greek infinitive

An infinitive in Greek can be adverbial, adjectival, or substantival.  Study BBG chapter 32 or this video.  “In many cases the use of the Greek infinitive is so much like that of the infinitive in English as to call for no comment.” §298

 


Active Voice

Tense Form Meaning / Notes
Present λύειν to be loosing
Future λύσειν to be about to loose / to loosen
Aorist λύσαι to have loosed / to loose
Perfect λελυκέναι to have loosed
Pluperfect (rare) λελυκεῖν to have had loosed

 


Middle Voice

Tense Form Meaning / Notes
Present λύεσθαι to be loosing for oneself
Future λύσεσθαι to be about to loose for oneself
Aorist λύσασθαι to have loosed for oneself
Perfect λελυμέναι to have loosed for oneself


Passive Voice

Tense Form Meaning / Notes
Present λύεσθαι to be being loosed
Future λυθήσεσθαι to be about to be loosed
Aorist λυθῆναι to have been loosed
Perfect λελυμένοναι to have been loosed

 


Articular infinitives:

Articular infinitives are often paired with prepositions to show purpose, time, or result (BBG 32.15).

  1. An articular infinitive with εἰς or πρός shows purpose.
  2. An articular infinitive with ὥστε shows result.
  3. An articular infinitive with πρό, ἐν, or μετά shows time.
  4. An articular infinitive with διά shows cause.

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