Lesson 9 | Infinitives
[2] Present Infinitives
Present infinitives are imperfective infinitives. We call them “present” infinitives because most grammars use this terminology. However, do not be confused by this name. Present infinitives do not communicate time. They communicate imperfective aspect.
We need to learn two forms for present infinitives: (1) the present active infinitive and (2) the present middle or passive infinitive. Since infinitives do not have person or case, they have far fewer forms than other kinds of verbs. Like we did with participles, focus on learning key features for the present infinitives. Then, look at the example verb to help you see how these features work.
λυείν λύεσθαι
Examples from the Greek NT
ὅθεν καὶ σῴζειν εἰς τὸ παντελὲς δύναται τοὺς προσερχομένους δι᾿ αὐτοῦ τῷ θεῷ… And so, he is able to save completely those who come through him to God... —Hebrews 7:25
Can you parse σῴζειν?
σῳζ+ειν
[Stem]
[Tense Former]
We can see the present stem and the ειν tense former. Therefore, it is a present, active, infinitive from σῴζω. Since it is a present infinitive, it communicates imperfective aspect. However, it draws its timing from the main verb (δύναται). We could translate this infinitive as "to save" or "to go on saving" to communicate its imperfective aspect.
This sentence is a bit complex. So, let’s look at a diagram to help us draw out two further observations.
This diagram clarifies two ways that σῴζειν functions in this sentence. First, look at how σῴζειν relates to the main verb (δύναται). σῴζειν completes this verb’s idea. δύναται means “he is able,” which leaves us asking, “he is able to do what?” The infinitive completes the main verb’s idea: “he is able to save.”
Second, notice that the infinitive has its own modifier and direct object. Look at the diagram, the prepositional phrase εἰς τὸ παντελές describes the extent of the infinitive’s action. He is not just able to save. Jesus is able to save to the uttermost. σῴζειν also has its own direct object: τοὺς προσερχομένους (can you parse this participle?). Who is he able to save completely? He is able to save completely those who come through him to God.
μέλλει γὰρ ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἔρχεσθαι ἐν τῇ δόξῃ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτοῦ μετὰ τῶν ἀγγέλων αὐτοῦ For the Son of Man is destined to come in the glory of his Father with his angels. —Matthew 16:27
Can you parse ἔρχεσθαι?
ερχ+εσθαι
[Stem]
[Tense Former]
Look at its two key features. It has the present tense stem (ἐρχ) and the εσθαι tense former. It is a present, middle infinitive from ἔρχομαι. I parsed this verb as a middle voice verb even though the form could be middle or passive because this verb normally occurs in the middle voice.
Now, how is this infinitive functioning? Let’s take a look at the diagram for this verse.
Once again, the infinitive completes the main verb’s idea. Here μέλλει means “he is destined,” and it leaves us asking: “He is destined to what?” ἔρχεσθαι completes the verbal action: “He is destined to come.”
Also, look at how the two prepositional phrases describe the infinitive’s action further. He is going to come (1) in the glory of his Father (2) with his angels.
καὶ ἀπέστειλεν αὐτοὺς κηρύσσειν τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ θεοῦ… And he sent them to preach the Kingdom of God… —Luke 9:2
Can you parse κηρύσσειν?
κηρυσσ+ειν
[Stem]
[Tense Former]
Note its two key features: (1) it has the present stem and (2) it has the ειν tense former. It is a present, active, infinitive from κηρύσσω. Now, how is it functioning?
The infinitive is describing the verb. Unlike the previous two examples, the main verb expresses a complete idea: “He sent them.” So, what does the infinitive explain about this action? The infinitive explains why he sent them: “He sent them to preach the Kingdom of God.”
Quizlet
Before moving on to aorist infinitives, practice parsing present infinitives.
Infinitive Key Features, Preposition-Infinitive Constructions, Aorist StemspdfIncludes infinitive key features, preposition-infinitive constructions, and stems for key verbs
Cheat Sheet with BlankspdfIn this document, the Greek text has been removed from the above cheat sheet so you can fill it in for memory practice.