The Gauntlet: Aspect and Other Tidbits . . .

Tom Launder (ae298@lafn.org)
Thu, 10 Apr 1997 01:40:21 -0700

>
> NOW! May I suggest that this abstract discussion of Greek verbal aspect
> include AT LEAST one example from the GNT to illustrate one's point. The
> beginners on our list are probably dazed and confused. Examples from the
> NT will help all. I realize detailed scholarship on this "sound byte"
> forum are impossible, but a few concrete examples will help us all.
>
> SO! Here are my merely two examples for the day. Anyone please explain
> the aspect semantics of KRINW in the following two statements (the 3
> target forms are marked by asterisks):
>
> MH *KRINETE* KAI OU MH *KRIQHTE* (Matt. 7:1//Luke 6:37.
> KATA TON NOMON hUMWN *KRINATE* AUTON (John 18:31).
>

Ok, I will give it a shot. If I do well does this mean that I don't
have to take the Greek placement exam? :) I am still planning on seeing
you in the Fall. :)

MH KRINETE PAImp 2pl

This is a present imperative and if I follow Wallace correctly then my
choices are either progressive or customary. From a quick glance
concerning the context, the sermon seems to be setting forth the
characteristics of Kingdom people (believers) and therefore there is no
reason to suspect that any where judging each other. Instead I think
that customary is probably the best way to look at it.

So the translation is: "Do not judge"

KAI OU MH KRIQHTE APSub 2pl

This is an aorist passive subjunctive and could have an ingressive
flavor to it, but context here suggests that there is a custormary
principle being enunciated. Also, there is a double negative here with
the aorist subjunctive! This makes this an emphatic negative and
Wallace declares, "This is the strongest way to negative something in
Greek" (Wallace, Greek Grammar Beyond The Basics, 468).

Therefore my combined translation would be:

"Do not judge and you will never ever be judged."

KATA TON NOMON hUMWN *KRINATE* AUTON

KRINATE AAImp 2pl

This is an aorist imperative and it seems best to understand it as being
ingressive and single act (Wallace, 719). The idea here is one of
urgent action and the judgement that is being refered to is an action
which will happen once.

The translation:

(You) judge Him *according to your law*!

Pilate does not want to have anything to do with this action.

> I'll let you know if you get it right. (Just kidding!)
>
> Yours in all good humor and learning,
>

Well, I hope I have come close. I add the disclaimer that this is a
quick glance and not a thorough examination. :) Let me know if this
little Greek got it right.