Koine Greek: Periphrasis

Synopsis: Periphrasis is a grammatical term that, in Koine Greek is used to describe the use of the verb to be plus a participle, rather than use an inflected verb alone. For example ακουοντες ησαν in Galatians 1:23 is translated as they were hearing

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Related topics

• Koine Greek: Participles

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Lesson

Periphrasis is a grammatical term that, in Koine Greek is used to describe the use of the verb to be plus a participle, rather than use an inflected verb alone. For example ακουοντες ησαν in Galatians 1:23 is translated as they were hearing; the word ησαν (they were) is an unnecessary additional word that does not change the meaning.

There are 4 uses of periphrasis in Koine Greek

1. Imperfect Periphrastic
2. Future Periphrastic
3. Perfect Periphrastic
4. Pluperfect Periphrastic

Imperfect Periphrastic

An imperfect periphrastic is formed by

• Imperfect of Ειμι

Plus

• Present Participle

It is translated in the same way as an Imperfect verb

For example

• In Galatians 1:23, ακουοντες ησαν is translated as they were hearing
  • Template:Galatians 1:23 (Greek)

• • Template:Galatians 1:23 (WEB)

Future Periphrastic

A future periphrastic is formed by

• Future of Ειμι

Plus

• Present Participle

In is translated in the same way as a Future verb.

For example

• In Luke 21:24, εσται πατουμενη is translated as will be trampled
  • Template:Luke 21:24 (Greek)

• • Template:Luke 21:24 (WEB)

Perfect Periphrastic

A perfect periphrastic is formed by

• Present of Ειμι

Plus

• Perfect Participle

It is translated in the same way as a Perfect verb.

Pluperfect Periphrastic

A pluperfect periphrastic is formed by

• Imperfect of Ειμι

Plus

• Perfect Participle

It is translated in the same way as a Pluperfect verb.

For example

• In Luke 2:26, ην αυτω κεχρηματισμενον is translated as it had been revealed to him
  • Template:Luke 2:26 (Greek)

• • Template:Luke 2:26 (WEB)

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