Koine Greek: Questions

Synopsis: In Koine Greek, sentence order does not necessarily change to indicate a question, as it does in English. Questions are indicated in Greek by a semi-colon - ";", which is equivalent to the English question-mark - "?".

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Koine Greek: Questions (discussion) (For short comments and opinions)

Lesson

In Koine Greek, sentence order does not necessarily change to indicate a question, as it does in English (for example: I am a man is a statement, whereas Am I a man? is a question). Questions are indicated in Greek by a semi-colon - ";", which is equivalent to the English question-mark - "?".

Special cases

The addition of certain words can change the emphasis of a question. For example, in English, "I am a man, aren't I?" changes the emphasis of the question so that an answer in the affirmative is expected. In contrast, "I'm not a man, am I?" implies that an answer in the negative is expected. Similarly, in Koine Greek, the addition of certain words changes the emphasis of the question.

Questions where a positive answer is anticipated

When the word ουκ or ουχι is used in a question, it may convey an expectation that the answer is "yes".

Questions where a negative answer is anticipated

When the word μη or μητι is used in a question, it may convey an expectation that the answer is "no".

Questions suggesting hesitancy

When the word μη or μητι is used in a question, it may convey an element of doubtfulness. In these cases The word μη (or μητι) can be translated as "maybe" or "perhaps".