Question on Matthew 19:9

Dennis Hukel hukel at bhiinc.com
Thu Apr 27 11:17:31 EDT 2000


Dear Mr. Maxey,

The  Present tense "basically" emphasises the action rather than giving it as a mere reference (aorist) or emphasising
the results (perfect).  In emphasising the action, the present tense in Greek and English views the action internally
and on-going (continuous), generally with the begtinning and ending of the action out of view (although one or the
other may be contextually obvious).  The context plays a more significant roll when the action is known to be one of
short duration, in which the Present tense only emphasises the action itself. In the case of "committing adultery", the
present tense would signify an on-going action (that is, still being repeated as is understood in the phrase "living in
sin").

That's all I can give you for now.

Dennis Hukel
hukel at bhiinc.com




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