Tag Archives: ἐδίωξαν

Matthew 5:12

χαίρετε καὶ ἀγαλλιᾶσθε, ὅτι ὁ μισθὸς ὑμῶν πολὺς ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς· οὕτω γὰρ ἐδίωξαν τοὺς προφήτας τοὺς πρὸ ὑμῶν.

Focus Topic: Imperatives and the Aorist Indicative in Historical Reference

This verse is a rich example of Greek mood usage: imperatives for exhortation and the aorist indicative for historical allusion. Both aspects function together to strengthen the encouragement in the Sermon on the Mount.

Imperatives of Joy: χαίρετε and ἀγαλλιᾶσθε

The verse opens with two present imperatives:

Greek Word Mood Tense Meaning χαίρετε Imperative Present Rejoice! ἀγαλλιᾶσθε Imperative Present Exult!

The present tense of both verbs emphasizes ongoing action — a continuous attitude of joy and exultation, not just a one-time response.… Learn Koine Greek