From: Richard Lindeman (richlind@ix.netcom.com)
Date: Fri Sep 06 1996 - 07:35:46 EDT
Ok, here is my perspective on the whole matter. In English we think
of verbs as *action* words.Therefore we always think of linear actions
and are obsessed with time as our predominant focus when it comes
to verbs.
On the other hand, I believe that the ancient Greek normally thought of
verbs not as action words, but rather as words expressing *states of
being*. Therefore the Greek is much more concerned about aspect
and time becomes something normally determined by context.
We try to describe the perfect tense as being a "past action with
present significance." But actually that is a wrong way to look at
it. That is our Western prejudice showing. To the Greek I believe
that the perfect tense expresses a "Complete" state of being which
can be past or present or future... depending upon the context.
Similarly, the present tense in Greek is *not* expressing an action
of present time. But rather it expresses an "In process" state of being which
can be past or present or future... depending upon the context.
Similarly, the future tense in Greek to me does *not* seem to
express an action of future time, but rather it expresses an
"surely expected" state of being.
This is all probably as clear as mud to our western mindset.
Just some thoughts...
Blessings,
Rich Lindeman
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