Tag Archives: conditional clause

Λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν ὅτι ὃς ἂν ἀπολύσῃ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ μὴ ἐπὶ πορνείᾳ καὶ γαμήσῃ ἄλλην, μοιχᾶται· καὶ ὁ ἀπολελυμένην γαμήσας μοιχᾶται. (Matthew 19:9) Focus Topic: Conditional Construction with ἂν and Subjunctive + Present Indicative Result

This verse illustrates a conditional sentence formed with the particle ἂν and a subjunctive verb in the protasis, followed by a present indicative in the apodosis. It also highlights syntactical exceptions and participial usage with theological implications regarding marriage and divorce.

Conditional Clause: ὃς ἂν ἀπολύσῃ…καὶ γαμήσῃ

The construction ὃς ἂν + subjunctive forms a general condition or indefinite relative clause (“whoever divorces…”). The particle ἂν marks the protasis as indefinite or potential:

Greek Word Form Function ἀπολύσῃ Aorist active subjunctive, 3rd singular “divorces” — part of the condition γαμήσῃ Aorist active subjunctive, 3rd singular “marries [another]” — continuation of conditional clause

These subjunctive verbs are governed by ὃς ἂν and convey potential actions.… Learn Koine Greek