From: Richard Lindeman (richlind@ix.netcom.com)
Date: Fri Sep 06 1996 - 07:35:46 EDT
Ok, here is my perspective on the whole matter.  In English we think 
of verbs as *action* words.Therefore we always think of linear actions 
and are obsessed with time as our predominant focus when it comes 
to verbs.
On the other hand,  I believe that the ancient Greek normally thought of 
verbs not as action words, but rather as words expressing *states of 
being*.  Therefore the Greek is much more concerned about aspect 
and time becomes something  normally determined by context.  
We try to describe the perfect tense as being a "past action with 
present significance."  But actually that is a wrong way to look at 
it.  That is our Western prejudice showing.  To the Greek I believe 
that the perfect tense expresses a "Complete" state of being which 
can be past or present or future... depending upon the context.
Similarly, the present tense in Greek is *not* expressing an action 
of present time.  But rather it expresses an "In process" state of being which 
can be past or present or future... depending upon the context. 
Similarly,  the future tense in Greek to me does *not* seem to 
express an action of future time,  but rather it expresses an 
"surely expected" state of being.
This is all probably as clear as mud to our western mindset.
Just some thoughts...
Blessings,
Rich Lindeman
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