Back to verbs, this time, Subjunctive verbs. The Subjunctive mood deals with “possibilities” (not “reality” like the Indicative mood).
When translating a subjunctive verb, start with “may/might” in front of it, then smooth out the english later.
The sign of the Subjunctive is the connecting vowel (the -ο- or -ε-) is lengthened (to an -ω- or an -η-)
There are only two Tenses for Subjunctive verbs, Present and Aorist.
For the Aorist Tense Identifiers (-σα- for active/middle and -θη- for passive) because the vowel is lengthened in the subjunctive the second letter (the vowel) disappears (so it’s only -σ- for active/middle and -θ- for passive).
If you see a ἵνα or ἔαν in a clause that’s a real clue there will be a Subjunctive. “In order that” and “if” deal with what “might” be.
ex: “The questioned Jesus IN ORDER THAT (ἵνα) they MIGHT TRICK (Subj.) him.” or “IF (ἔαν) you drink that, you MAY GET SICK (Subj.)”
Here’s a great subjunctive verb:
προσευχώμεθα
The vocabulary word is προσευχομαι so it’s a deponent verb (uses only the Middle/Passive endings) meaning “to pray”
Note that the connecting vowel -ο- has lengthened to an -ω- (so we know it’s Subjunctive) i.e. translate with “may” in front.
The ending is the First Person Plural -ομεθα (but with the long -ω- in stead of the short -ο-)
So, this is a Present Deponent Subjunctive Verb First Person Plural from προσευχομαι
Translation: “May we pray” or “Let us pray”
As long as you know your vocabulary, and you know the personal endings used by verbs, Subjunctive verbs are pretty easy to recognize.
Sometimes the connecting vowel is already lengthened, so the spelling is the same for Indicative and Subjunctive
Like λύω is the Present Active Indicative First Person Singular, and λύω is the Present Active Subjunctive First Person Singular.
Context will tell you the difference (look for the ἵνα or ἔαν).
