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Pred. nom.

This is a very much simplified listing, but perhaps it will get 
someone started. It does not cover every contingency, but I think 
it is generally accurate.

3 rules for determining the subject with linking verbs when there 
are two nominatives (stated or implied):

1. If one substantive is a pronoun (except interrogative pronoun), 
   it is the subject. This is true even if the pronoun is not 
   explicitly stated but is inherent in the verb.
 
2. If one of the substantives has an article or is a proper name, 
   it is the subject.

3. If #2 is ambiguous, the nominative first in word order is 
   usually the subject.

Literature:

Daniel Wallace, Exegetical Syntax (1994 draft ed.), 35-37 
    (forthcoming from Zondervan, fall 1995)

L. McGaughy, A Descriptive Analysis of EINAI as a Linking Verb in 
    NT Greek (Missoula, MT: Scholars Press, 1972)

Stan Porter, Idioms of the Greek NT (Sheffield, 1992), 109.

Rodney J. Decker
Assistant Professor of Greek and Theology
Calvary Theological Seminary, Kansas City
(94-95 sabbatical explains the Univ. of Wisc. address!)