Understanding The Bible
STUDY REFERENCE
"Listing of English and Corresponding Greek Verb Tenses and Moods"

J. Deering, AncientPath.net

LISTING OF ENGLISH AND CORRESPONDING GREEK VERB TENSES AND MOODS

  1. ENGLISH VERB TENSES
    1. Present
      Action at the PRESENT TIME, or Action WHICH IS ALWAYS OCCURRING (repeatedly or habitually)
    2. Present Perfect
      Action COMPLETED in the PRESENT, or CONTINUING TO the PRESENT
    3. Past
      Action COMPLETED AT a definite time IN THE PAST
    4. Past Perfect
      Action COMPLETED BEFORE a known or stated time in the PAST
    5. Future
      Action WILL TAKE PLACE in the FUTURE
    6. Future Perfect
      Action COMPLETED BEFORE or AT A STATED TIME in the FUTURE
       
  2. SIMILAR GREEK TENSES (not a complete list)
    1. Present
      Action at the PRESENT TIME, or Action WHICH IS ALWAYS OCCURRING (repeatedly or habitually)
    2. Historical Present
      Action occurred in the PAST but is told as if it were CURRENTLY HAPPENING IN THE PRESENT
    3. Aorist (1-2) (No difference in meaning, only in word construction)
      Action COMPLETED AT a definite time IN THE PAST
    4. Imperfect
      Action that HAS TAKEN PLACE IN THE PAST BUT HAS CONSEQUENCES OR RAMIFICATION IN THE PRESENT (or future)
    5. Future
      Action WILL TAKE PLACE in the FUTURE
       
  3. VERB MOODS (universal, English/Greek) Indicate the MANNER of the action of the Verb
    1. INDICATIVE
      a STATEMENT or QUESTION
    2. IMPERATIVE
      a COMMAND or REQUEST
    3. SUBJUNCTIVE
      expresses a DOUBT, a WISH, a PRAYER, or a CONDITION CONTRARY TO FACT

2011-11-20