Several have written privately and asked for my definition of the
historical present...so here it is from my syntax notes in
GRAMCORD. I claim NO originality in this AT ALL; this is from
Fanning, Verbal Aspect, who has a very nice treatment of the
whole subject.
III. Special Uses of the Present:
C. Historical Presents: Must be: 3rd person, non-copula, indicative:
1) Expressive or Vivid Description Historical Present: Translated
normally as past, but could be Present for effect: Matt 4:5
(NASB)
2) Unmarked or Standard Narrative Historical Present: Translated
as past with no special significance; takes aspect from
associated past time verb: Mark 12:41 (With aspect from
Imperfect) (NASB)
3) Annalistic or Note-taking Historical Present: Present used in
the original recording of the events by eyewitness is
retained: Matt 3:1 (NASB)
4) Discourse-Function or Dramatic Historical Present: Used by
author, especially Mark, to clearly introduce new pericope,
story, unit, etc.: Mark 1:12 (NRSV); Mark 1:40 (TLB)
XAIREIN...
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Dale M. Wheeler, Ph.D.
Research Professor in Biblical Languages Multnomah Bible College
8435 NE Glisan Street Portland, OR 97220
Voice: 503-251-6416 FAX:503-254-1268 E-Mail: dalemw@teleport.com
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