibition directed toward a future action.

Nuance: In LXX Greek, the aorist subjunctive with μή is a standard equivalent for Hebrew אַל + jussive, as in אַל־תַעֲבִרֵנוּ (“do not bring us across”).

Aspectual Note: The aorist focuses on the action as a whole, not its process, signaling the desired prevention of a single decisive act.

Color-Coded Morphology Table

Greek Word Lemma Form Function Lexical Meaning
δοθείη δίδωμι Aorist Passive Optative, 3rd Singular Polite wish after a condition may it be given
διαβιβάσῃς διαβιβάζω Aorist Active Subjunctive, 2nd Singular Prohibition with μή you cause to cross over

Word Order and Emphasis

The order places ἡ γῆ αὕτη (“this land”) before τοῖς οἰκέταις σου (“to your servants”), spotlighting the object of the request before the humility of the petitioners. This reflects Ancient Near Eastern petition etiquette, where the desired outcome is framed within deferential address.

Septuagint–Hebrew Correspondence

Hebrew: מָצָאנוּ חֵן (“we have found favor”) → LXX: εὕρομεν χάριν (aorist).

Hebrew: יִתֵּן (jussive, “may [he] give”) → LXX: δοθείη (optative of wish).

Hebrew: אַל־תַעֲבִרֵנוּ (אַל + jussive) → LXX: μὴ διαβιβάσῃς (aorist subjunctive prohibition).

The LXX preserves the politeness strategy by matching Hebrew jussive nuances with optative and subjunctive moods, both of which convey non-indicative, deferential speech.

Grammatical Echoes: Respect in Mood and Aspect

The moods chosen here—the optative of wish and the prohibitive subjunctive—turn a potentially blunt request into a respectful negotiation. By avoiding imperatives, the petitioners acknowledge Mosheh’s authority and the sovereignty of YHWH’s command. The aspectual choice of the aorist further focuses on the completion of the desired or undesired act, framing the appeal in clear yet deferential terms.

About Biblical Greek

Studying Septuagint Greek is essential for understanding New Testament Greek because the Septuagint often serves as the linguistic and conceptual bridge between the Hebrew Bible and the Greek New Testament. Many theological terms, idioms, and scriptural references in the New Testament echo the vocabulary and phrasing of the Septuagint rather than classical Greek. Moreover, New Testament writers frequently quote or allude to the Septuagint version of the Hebrew Scriptures, making it a key interpretive source. Exploring its syntax, lexical choices, and translation techniques deepens one’s insight into how early Christians understood Scripture and shaped key doctrines.
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