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middle/passive forms of εἰμί

Posted: December 23rd, 2014, 2:21 pm
by Jonathan Robie
Do the middle/passive forms of εἰμί differ from the active forms in meaning?

If so, how? And where can I find a good description of the distinction?

Re: middle/passive forms of εἰμί

Posted: December 23rd, 2014, 5:45 pm
by cwconrad
Jonathan Robie wrote:Do the middle/passive forms of εἰμί differ from the active forms in meaning?

If so, how? And where can I find a good description of the distinction?
I'm waiting for the answer with bated breath! I find it fascinating how this verb has shifted its shape over the centuries. In Homeric Greek only the future is middle; In the Hellenistic era imperfects in ἥμην are common, but so are imperfects in ἦν. I know of no argument for any difference of meaning. I've seen 3 sg. imperfects ἦτο, but also ἦν.
The modern verb is εἴμαι, but the conjugation is irregular. How to explain the gradual shift over to middle "subject-affected" forms? The only explanation that has ever occurred to me is Spinoza's suggestive characterization of the essence of existence as a conatus in suo esse perseverare -- "endeavor to persist in one's own being."