Something to Chew On: Prepositions with Dative Infinitives (Extrabiblical)

Dative Object

ἐν τῷ + Infinitive

The following examples of this structure were not categorized because of fragmentary or corrupt texts and/or sufficient lack of clarity regarding syntactical functions: Polyb.; Meg.; Gen; Exod; Lev; Num; Deut; Josh; Tob; 1 Macc; 2 Macc; Ps; Sir; Hos; Amos; Mic; Joel; Obad; Jonah; Nah; Hab; Zeph; Hag; Zech; Mal; Isa; Amat. narr.; Geogr.; Diod.; 1 En.; Sib. Or.; 3 Bar.; T. Reu.; T. Sim.; T. Levi; T. Jud.; T. Iss.; T. Zeb.; T. Dan; T. Naph.; T. Gad; T. Ash.; T. Jos.; T. Benj.; T. Ab.; Let. Aris.; Jub.; Jos. Asen.; Apoc. Mos.; Liv. Pro.; 4 Bar.; 3 Macc.; 4 Macc.; Pss. Sol.; Opif.; Abr.; Ios.; Mos.; Decal.; Spec.; Virt.; Praem.; Exsecr.; Nat. d.; A.J.; C. Ap.; 1 Regn.; 2 Regn.; 3 Regn.; 4 Regn.; Lib. myth.; Tyr.; Ven.; Virt.; Isthm.; Serv.; Troj.; Dei cogn.; Exil.; 1 Serv. lib.; 2 Serv. lib.; Aegr.; Avar.; Dic. exercit.; Aud. aff.; Sec.; Pulchr.; De pace; Fel. sap.; Fel.; Gen.; Consult.; Compot.; 2 Melanc.; 1 Melanc.; Charid.; Rhod.; Alex.; 1 Tars.; 2 Tars.; Cel. Phrygg.; Borsyth.; Cor.; Nicom.; Nicaeen.; Conc. Apam.; Apam.; Dial.; Pol.; Grat.; Def.; Tumult.; Cont.; In cont.; Rec. mag.; Admin.; Diod.; Philoct. arc.; Hom.; Socr.; Hom. Socr.; Regn.; Nest.; Achill.; Philoct.; Ness.; Chrys.; Regn. tyr.; 1 Fort.; 2 Fort.; 3 Fort.; 1 Glor.; 2 Glor.; 3 Glor.; Virt.; De philosophia; De philosophio; Hab.; Fid.; Diffid.; De lege; Consuet.; Invid.; Divit.; Lib.; P. Oxy.; Diatr.; Ench.; Chaer.; Leuc. Clit.; 1 Clem.; 2 Clem.; Ign. Eph.; Ign. Magn.; Ign. Trall.; Ign. Rom.; Ign. Phld.; Ign. Smyrn.; Ign. Pol.; Pol. Phil.; Mart. Pol.; Did.; Barn.; Herm. Vis.; Herm. Mand.; Herm. Sim.; Diogn.; Fr. Pap. . .

1. Contemporaneous Time

Definition

These temporal infinitives present an action that occurs simultaneously with the main verb. This does not indicate the action still occurs; it merely gives time relative to the verb.

Translation Aids

One can include “while, when, during” before the infinitive.

Clarification

Allen and Hewlett were able to make a distinction between antecedent and contemporaneous time for infinitives with ἅμα based on the tense of the infinitive. With the aorist, the infinitive introduces an event that has just occurred in the immediate past. I have maintained their categorization, as some examples must have occurred in the past. However, one could broaden the temporal boundaries and claim some occurred “during” the time of the main verb. This is especially true when the action or state of the main verb occurs is iterative or even gnomic.

Clear Examples

LXX (translated):

Gen 9:14 ἐν τῷ συννεφεῖν με νεφέλας ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ὀφθήσεται τὸ τόξον μου ἐν τῇ νεφέλῃ

When I gather clouds together on the earth, my bow will be seen in the cloud.

Exod 30:15 ὁ πλουτῶν οὐ προσθήσει καὶ ὁ πενόμενος οὐκ ἐλαττονήσει ἀπὸ τοῦ ἡμίσους τοῦ διδράχμου ἐν τῷ διδόναι τὴν εἰσφορὰν κυρίῳ

The rich will not add, and the poor one will not subtract from half the didrachma while giving the tax to the Lord.

Lev 23:22 οὐ συντελέσετε τὸ λοιπὸν τοῦ θερισμοῦ τοῦ ἀγροῦ σου ἐν τῷ θερίζειν σε

You will not complete the remainder of the harvest of your field when you harvest.

Num 25:11 Φινεες υἱὸς Ελεαζαρ υἱοῦ Ααρων τοῦ ἱερέως κατέπαυσεν τὸν θυμόν μου ἀπὸ υἱῶν Ισραηλ ἐν τῷ ζηλῶσαί μου τὸν ζῆλον ἐν αὐτοῖς

Phineas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, caused my wrath to cease from the sons of Israel when my zeal was zealous among them.

Josh 10:11 ἐν τῷ δὲ φεύγειν αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ προσώπου τῶν υἱῶν Ισραηλ ἐπὶ τῆς καταβάσεως Ωρωνιν καὶ κύριος ἐπέρριψεν αὐτοῖς λίθους χαλάζης ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

And while they fled from the face of the sons of Israel at the descent of Horonin, the Lord also threw at them hailstones from heaven

Ps 9:23 ἐν τῷ ὑπερηφανεύεσθαι τὸν ἀσεβῆ ἐμπυρίζεται ὁ πτωχός

The poor man is set on fire while the ungodly behaves arrogantly.

Ps 26:2 ἐν τῷ ἐγγίζειν ἐπ᾽ ἐμὲ κακοῦντας τοῦ φαγεῖν τὰς σάρκας μου οἱ θλίβοντές με καὶ οἱ ἐχθροί μου αὐτοὶ ἠσθένησαν καὶ ἔπεσαν

When evildoers approached against me to eat my flesh, those persecuting me and my enemies, they grew weak and fell.

Cf. Gen; Exod; Lev; Num; Deut; Josh; Ps; Hos; Amos; Mic; Joel; Obad; Jonah; Nah; Hab; Zeph; Hag; Zech; Mal; Isa .

Jewish:

Tob 4:7 καὶ μὴ φθονεσάτω σου ὁ ὀφθαλμὸς ἐν τῷ ποιεῖν σε ἐλεημοσύνην

and your eye must not be jealous when you do alms

1 Macc 2:7 καὶ καθίσαι ἐκεῖ ἐν τῷ δοθῆναι αὐτὴν ἐν χειρὶ ἐχθρῶν

and to sit there when she was given in the hand of enemies

*3 Bar. 1:3 ἐν τῷ κλαίειν με καὶ λέγειν τοιαῦτα, ὁρῶ ἄγγελον κυρίου ἐλθόντα καὶ λέγοντά μοι·

while I am crying and saying these things, I see the angel of the Lord coming and saying to me

Jos. Asen. 23:1 Καὶ ἐγένετο ἐν τῷ παριέναι τὸν Ἰωσὴφ καὶ τὴν Ἀσενέθ, εἶδεν αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ τοῦ τείχους ὁ υἱὸς Φαραὼ ὁ πρωτότοκος.

And it happened, when Joseph and Aseneth passed by, the firstborn son of Pharaoh saw them from the wall.

Spec. 3.194 καὶ ἐν μὲν τῷ λογίζεσθαι καὶ σκοπεῖν αἱ κόραι πεπήγασι τρόπον τινὰ συνεννοοῦσαι

and indeed while considering and observing, the eyes are focused as observing a similar place

Cf. Gen; Exod; Lev; Num; Deut; Josh; Tob; 1 Macc; 2 Macc; Ps; Sir; Hos; Amos; Mic; Joel; Obad; Jonah; Nah; Hab; Zeph; Hag; Zech; Mal; Isa; 1 En.; Sib. Or.; 3 Bar.; T. Reu.; T. Sim.; T. Levi; T. Jud.; T. Iss.; T. Zeb.; T. Dan; T. Naph.; T. Gad; T. Ash.; T. Jos.; T. Benj.; T. Ab.; Let. Aris.; Jub.; Jos. Asen.; Apoc. Mos.; Liv. Pro.; 4 Bar.; 3 Macc.; 4 Macc.; Pss. Sol.; Opif.; Abr.; Ios.; Mos.; Decal.; Spec.; Virt.; Praem.; Exsecr.; A.J.; C. Ap. .

Greek:

Geogr. 2.1.8 τοὐναντίον γὰρ ἐν τῷ παρὰ μικρὸν συμβαίνειν τοῦτο μᾶλλον ἔοικε.

For on the contrary, this seems likely rather when occurring with a small (disagreement).

Diod. 1.2.3 καὶ τοῖς μὲν ἐν τῷ ζῆν μηδὲν ἀξιόλογον πράξασιν ἅμα ταῖς τῶν σωμάτων τελευταῖς συναποθνήσκει καὶ τὰ ἄλλα πάντα τὰ κατὰ τὸν βίον

and for those doing nothing remarkable when living, all other things according to life dies along with the death of the bodies

Borsyth. (36) 16 τυχὸν γὰρ νῦν οὐ πάντες ὁμοίως ἀκούουσιν ἐν τῷ βαδίζειν, ἀλλ’ οἱ ὄπισθεν πράγματα ἔχουσι καὶ παρέχουσι τοῖς πρὸ αὐτῶν

For perhaps now not all hear likewise in marching, but those behind have difficulties and supply (difficulties) for (those) in front of them.

Diatr. 4.1.63 τί οὖν ἐστι τὸ ἐν τῷ γράφειν ἀκώλυτον ποιοῦν καὶ ἀπαραπόδιστον; ἡ ἐπιστήμη τοῦ γράφειν. τί δ᾽ ἐν τῷ κιθαρίζειν; ἡ ἐπιστήμη τοῦ κιθαρίζειν. οὐκοῦν καὶ ἐν τῷ βιοῦν ἡ ἐπιστήμη τοῦ βιοῦν.

What then is the (thing) making (someone) unhindered and unrestrained when writing? The knowledge of writing. And what when playing the harp? The knowledge of playing the harp. Therefore, also the knowledge of living, when living.

These infinitive could also modify the adjectives “unhindered” and “unrestrained,” and be referential in nature. Both functions are well attested.

Ench. 38.1 ἐν τῷ περιπατεῖν καθάπερ προσέχεις, μὴ ἐπιβῇς ἥλῳ ἢ στρέψῃς τὸν πόδα σου

Just as you take heed when walking around, you should not step on a nail or turn your foot.

*2 Clem. 17:3 καὶ μὴ μόνον ἄρτι δοκῶμεν πιστεύειν καὶ προσέχειν ἐν τῷ νουθετεῖσθαι ἡμᾶς ὑπὸ τῶν πρεσβυτέρων

And we should not only seem now to believe and take heed while we are admonished by the elders.

Cf. Polyb.; Meg.; Amat. narr.; Geogr.; Diod.; Nat. d.; 1 Regn.; 2 Regn.; 3 Regn.; 4 Regn.; Lib. myth.; Tyr.; Ven.; Virt.; Isthm.; Serv.; Troj.; Dei cogn.; Exil.; 1 Serv. lib.; 2 Serv. lib.; Aegr.; Avar.; Dic. exercit.; Aud. aff.; Sec.; Pulchr.; De pace; Fel. sap.; Fel.; Gen.; Consult.; Compot.; 2 Melanc.; 1 Melanc.; Charid.; Rhod.; Alex.; 1 Tars.; 2 Tars.; Cel. Phrygg.; Borsyth.; Cor.; Nicom.; Nicaeen.; Conc. Apam.; Apam.; Dial.; Pol.; Grat.; Def.; Tumult.; Cont.; In cont.; Rec. mag.; Admin.; Diod.; Philoct. arc.; Hom.; Socr.; Hom. Socr.; Regn.; Nest.; Achill.; Philoct.; Ness.; Chrys.; Regn. tyr.; 1 Fort.; 2 Fort.; 3 Fort.; 1 Glor.; 2 Glor.; 3 Glor.; Virt.; De philosophia; De philosophio; Hab.; Fid.; Diffid.; De lege; Consuet.; Invid.; Divit.; Lib.; P. Oxy.; Diatr.; Ench.; Chaer.; Leuc. Clit.; 1 Clem.; 2 Clem.; Ign. Eph.; Ign. Magn.; Ign. Trall.; Ign. Rom.; Ign. Phld.; Ign. Smyrn.; Ign. Pol.; Pol. Phil.; Mart. Pol.; Did.; Barn.; Herm. Vis.; Herm. Mand.; Herm. Sim.; Diogn.; Fr. Pap. .

2. Antecedent Time

Definition

The infinitive presents an action that occurs before the time of the main verb. This does not necessarily imply the action has already happened; it merely gives time relative to the verb.

Translation Aids

The reader should insert “after” before the infinitive.

Clarification

There is no need to search for detailed patterns of usage, as all infinitives with μετὰ τό function this way.

After his study of Polybius, Allen was able to make the following conclusions of how tense affects infinitives preceded by ἅμα: “With the present infinitive … it represents an action which began just before the action expressed by the main verb, and may continue with it. … With the aorist infinitive … the action is represented as taking places immediately before the action expressed by the main verb.” Hewlett agrees and makes the following distinction between infinitives with ἅμα and ἐν. “In Polybius, however, ἅμα τῷ c. inf. has a different function from this. He uses it, not to express a contemporaneous action for which he employs ἐν τῷ, but one which is immediately antecedent to the main action. The precise force given is dependent upon the tense of the infinitive; with the aorist a single action is introduced by ἅμα and conceived as occurring immediately before the action expressed by the main verb; with the present an action which is commenced immediately before the main action, but may be going on at the same time.”

Clear Examples

LXX (translated):

Lev 23:43 ἐν σκηναῖς κατῴκισα τοὺς υἱοὺς Ισραηλ ἐν τῷ ἐξαγαγεῖν με αὐτοὺς ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου

in tents I caused the sons of Israel to dwell after me bringing them out of the land of Egypt

Lev 26:43 τότε προσδέξεται ἡ γῆ τὰ σάββατα αὐτῆς ἐν τῷ ἐρημωθῆναι αὐτὴν δι᾽ αὐτούς καὶ αὐτοὶ προσδέξονται τὰς αὐτῶν ἀνομίας.

Then the land will receive her Sabbaths, after her being desolated because of them, and they will receive their iniquities.

*Deut 9:4 μὴ εἴπῃς ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου ἐν τῷ ἐξαναλῶσαι κύριον τὸν θεόν σου τὰ ἔθνη ταῦτα πρὸ προσώπου σου λέγων διὰ τὴν δικαιοσύνην μου εἰσήγαγέν με κύριος κληρονομῆσαι τὴν γῆν τὴν ἀγαθὴν ταύτην

Do not speak in your heart after the Lord your God destroys these nations before your face, saying, Because of my righteousness the Lord brought me in to inherit this good land.

Cf. Gen; Exod; Lev; Num; Deut; Josh; Ps; Hos; Amos; Mic; Joel; Obad; Jonah; Nah; Hab; Zeph; Hag; Zech; Mal; Isa .

Jewish:

*Sir 10:11 ἐν γὰρ τῷ ἀποθανεῖν ἄνθρωπον κληρονομήσει ἑρπετὰ καὶ θηρία καὶ σκώληκας

For when a man dies, he will inherit creeping things and beasts and worms.

This is the clearest example of Jewish texts listed.

*T. Zeb. 1:3 ἐν γὰρ τῷ γεννηθῆναί με ηὐξήθη ὁ πατὴρ ἡμῶν ἕως σφόδρα, καὶ τὰ ποίμνια καὶ τὰ βουκόλια, ὅτε ἐν τοῖς ποικίλοις ῥάβδοις εἶχε τὸν κλῆρον. (or C.T.)

For in me being born, our father was increased exceedingly, both (with) sheep and herds, when he had the share by the spotted rods.

This cannot be at the moment of birth but at the general timeframe, specifically antecedent time.

*T. Benj. 2:4 ἐν δὲ τῷ ὑπάγειν αὐτὸν κρύψαι τὸ ἱμάτιόν μου, ὑπήντησεν αὐτῷ λέων καὶ ἀνεῖλεν αὐτόν.

And in him departing to hide my garment, a lion met him and destroyed him.

This is cutting time very thinly, but this would be after he departed, not as he was leaving.

*T. Ab. 12:8B καὶ ἐν τῷ εἰπεῖν αὐτῷ, κατέπιεν αὐτοὺς ἡ γῆ ζῶντας.

And in speaking to it, the earth swallowed them while living.

The previous verse gives Abraham’s command for the earth to swallow slanderers. His speech is short, so it is more likely the earth obeyed his brief command, though the timeframe is generally the same.

Greek:

Polyb. 5.52.8 οἳ τὸ μὲν πρῶτον συνεπλέκοντο καὶ κατεπείραζον ἀλλήλων, ἐν δὲ τῷ συνάψαι τὰς παρ᾽ ἀμφοῖν δυνάμεις ἀπέστησαν.

Indeed formerly they were engaged in battle and were proving one another, but in powers from both joining, they separated.

With both infinitive and main verb as aorist, this seems summarized, not progressive. This is immediate past.

1 Clem. 4:10 ζῆλος φυγεῖν ἠνάγκασεν Μωϋσῆν ἀπὸ προσώπου Φαραὼ βασιλέως Αἰγύπτου ἐν τῷ ἀκοῦσαι αὐτὸν ἀπὸ τοῦ ὁμοφύλου

Jealousy urged Moses to flee from the face of Pharaoh king of Egypt, when/after he heard from his own tribesman

1 Clem. 10:4 καὶ πάλιν ἐν τῷ διαχωρισθῆναι αὐτὸν ἀπὸ Λὼτ εἶπεν αὐτῷ ὁ θεός

and again, after him being separated from Lot, God said to him

Possible Examples (and why they are more likely one or the other). Don’t really need Possible examples from each category, but if there are no clear examples, I could fit a structure here as debated in one or two categories.

LXX (translated):

Gen 24:52 ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν τῷ ἀκοῦσαι τὸν παῖδα τὸν Αβρααμ τῶν ῥημάτων τούτων προσεκύνησεν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν κυρίῳ

And it occurred when the servant of Abraham heard these words, he worshipped the Lord on the earth.

This could be more specifically nuanced to the cause of worshipping the Lord. In either case, the time of the infinitive is antecedent.

Gen 39:15 ἐν δὲ τῷ ἀκοῦσαι αὐτὸν ὅτι ὕψωσα τὴν φωνήν μου καὶ ἐβόησα καταλιπὼν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτοῦ παρ᾽ ἐμοὶ ἔφυγεν καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἔξω

And when he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried out, having left his garments with me, he fled, and departed outside.

Same as above.

Gen 44:31 ἐν τῷ ἰδεῖν αὐτὸν μὴ ὂν τὸ παιδάριον μεθ᾽ ἡμῶν τελευτήσει

When/After he sees the child not being with us, he will die.

Jacob probably would not die the second he did not see Benjamin. This is cutting time very thin. It more likely could be causal.

Ps 13:7 ἐν τῷ ἐπιστρέψαι κύριον τὴν αἰχμαλωσίαν τοῦ λαοῦ αὐτοῦ ἀγαλλιάσθω Ιακωβ καὶ εὐφρανθήτω Ισραηλ

When the Lord returns the captivity of His people, let Jacob rejoice, and let Israel delight.

Same as above.

3. Means

Definition

The infinitival form describes the instrumental action that accomplishes the main verb. The infinitive is a separate action that leads to the accomplishment of the main verb. If the means infinitive is removed, the point of the main verb is absent.

Translation Aids

The most common way to introduce an instrumental sense is by inserting “by” before the infinitive.

Clarification

Just as purpose infinitives answer “Why?” so means infinitives answer the question “How?” One should also distinguish means from manner. The latter is typically abstract and merely adds color to the verb. It involves an accompanying attitude or emotion. Means infinitives describe the instrumental action that is necessary to accomplish the main verb. The final, and perhaps most difficult, distinction to make is between means and causal infinitives. “It is not always easy or possible to draw a line between the instrumental and the causal use of the dative infinitive, which sometimes expresses what may be looked upon either as the cause or the means.” Ideally, means is instrumental and at least contains some type of simultaneous action to the main verb. Causal infinitives are antecedent in time and provide the basis or reason for which the state of the verb is true or the action of the verb is done.

Clear Examples

LXX (translated):

Lev 4:27 ἐὰν δὲ ψυχὴ μία ἁμάρτῃ ἀκουσίως ἐκ τοῦ λαοῦ τῆς γῆς ἐν τῷ ποιῆσαι μίαν ἀπὸ πασῶν τῶν ἐντολῶν κυρίου ἣ οὐ ποιηθήσεται καὶ πλημμελήσῃ

And if a soul of the people of the land might sin involuntarily, in doing one (thing) from all the commands of the Lord

Lev 22:16 καὶ ἐπάξουσιν ἐφ᾽ ἑαυτοὺς ἀνομίαν πλημμελείας ἐν τῷ ἐσθίειν αὐτοὺς τὰ ἅγια αὐτῶν

And they will bring upon themselves the iniquity of an offence in them eating their holy things

*Ps 118:9 ἐν τίνι κατορθώσει ὁ νεώτερος τὴν ὁδὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν τῷ φυλάσσεσθαι τοὺς λόγους σου

By what will the young man straighten his path? By guarding Your words (he will straighten his path).

Mal 1:12 ὑμεῖς δὲ βεβηλοῦτε αὐτὸ ἐν τῷ λέγειν ὑμᾶς τράπεζα κυρίου ἠλισγημένη ἐστίν

But you have profaned it in you saying, The table of the Lord has been polluted.

Cf. Gen; Exod; Lev; Num; Deut; Josh; Ps; Hos; Amos; Mic; Joel; Obad; Jonah; Nah; Hab; Zeph; Hag; Zech; Mal; Isa .

Jewish:

1 Macc 5:4 καὶ ἐμνήσθη τῆς κακίας υἱῶν Βαιαν οἳ ἦσαν τῷ λαῷ εἰς παγίδα καὶ σκάνδαλον ἐν τῷ ἐνεδρεύειν αὐτοὺς ἐν ταῖς ὁδοῖς

And he remembered the evil of the sons of Baian who were to the people as a trap and cause of stumbling in ambushing them on the roads.

Sir 47:4 καὶ ἐξῆρεν ὀνειδισμὸν ἐκ λαοῦ ἐν τῷ ἐπᾶραι χεῖρα ἐν λίθῳ σφενδόνης καὶ καταβαλεῖν γαυρίαμα τοῦ Γολιαθ

and he took away reproach from the people in lifting (his) hand with the stone of the sling and throwing down the arrogance of Goliath

NETS, 758: “by raising … by striking”

Pss. Sol. 5:9 Τὰ πετεινὰ καὶ τοὺς ἰχθύας σὺ τρέφεις ἐν τῷ διδόναι σε ὑετὸν ἐρήμοις εἰς ἀνατολὴν χλόης· (or C.T.)

You tend the birds and fish in you giving rain to the wilderness for the growing of grass.

*Decal. 1.120 φασί τινες, ὡς ἄρα πατὴρ καὶ μήτηρ ἐμφανεῖς εἰσι θεοί, μιμούμενοι τὸν ἀγένητον ἐν τῷ ζῳοπλαστεῖν

so thus father and mother are manifest gods, imitating the uncreated (One) in making animals

C. Ap. 2.257 μάλιστα δὲ Πλάτων μεμίμηται τὸν ἡμέτερον νομοθέτην κἀν τῷ μηδὲν οὕτω παίδευμα προστάττειν τοῖς πολίταις

but Plato has especially imitated our legislator even by commanding the citizens no such instruction

Greek:

*Ench. 25.1 Προετιμήθη σού τις ἐν ἑστιάσει ἢ ἐν προσαγορεύσει ἢ ἐν τῷ παραληφθῆναι εἰς συμβουλίαν;

Was someone honored over you in feasting or in greeting or in being invited to counsel?

2 Clem. 3:4 ἐν τίνι δὲ αὐτὸν ὁμολογοῦμεν ἐν τῷ ποιεῖν ἃ λέγει καὶ μὴ παρακούειν αὐτοῦ τῶν ἐντολῶν καὶ μὴ μόνον χείλεσιν αὐτὸν τιμᾶν ἀλλὰ ἐξ ὅλης καρδίας καὶ ἐξ ὅλης τῆς διανοίας.

But in what will we confess Him? (We will confess Him) in doing what He says and not disobeying His commands and honoring Him not only with lips only but from the whole heart and from the whole mind.

2 Clem. 16:2 ἐὰν γὰρ ταῖς ἡδυπαθείαις ταύταις ἀποταξώμεθα καὶ τὴν ψυχὴν ἡμῶν νικήσωμεν ἐν τῷ μὴ ποιεῖν τὰς ἐπιθυμίας αὐτῆς τὰς πονηράς μεταληψόμεθα τοῦ ἐλέους Ἰησοῦ

For if we set apart these luxuries and conquer our soul in not doing its evil desires, we will receive the mercy of Jesus.

4. Cause (Reason)

Definition

The infinitive frequently provides the reason or basis for the action of the main verb. It answers the question, “Why?”

Translation Aids

The main clause occurs or is true “because of” or “on the basis of” the action or state of the infinitive.

Clarification

Causal infinitives are distinct from means infinitives, in that the latter provide the instrument which is used to accomplish the main verb. It answers, “How?” Yet, a distinction between the two is not always clear. This function is also distinct from purpose infinitives, in that “the causal infinitive gives a retrospective answer (i.e., it looks back to the ground or reason), while the purpose infinitive gives prospective answer (looking forward to the intended result).” That is, these infinitives provide the reason not the goal of the main verb.

Clear Examples

LXX (translated):

Exod 16:7 καὶ πρωὶ ὄψεσθε τὴν δόξαν κυρίου ἐν τῷ εἰσακοῦσαι τὸν γογγυσμὸν ὑμῶν ἐπὶ τῷ θεῷ

and in the morning you will see the glory of the Lord in (him) hearing your grumbling against God

Lev 24:16 ἐν τῷ ὀνομάσαι αὐτὸν τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου τελευτάτω

In him naming the name of the Lord, he must die.

Cf. Gen; Exod; Lev; Num; Deut; Josh; Ps; Hos; Amos; Mic; Joel; Obad; Jonah; Nah; Hab; Zeph; Hag; Zech; Mal; Isa .

Jewish:

1 Macc 2:54 Φινεες ὁ πατὴρ ἡμῶν ἐν τῷ ζηλῶσαι ζῆλον ἔλαβε διαθήκην ἱερωσύνης αἰωνίας

Phinees our father in striving after zeal received the covenant of eternal priesthood.

Sir 45:23 καὶ Φινεες υἱὸς Ελεαζαρ τρίτος εἰς δόξαν ἐν τῷ ζηλῶσαι αὐτὸν ἐν φόβῳ κυρίου καὶ στῆναι αὐτὸν ἐν τροπῇ λαοῦ

And Phineas, son of Eleazar, (is) third in glory in him being jealous with fear of the Lord and him standing in the turning of the people.

Pss. Sol. 1:3 ἐλογισάμην ἐν καρδίᾳ μου ὅτι ἐπλήσθην δικαιοσύνης ἐν τῷ εὐθηνῆσαί με καὶ πολλὴν γενέσθαι ἐν τέκνοις.

I considered in my heart that I was filled with righteousness, “for I had prospered and had many children” (lit. “in me flourishing and being great with children”).

Spec. 1.229 τὸν δ᾽ ἀρχιερέα τῷ ἔθνει τῆς αὐτῆς ἠξιῶσθαι προνομίας ἐν τῷ καθαίρεσθαι καὶ παρὰ τῆς ἵλεω τοῦ θεοῦ δυνάμεως ἀμνηστίαν ἀδικημάτων αἰτεῖσθαι

but the high priest to be counted worthy of the same privilege as the nation in the purifying and asking forgiveness of sins from the power of the mercy of God

Greek:

Polyb. 4.64.7 οἱ τῶν Αἰτωλῶν ἱππεῖς, ἐν τῷ ταύτην τε μεῖναι συνασπίσασαν καὶ τὴν δευτέραν καὶ τρίτην διαβαινούσας συμφράττειν τοῖς ὅπλοις πρὸς τὴν ὑφεστῶσαν … ἀπεχώρουν πρὸς τὴν πόλιν.

The horsemen of the Aetolians, in this remaining side by side and the second and third, walking, pressing in with weapons toward the attacking … were withdrawing to the city.

1 Clem. 10:1 Ἀβραάμ ὁ φίλος προσαγορευθείς πιστὸς εὑρέθη ἐν τῷ αὐτὸν ὑπήκοον γενέσθαι τοῖς ῥήμασιν τοῦ θεοῦ

Abraham, designated as the friend, was found faithful, in him becoming obedient to the words of God

This is close to Causal (evidence), but it is not the evidence of Jesus being faithful but giving the reason he is found as faithful. It is difficult to determine the timing of events. If the two are simultaneous, this could simply be CT.

5. Spatial/Location

Definition

These infinitives provide the sphere or realm within which the main verb exists. As Hewlett states, the verbal nature of infinitives requires the “location” to be metaphorical.

Translation Aids

Some spatial prepositions are appropriate to indicate this function: “in, into, at.”

Clarification

I have made this function distinct from a few others as follows. First, this category contains the realm within which an action occurs, not the goal to which the main verb is intended (e.g., purpose, directional purpose). These others indicate the intended target, while “Location” implies the realm has been reached. Second, this is distinct from “Reference” as Wallace explains in his discussion of the dative case. “In general, it is safe to say that the dative of reference views the word to which the dative stands related as detached or separated somehow from the dative, while the dative of sphere views the word to which the dative stands related as incorporated within the realm of the dative.”

Clear Examples

LXX (translated):

Ps 18:12 καὶ γὰρ ὁ δοῦλός σου φυλάσσει αὐτά ἐν τῷ φυλάσσειν αὐτὰ ἀνταπόδοσις πολλή

For your servant also guards them; much reward (is) in guarding them.

Cf. Gen; Exod; Lev; Num; Deut; Josh; Ps; Hos; Amos; Mic; Joel; Obad; Jonah; Nah; Hab; Zeph; Hag; Zech; Mal; Isa .

Jewish:

Let. Aris. 1:127 τὸ γὰρ καλῶς ζῇν ἐν τῷ τὰ νόμιμα συντηρεῖν εἶναι

for living well to be in keeping the laws

Mos. 1.225 τὰ δ᾽ ὅπλα καὶ μηχανήματα ἡμῶν καὶ πᾶσα ἡ δύναμις ἐν μόνῳ τῷ πιστεύειν θεῷ κεῖται·

and our weapons and machines and all power lies in believing God alone

Mos. 1.251 ἀκατάπληκτοι μετὰ τῆς ἐν τῷ θαρρεῖν ἐχυρότητος γινώμεθα

Let us become undaunted with strength which is in having courage (lit. “the ‘having confidence’ strength”

The infinitive is in first attributive position, giving the location of the strength.

A.J. 3.46 νῦν δὲ γίνεσθαι παρεκάλει προθυμοτάτους ὡς τῆς ἁπάντων εὐπορίας αὐτοῖς ἐν τῷ κρατῆσαι τῶν ἐχθρῶν κειμένης

And he encourages (them) now to become eager as all prosperity for them lay in conquerring the enemies.

A.J. 4.143 τὴν ἀνδρείαν ὑπολαμβάνουσιν οὐκ ἐν τῷ βιάζεσθαι τοὺς νόμους ἀλλ᾽ ἐν τῷ μὴ εἴκειν ταῖς ἐπιθυμίαις εἶναι

They suppose manliness not to be in violating the laws but in not allowing (their) desires.

A.J. 6.134 τὴν δὲ πειθαρχίαν τὴν πρὸς τὸν θεὸν οὐκ ἐν τῷ ποιήσασθαι τὴν πρὸς τοὺς Ἀμαληκίτας στρατείαν λογιζόμενος εἶναι μόνον

and supposing the obedience toward God to be not only in making war against the Amalekites

This needs a predicate adjective in order to be means. “Obedience is shown” would be means.

Greek:

Polyb. 2.32.10 ἀπολείποντες ἐλπίδα τῆς σωτηρίας τὴν ἐν τῷ νικᾶν

abandoning hope of salvation (which is) in conquering (or “the [one] in conquering”)

Infinitival clause in third attributive position.

Diod. 1.3.2 κειμένης γὰρ τοῖς ἀναγινώσκουσι τῆς ὠφελείας ἐν τῷ πλείστας καὶ ποικιλωτάτας περιστάσεις λαμβάνειν

for to those reading the benefit lying in taking the largest (number) and most diverse of circumstances

This could be reference, but location fits the other examples, too.

Rhod. (31) 65 ὥσθ᾽ ὁ κίνδυνος ὑμῖν μὲν ἐν τῷ μηκέτ᾽ εὖ πάσχειν ὑπὸ μηδενός, ἐκείνοις δὲ ἐν τῷ μηκέτι φυλάττειν τὰ ἀλλότρια.

Therefore, the danger for you indeed (is) in no longer suffering well by anyone, but to them (danger is) in no longer guarding others’ (things).

One could also classify this as reference or even predicate nominative. I have placed it here because the danger does not need further explanation; it is merely being defined.

*Tumult. (46) 2 πόλεως δὲ καὶ δήμου ἰσχὺς ἐν ἑτέροις ἐστί, καὶ πρῶτόν γε ἐν τῷ φρονεῖν καὶ τὰ δίκαια ποιεῖν.

And the strength of a city and people is in other (things), and first indeed in thinking and doing just (things).

Diatr. 4.11.29 οὐκ ἔστιν ἐν τῷ κεκοπρῶσθαι τὸ καλόν, ἀλλ᾽ ἐν τῷ λόγῳ

Beauty is not in being made filthy with dung, but in reason.

Chaer. 3.10.4 τίς γὰρ ἔτι λείπεται ἐλπὶς ἐν τῷ ξῆν με κατέχουσα;

For what hope still remains, holding me in living?

Possible Examples (and why they are more likely one or the other). Don’t really need Possible examples from each category, but if there are no clear examples, I could fit a structure here as debated in one or two categories.

Jewish:

Abr. 1.239 αὗται γὰρ ἐκείνων δυνάμεις εἰσίν, ἢ διὰ χρωμάτων καὶ σχημάτων ἢ διὰ φωνῆς τῆς ἐν τῷ λέγειν ἢ ἀκούειν ἢ διὰ χυλῶν ἢ δι᾽ ἀτμῶν ἢ τῶν ἐν ἁπτοῖς, ἃ μαλακὰ καὶ σκληρὰ ἢ τραχέα καὶ λεῖα ἢ θερμὰ καὶ ψυχρά·

For these (senses) are the abilities of those (desires), whether through colors and appearances or through noise which is in speaking or hearing or through flavors or through scents or of the tangible things, which (are) soft and hard or rough and smooth or hot and cold.

The infinitives are in third attributive position. It could be giving means, but it perhaps a larger “descriptive” category.

6. Reference/Epexegetical

Definition

“Epexegetical” describes the aspect of these infinitives that explains, clarifies, or further defines a modified word, either noun or adjective. “Reference” more naturally describes those infinitives modifying adjectives, in that they provide the realm or manner in which the adjective’s head noun can be described as such. This category has been labeled as infinitives “limiting nouns and/or adjectives,” indicating the infinitive somehow limits the range of meaning for the noun or adjective.

“Epexegetical” describes the aspect of these infinitives that explains, clarifies, or further defines the state or action of the verb. “Reference” indicates these infinitives qualify a statement that would otherwise not be true. They provide the realm within which the main clause is accurate.

Translation Aids

A number of translations can represent these infinitives accurately, including “of,” “for,” “with reference to,” “about.” In addition, the traditional “to X” translation for infinitives is often appropriate.

A number of translations can represent these infinitives accurately, including “with reference to,” “regarding,” or “about.”

Clarification

I have combined both substantives and verbs under this heading. Should I split them?

These infinitives qualify a description, clarify an ambiguous term, or explain how a word should be understood. Typically, the modified word indicates “ability, authority, desire, freedom, hope, need, obligation, or readiness.” Votaw adds words of ability, fitness, and time. The adverbs included in this section are primarily spatial (e.g., “far” or “near” to something). Allen lists the following nouns and one passage where they are found in Polybius: ἀδυναμία (15.34.5); αἰτία (2.38.9); ἀρχή (22.8.8); ἀρχηγός (2.38.9); ἀφορμή (3.69.8); βεβαιωτής (2.40.2); ἐμπόδιον (18.22.4); ἔννοια (15.1.12); ἐξουσία (3.29.7); ἐπιβολή (5.62.7); ἐπιμέλεια (6.35.12); ἔτος (12.16.12); καταρχή (15.33.1); κυρία (6.15.6); λόγος (18.15.15); ὁρμή (15.4.8); παράδειγμα (5.111.7); παράπτωσις (12.25.10); πεῖρα (8.9.6); πρόληψις (16.32.4); πρόνοια (11.2.10); πρόφασις (3.108.5); σημεῖον (23.13.1); συνήθεια (2.20.8); σύνθημα (8.27.3); τέλος (4.57.11); χρόνος (3.112.5). He only found four adjectives, the most common of which is αἴτιος (e.g., 1.43.8; 1.57.7; 9.3.9; 13.4.8; 21.13.10; 23.14.6; 24.11.1; 27.15.1) The other three adjectives are only used once (ἀλλότριος, 21.11.2; ἄπειρος, 39.9.12; κύριος, 29.9.9).

In the regular case system, the dative of reference presents something as true. “An author will use this dative to qualify a statement that would otherwise typically not be true.” The reference aspect of these infinitives can easily be confused with another function of “sphere” or “location.” Wallace advises to focus on the context of the passage and the author’s intent, for the two ideas sometimes carry opposite nuances (cf. ExSyn, 145, for a biblical example; Eph 2:1 and Rom 6:2). “In general, it is safe to say that the dative of reference views the word to which the dative stands related as detached or separated somehow from the dative, while the dative of sphere views the word to which the dative stands related as incorporated within the realm of the dative.” For infinitives, I have attempted to maintain a similar distinction. Epexegetical or reference infinitives are “separate” from the modified word, in that they clarify how the word is to be understood. “Location” infinitives (see below) offer a realm or sphere in which the activity of the main verb occurs.

Epexegetical or reference infinitive more commonly modify substantives or adjectives, but these infinitives further explain either an adjectival nuance of the main verb or qualify the verb to make it accurate.

Originally (and traditionally), the examples with δύναμαι were placed in a separate category of “complementary infinitives.” These are typically defined as infinitives that supplement or complete the main verb to form a single predicate idea. These are distinct from direct objects, in that they are necessary for the verb to convey a complete idea. Boyer follows the traditional route of widening the categories of verbs under this type of infinitive (e.g., will or desire, pleasing, shaming, seeking, beginning, fearing, allowing, finding, owing). However, some of these can take regular direct objects or function intransitively and do not demand an infinitive. As a result, the only verb I had listed with genitive articular complementary infinitives was δύναμαι. One could correctly argue, though, that “being able” focuses on an adjectival idea, and the infinitive should thus be epexegetical to the verb. This finds support in places where δύναμαι is used intransitively without an infinitive (though one could easily be supplied from the context; cf. LSJ, 452). Therefore, the few examples of δύναμαι with a genitive articular infinitive (which happen to occur only in sources of Jewish background) have been listed here, implying the infinitive does not have to be viewed as completing the verb but offers an explanation of the subject’s ability.

Clear Examples

Jewish:

Abr. 1.40 πάντων ἑκουσίως καὶ ἐκ προνοίας ὡς ἐν ἀγῶνι περὶ τῶν ἐν τῷ διαμαρτάνειν πρωτείων ἁμιλλωμένων

all, as in battle, contending willingly and with forethought for the first places with reference to sinning

Mos. 2.75 ἵν᾽ ἐκ πολλοῦ τοῦ περιόντος ἡρμοσμένας καὶ συμφώνους τοῖς δημιουργηθεῖσι ποιῆται τὰς ἐν τῷ ἱερᾶσθαι λειτουργίας

in order that, from surpassing much, he might make the services with reference to being priest (as) perfected and fitted with those things being fabricated

C. Ap. 2.281 οἱ παρὰ τοῖς Ἕλλησι φιλοσοφήσαντες τῷ μὲν δοκεῖν τὰ πάτρια διεφύλαττον ἐν δὲ τοῖς πράγμασι καὶ τῷ φιλοσοφεῖν ἐκείνῳ κατηκολούθησαν ὅμοια

those involved in philosophy from the Greeks on one hand guarded the homelands “so it seems,” but in practices and such philosophy they followed likewise

Greek:

Geogr. 9.2.40 ὃς εἴτ᾽ ἐν τῷ λαμβάνειν χάριτας εἴτ᾽ ἐν τῷ διδόναι κατορθῶν εἴτε καὶ ἀμφότερα, τὰς θεὰς ἐτίμησε ταύτας

who by succeeding either in receiving gifts or in giving (them) or even both, he honored these goddessess

Diod. 1.51.2 οἱ γὰρ ἐγχώριοι τὸν μὲν ἐν τῷ ζῆν χρόνον εὐτελῆ παντελῶς εἶναι νομίζουσι

For the inhabitants indeed suppose the time in living to be absolutely worthless.

Diod. 3.67.3 καὶ κατὰ τὴν ἐν τῷ μελῳδεῖν ὑπεροχὴν φάσκειν ἑαυτὸν τῶν Μουσῶν ἐμμελέστερον ᾄδειν

and according to superiority in singing to claim himself singing more elegantly than the Muses

The ἐν phrase is in first attributive position to ὑπεροχήν. This could be metaphorical location or sphere. I would probably prefer to see it as reference. Excellence is not “in singing,” but the clause describes the type of excellence.

Diod. 4.71.4 ἀτελεῖς δ᾽ αὐτοὺς ἀφεῖναι τῶν κατὰ τὰς μάχας κινδύνων καὶ τῶν ἄλλων λειτουργιῶν διὰ τὴν ὑπερβολὴν τῆς ἐν τῷ θεραπεύειν εὐχρηστίας.

furthermore, them gaining exemptions from the dangers according to battles and of other public services because of the excess of service in healing.

This is not spatial, but it explains what their service was. If it modified a verb, it would be means.

2 Tars. (34) 39 καὶ μὴ καθάπερ τοὺς ἀπείρους ἐν τῷ μάχεσθαι ῥᾳδίως ἀφέντας τὸ παρὸν αὐτοῖς

and not, as those inexperienced in fighting, lightly forsaking the present (thing)

Tumult. (46) 8 εἰμὶ δὲ αὐτὸς οὔτε ὑπέρδεινος εἰπεῖν οὔτε ἴσως ἁπάντων ὕστατος ἐν τῷ λέγειν.

And I myself am neither very able, speaking, nor in like manner lowest of all in speaking.

Diatr. 3.17.3 ἀλλ᾽ ἐκεῖνο βλέπε, εἰ ἐν τῷ πιστὸς εἶναι πλέον σου ἔχει, εἰ ἐν τῷ αἰδήμων.

But you must see this, if he has more than you in being faithful, if in (being) modest.

Diatr. 4.6.18 τίς φαίνῃ σαυτῷ; τίς ἐν τῷ ὑπολαμβάνειν, τίς ἐν τῷ ὀρέγεσθαι, τίς ἐν τῷ ἐκκλίνειν: τίς ἐν ὁρμῇ, παρασκευῇ, ἐπιβολῇ, τοῖς ἄλλοις τοῖς ἀνθρωπικοῖς ἔργοις;

Who do you appear (to be) to yourself? Who as regards thinking, who as regards reaching, who as regards avoiding; who as regards wrath, preparation, purpose, other works to humans?

e. Possible Examples (and why they are more likely one or the other). Don’t really need Possible examples from each category, but if there are no clear examples, I could fit a structure here as debated in one or two categories.

Jewish:

*A.J. 10.123 ταῦτ᾽ ἀκούσας ὁ βασιλεὺς καὶ μετανοήσας ἐν τῷ παραδοῦναι τὸν προφήτην τοῖς ἡγεμόσιν

The king, after hearing these things and repenting in handing the prophet over to the rulers, (commanded)

This gives the act for which the king repented. The other option is causal, both of which functions fit the variant preposition as well. For επι τῳ infinitives, I have the same verb labeled as cause (cf. Mos. 1.167).

C. Ap. 2.22 οὐκ ἂν οὖν τις ἢ καταγελάσειε τῆς φλυαρίας ἢ τοὐναντίον μισήσειε τὴν ἐν τῷ τοιαῦτα γράφειν ἀναίδειαν

Then would not someone laugh at the nonsense, or rather hate the shame in writing such things?

It describes the shame more fully, almost in an appositional sense. It could also be location.

7. Apposition

Definition

“An appositional construction involves two adjacent substantives that refer to the same person or thing and have the same syntactical relation to the rest of the clause.” Appositional infinitives, though, are not always precisely adjacent, since the clause will not always immediately follow the head noun or pronoun. Yet, the basic definition remains, and the following infinitives rename or define a prior substantive. As Wallace notes, “The appositional infinitive typically refers to a specific example that falls within the broad category named by the head noun.”

Translation Aids

There are two primary aids in identifying appositional infinitives. First, one can place a colon after the main clause and notice if the infinitival clause further labels the aforementioned entity. Second, the reader can insert “namely” between the first substantive and the appositional clause. That is, the infinitival clause could very well have taken the place (and function) of the previous substantive.

Clarification

There may be some confusion when discerning whether an infinitive is epexegetical or appositional. Wallace gives the following explanation: “The difference is that the epexegetical infinitive explains the noun or adjective to which it is related, while apposition defines it.” In other words, the epexegetical infinitive modifies a noun or adjective and cannot take its place in the sentence. The appositional infinitive can substitute for its antecedent referent. The reader must be careful then not to mislabel infinitives, particularly with words that can take either type of infinitive (e.g., σημεῖον take an appostional noun in Romans 4:11, “sign of circumcision,” but an epexegetical one in Matthew 24:3, “sign of your coming”).

By definition an appositional infinitive must follow its substantival referent. In addition, most of the examples found in the literature are related to demonstrative pronouns. There are exceptions (e.g., ???), but these are rare.

Clear Examples

Greek:

Rhod. (31) 161 ἐκείνοις μὲν γὰρ ἐν πολλοῖς ὑπῆρχεν ἑτέροις ἡ τῆς ἀρετῆς ἐπίδειξις, ἐν τῷ προεστάναι τῶν ἄλλων, ἐν τῷ βοηθεῖν τοῖς ἀδικουμένοις, ἐν τῷ συμμάχους κτᾶσθαι, πόλεις οἰκίζειν, νικᾶν πολεμοῦντας

For indeed the demonstration of virtue has existed for those (people) in many other things: in setting (themselves) over others, in helping those being harmed, in acquiring allies, founding cities, prevailing in warring.

1 Clem. 3:4 διὰ τοῦτο πόρρω ἄπεστιν ἡ δικαιοσύνη καὶ εἰρήνη ἐν τῷ ἀπολιπεῖν ἕκαστον τὸν φόβον τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ ἐν τῇ πίστει αὐτοῦ ἀμβλυωπῆσαι μηδὲ ἐν τοῖς νομίμοις τῶν προσταγμάτων αὐτοῦ πορεύεσθαί μηδὲ πολιτεύεσθαι κατὰ τὸ καθῆκον τῷ Χριστᾦ ἀλλὰ ἕκαστον βαδίζειν κατὰ τὰς ἐπιθυμίας τῆς καρδίας αὐτοῦ τῆς πονηρᾶς

Because of this righteousness and peace are far away: in each leaving behind the fear of God and becoming blind in his faith neither walking in the laws of his commands nor living as a citizen according to what is proper in Christ, but each goes according to the desires of his evil heart.

It is difficult to determine if διὰ τοῦτο is retrospective or prospective. The previous verse seems self-contained, causing me to think the infinitives provide the reason for peace departing. The causal nuance is still there, but the δια + demonstrative contain the causal structure.

Possible Examples (and why they are more likely one or the other). Don’t really need Possible examples from each category, but if there are no clear examples, I could fit a structure here as debated in one or two categories.

Greek:

*2 Clem. 4:3 ὥστε οὗν ἀδελφοί ἐν τοῖς ἔργοις αὐτὸν ὁμολογῶμεν ἐν τῷ ἀγαπᾶν ἑαυτούς ἐν τῷ μὴ μοιχᾶσθαι μηδὲ καταλαλεῖν ἀλλήλων μηδὲ ζηλοῦν ἀλλ᾽ ἐγκρατεῖς εἶναι ἐλεήμονας ἀγαθούς.

Therefore, brothers, let us confess Him in our works, in loving one another, in not committing adultery, nor speaking evil of one another, nor coveting, but being disciplined, compassionate, and good.

One could argue this is apposition to ἔργοις, but I am viewing the infinitive as broader than works, especially since some of them are negated.

8. Conditional/Stipulation

Definition

The infinitive offers a condition which must be met for the action of the main verb to occur. Otherwise, the main verb cannot or will not happen.

Translation Aids

One should insert “on condition that” or “if” before the infinitive.

Clarification

These infinitives are equivalent to a third class condition and would probably contain a future more probable idea.

Clear Examples

Jewish:

Pss. Sol. 16:15 ἐν τῷ ὑπομεῖναι δίκαιον ἐν τούτοις ἐλεηθήσεται ὑπὸ κυρίου.

In the righteous remaining in these things, he will be shown mercy by the Lord.

It is causal, but context speaks of discipline and poverty. One must endure these things to receive mercy, which does not make the individual righteous—he is already righteous but receiving more mercy. Not all righteous people endure them.

Possible Examples (and why they are more likely one or the other). Don’t really need Possible examples from each category, but if there are no clear examples, I could fit a structure here as debated in one or two categories.

Greek:

2 Clem. 1:2 ἐν τῷ γὰρ φρονεῖν ἡμᾶς μικρὰ περὶ αὐτοῦ μικρὰ καὶ ἐλπίζομεν λαβεῖν

For in us thinking little concerning him, we also hope to receive little.

Verse one says not to think little of salvation. This provides the motivation, giving what would result from such an action.

Herm. Vis. 1 1:8 ἐν τῷ οὖν δίκαια βουλεύεσθαι αὐτὸν κατορθοῦται ἡ δόξα αὐτοῦ ἐν τοῖς οὐρανοῖς

Thus in him desiring righteous things, his glory is established in the heavens.

The verse continues to describe what happens when the righteous man plans wicked things. This verse is contemporaneous time, but it could have the more specific nuance of means or condition.

9. Direct Object

Definition

Just as the infinitive functions as the subject of a sentence, so it can give the object of the main verb. That is, the infinitive receives the action of the main verb.

Translation Aids

A gerund translation is often appropriate for the infinitive.

Clarification

This function is similar to predicate nominatives, but the main verbs are transitive in nature, not equative.

The temporal aspect is still contemporaneous, but the clauses give the object of what Lot did not know.

Clear Examples

LXX (translated):

Gen 19:33 ἡ πρεσβυτέρα ἐκοιμήθη μετὰ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτῆς τὴν νύκτα ἐκείνην καὶ οὐκ ᾔδει ἐν τῷ κοιμηθῆναι αὐτὴν καὶ ἀναστῆναι

The older sister slept with her father that night, and he did not know when she slept and rose.

Gen 19:35 ἡ νεωτέρα ἐκοιμήθη μετὰ τοῦ πατρὸς αὐτῆς καὶ οὐκ ᾔδει ἐν τῷ κοιμηθῆναι αὐτὴν καὶ ἀναστῆναι

The younger sister slept with her father, and he did not know when she slept and rose.

Cf. Gen; Exod; Lev; Num; Deut; Josh; Ps; Hos; Amos; Mic; Joel; Obad; Jonah; Nah; Hab; Zeph; Hag; Zech; Mal; Isa .

10. Concession

Definition

The infinitive acknowledges that the state or action of the main is true, even though one would normally assume otherwise. That is, one would never expect the main verb to be accurate under the current circumstances, but the infinitive recognizes the validity of the claim regardless of how things usually occur.

Translation Aids

One can make such a nuance explicit by inserting “even though” or “although” before the infinitive.

Clarification

Distinguish categories.

List found patterns.

Possible Examples (and why they are more likely one or the other). Don’t really need Possible examples from each category, but if there are no clear examples, I could fit a structure here as debated in one or two categories.

LXX (translated):

Lev 20:4 ἐὰν δὲ ὑπερόψει ὑπερίδωσιν οἱ αὐτόχθονες τῆς γῆς τοῖς ὀφθαλμοῖς αὐτῶν ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐκείνου ἐν τῷ δοῦναι αὐτὸν τοῦ σπέρματος αὐτοῦ ἄρχοντι

And if natives of the land turn with indifference their eyes from that man, in him giving from his seed to the ruler

This is something that should not happen based on the main clause’s information. Otherwise, this is at least antecedent time.

Jewish:

Sir 11:19 ἐν τῷ εἰπεῖν αὐτόν εὗρον ἀνάπαυσιν καὶ νῦν φάγομαι ἐκ τῶν ἀγαθῶν μου καὶ οὐκ οἶδεν τίς καιρὸς παρελεύσεται καὶ καταλείψει αὐτὰ ἑτέροις καὶ ἀποθανεῖται

While/Though he says, “ I found rest and now I will eat from my goods,” even he does not know what time will come upon (him), and he will leave them for others, and he will die.

More generally, this fits contemporaneous time, but the main clause presents information counter to the proclamation.

11. Cause (Evidence)

Definition

A subcategory of causal infinitives provides the evidence that proves the claim of the main verb. That is, the infinitival clause offers information that demonstrates the truth of the main clause. In the reverse, the main verb contains an inference that can be made from the accuracy of the infinitive.

Translation Aids

One may alter the sentence to something similar to the following: “This is true on the basis of X” or “X proves/demonstrates the validity of this claim.”

Clarification

Although “because of” can still be an appropriate translation in these cases, it is important for the reader not to view the infinitive as providing the responsible event for the occurrence or state of the main verb. In fact, these infinitives often present the opposite of the “reason” for the truth of the main verb. Rather, they sometimes give the state that results from the main verb. An equivalent situation is found in conditional clauses. Sometimes the protasis provides evidence of the apodosis, not an action that causes it. Wallace provides the following example: “If she has a ring on her left hand, then she’s married.” The protasis is not the cause of the apodosis but provides evidence of the latter’s validity.

Possible Examples (and why they are more likely one or the other). Don’t really need Possible examples from each category, but if there are no clear examples, I could fit a structure here as debated in one or two categories.

Jewish:

Apoc. Mos. 18:3 καὶ λέγει μοι· μὴ φοβοῦ· ἅμα γὰρ φάγῃς, ἀνοιχθήσονται σου οἱ ὀφθαλμοί, καὶ ἔσεσθε ὡς θεοὶ ἐν τῷ γινώσκειν τί ἀγαθὸν καὶ τί πονηρόν.

And he says to me, “Do not fear; for when you eat, your eyes will be opened, and you will be as gods in knowing what is good and what is evil.

This parallels a present participle in Gen 3:5, which is probably hypothetical or epexegetical result or causal.

ἐπὶ τῷ + Infinitive

1. Cause (Reason)

Definition

The infinitive frequently provides the reason or basis for the action of the main verb. It answers the question, “Why?”

Translation Aids

The main clause occurs or is true “because of” or “on the basis of” the action or state of the infinitive.

Clarification

Clear Examples

Jewish:

Spec. 1.183 χαριστήρια μὲν ἀνάγεται τῷ θεῷ τῆς πεδιάδος ἐπὶ τῷ πλήρη τὸν καρπὸν ἐνηνοχέναι καὶ τὰ θέρη συγκομίζεσθαι

thank-offerings indeed are led up to God from the plain because of it bringing the full crop and the summer harvests being gathered

A.J. 1.55 ὁ Κάις παροξυνθεὶς ἐπὶ τῷ προτετιμῆσθαι τὸν Ἄβελον ὑπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ κτείνει τὸν ἀδελφὸν

Cain, being provoked because of Abel being honored by God, kills (his) brother

A.J. 2.55 καὶ καθῆστο μὲν κατηφὴς καὶ συγκεχυμένη τὴν ἐπὶ τῷ διαμαρτεῖν τῆς ἐπιθυμίας λύπην ὡς ἐπὶ πείρᾳ διαφθορᾶς πλασαμένη μετ᾽ ὀργῆς

and she sat indeed downcast and confounded, forming the grief with wrath because of failing to obtain desire, as an attempt of corruption

A.J. 4.3 τε συμφέρειν αὐτοῖς τὸ αὐτοκράτορσιν εἶναι καὶ μὴ χαίροντας ἐπὶ τῷ τῆς παρ᾽ Αἰγυπτίων ἐξελθεῖν ὕβρεως Μωυσῆν τύραννον ἀνέχεσθαι καὶ ζῆν πρὸς τὴν τούτου βούλησιν ἐξαπατωμένους

and being their own masters was beneficial to them and not rejoicing because of departing from the violence by the Egyptians

A.J. 5.58 Τοῦ δὲ τῶν Ἱεροσολυμιτῶν βασιλέως χαλεπῶς φέροντος ἐπὶ τῷ μετατάξασθαι πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν τοὺς Γαβαωνίτας

and while the king of Jerusalem bearing harshly because of the Gibeonites going over to Joshua

A.J. 6.242 ὃς ἐπὶ τῷ μόνον ἥκοντα ἰδεῖν καὶ μήτε φίλον σὺν αὐτῷ μήτ᾽ οἰκέτην παρόντα ἐθαύμασε

who marveled because of seeing (him) coming alone and neither friend nor servant being present with him

A.J. 7.94 μαθὼν ταῦτα παρὰ τοῦ προφήτου Δαυίδης καὶ περιχαρὴς γενόμενος ἐπὶ τῷ τοῖς ἐγγόνοις αὐτοῦ τὴν ἀρχὴν διαμένουσαν ἐγνωκέναι βεβαίως

after David learning these (things) from the prophet and becoming joyful because of knowing the reign remaining secure for his family

Greek:

Polyb. 1.41.1 περιχαρεῖς ἦσαν οὐχ οὕτως ἐπὶ τῷ τοὺς πολεμίους ἠλαττῶσθαι τῶν θηρίων ἐστερημένους, ὡς ἐπὶ τῷ τοὺς ἰδίους τεθαρρηκέναι τῶν ἐλεφάντων κεκρατηκότας.

They were not rejoicing thus because of the enemies being weakened, having lost the beasts, as because of themselves having become courageous, having seized the elephants.

Polyb. 5.56.4 ἐκείνῳ δὲ μεγάλην χάριν ἔχειν φήσαντος ἐπὶ τῷ κηδεμονικῶς τετολμηκέναι περὶ τούτων εἰπεῖν πρὸς αὐτόν

but to that one saying to have great joy because of having dared to speak to him carefully concerning these things

Diod. 4.34.1 Ἡρακλῆς δὲ μετὰ τὴν ἐν Φενεῷ κατοίκησιν ἔτει πέμπτῳ, δυσφορῶν ἐπὶ τῷ τετελευτηκέναι Οἰωνὸν τὸν Λικυμνίου καὶ Ἴφικλον τὸν ἀδελφόν

and Heracles in the fifth year after dwelling in Pheneus, being distressed because of Oenus (son) of Licymnius and Iphiclus the brother having died

P. Oxy. 3807.2.43 χαίρω μεγάλως ἐπὶ τῷ με μέλλειν κατα[πλ]εῦσαι

I rejoice greatly because of me being about to sail

Diatr. 2.17.5 ὅπου καὶ Πλάτωνι ἐγκαλεῖ ἐπὶ τῷ βούλεσθαι ἕκαστα ὁρίζεσθαι

who also accuses Plato because of desiring each to be divided

Diatr. 2.18.18 ἐπὶ τούτῳ καὶ μέγα φρονεῖν ἄξιον, οὐκ ἐπὶ τῷ τὸν Κυριεύοντα ἐρωτῆσαι.

And thinking (to be) great (is) worthy because of this, not because of asking the Master (problem).

Barn. 16:10 Ὁ γὰρ ποθῶν σωθῆναι βλέπει οὐκ εἰς τὸν ἄνθρωπον ἀλλ᾽ εἰς τὸν ἐν αὐτῷ κατοικοῦντα καὶ λαλοῦντα ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ ἐκπλησσόμενος ἐπὶ τῷ μηδέποτε μήτε τοῦ λέγοντος τὰ ῥήματα ἀκηκοέναι ἐκ τοῦ στόματος μήτε αὐτός ποτε ἐπιτεθυμηκέναι ἀκούειν.

For the one who desires to be saved looks not to the man but to the one living in him and speaking in him, being astonished because of never hearing (him) speaking words from the mouth nor himself ever desiring to hear.

Diogn. 10:7 τότε τοὺς κολαζομένους ἐπὶ τῷ μὴ θέλειν ἀρνήσασθαι θεὸν καὶ ἀγαπήσεις καὶ θαυμάσεις

Then you will love and honor those being punished because of not desiring to deny God.

Cf. Polyb. 2.41.5; Meg.; Amat. narr.; Diod.; Nat. d.; 1 Regn.; 2 Regn.; 3 Regn.; 4 Regn.; Lib. myth.; Tyr.; Ven.; Virt.; Isthm.; Serv.; Troj.; Dei cogn.; Exil.; 1 Serv. lib.; 2 Serv. lib.; Aegr.; Avar.; Dic. exercit.; Aud. aff.; Sec.; Pulchr.; De pace; Fel. sap.; Fel.; Gen.; Consult.; Compot.; 2 Melanc.; 1 Melanc.; Charid.; Rhod.; Alex.; 1 Tars.; 2 Tars.; Cel. Phrygg.; Borsyth.; Cor.; Nicom.; Nicaeen.; Conc. Apam.; Apam.; Dial.; Pol.; Grat.; Def.; Tumult.; Cont.; In cont.; Rec. mag.; Admin.; Diod.; Philoct. arc.; Hom.; Socr.; Hom. Socr.; Regn.; Nest.; Achill.; Philoct.; Ness.; Chrys.; Regn. tyr.; 1 Fort.; 2 Fort.; 3 Fort.; 1 Glor.; 2 Glor.; 3 Glor.; Virt.; De philosophia; De philosophio; Hab.; Fid.; Diffid.; De lege; Consuet.; Invid.; Divit.; Lib.; P. Oxy.; Diatr.; Ench.; Chaer.; Leuc. Clit.; 1 Clem.; 2 Clem.; Ign. Eph.; Ign. Magn.; Ign. Trall.; Ign. Rom.; Ign. Phld.; Ign. Smyrn.; Ign. Pol.; Pol. Phil.; Mart. Pol.; Did.; Barn.; Herm. Vis.; Herm. Mand.; Herm. Sim.; Diogn.; Fr. Pap.

2. Purpose

Definition

Infinitives commonly provide the purpose behind the main verb, and Winer comments that the infinitive of purpose is closely related to the complementary infinitive by the element of design (i.e., intention). Boyer likewise comments, “The most natural adverbial use of the infinitive, either articular or anarthrous, is to express the end or direction of an action, whether intentional (purpose) or consequential (result).” For this category, the infinitive not only completes the action but also offers the goal behind that action.

Translation Aids

Some key phrases that introduce purpose clauses are “in order that/to,” “so that,” or “on behalf of.”

Clarification

Votaw makes a distinction between “distinct and specific” and “modified and general” purpose clauses. I have chosen not to maintain this division for simplicity’s sake. In addition, some of this examples in their respective categories should be labeled differently (e.g., epexegetical). Similarly, Allen claims purpose infinitives can occur after adjectives, adverbs, nouns, verbs, or in free relation to the whole sentence. I would label these as epexegetical, leaving “Purpose” to describe infinitives which function on the clausal level.

As Wallace writes, “Technically, there are really two subgroups that share the idea of movement toward an end … Thus, one kind involves intention, the other mere direction (or sometimes even tendency).” In this project I have made respective categories to match this distinction. This category involves the former, in that the infinitive provides the goal or intended result of the main verb. “Directional Purpose” is another function which describes the direction or spatial goal toward which the subject strives.

The difference between purpose and result is not always clear, though the definitions intend on making them quite distinct. The difficulty comes in the incomplete knowledge of the reader and the ambiguity of the author. The goals of purpose infinitives are often met, which would meet the requirements of “Result.” However, the reader is left to discern the purpose of the author, whether he emphasizes the intent of the action or not. The following patterns were noticed throughout the literature to make this distinction more probable.

Clear Examples

Jewish:

Mos. 2.138 ταῦτ᾽ ἔδοξε τῷ τεχνίτῃ λαβόντι χωνεῦσαι καὶ μηδὲν ἀπ᾽ αὐτῶν ἕτερον ἢ τὸν λουτῆρα κατασκευάσασθαι, περιρραντηρίοις ὅπως οἱ μέλλοντες εἰς τὸν νεὼν εἰσιέναι ἱερεῖς ἐπὶ τῷ τὰς διατεταγμένας ὑπουργεῖν λειτουργίας χρῶνται

Casting metal and producing nothing from them except the laver seemed good to the craftsman receiving these things, so that the priests about to enter the temple for doing the commanded services might use the water vessels.

The clause could also modify χρῶνται. In either case, it is purpose, though the latter could be merely contemporaneous or even subsequent time.

Spec. 3.111 πῶς οὐχὶ μᾶλλον τοῦ τελειογονηθέντος καὶ ὥσπερ εἰς ἀποικίαν ἣν ἔλαχον ἄνθρωποι προπεμφθέντος ἐπὶ τῷ μεταλαχεῖν τῶν τῆς φύσεως δωρεῶν,

How not (is it necessary) more after having been born and sent forth, as it were into a colony which men obtained, for sharing the gifts of nature?

A.J. 2.86 ὁ μέντοι θεὸς οὐκ ἐπὶ τῷ λυπεῖν τὰ μέλλοντα τοῖς ἀνθρώποις προδείκνυσιν ἀλλ᾽ ὅπως προυγνωκότες κουφοτέρας συνέσει ποιῶνται τὰς πείρας τῶν κατηγγελμένων

Nevertheless, God does not make known what is about to happen to men beforehand for (the purpose of) weeping, but so that, because of knowing beforehand, they may with wisdom make the experiences of what has been proclaimed more light.

A.J. 3.69 αἰσθανόμενος οὖν τῆς ἀρετῆς φησί σαυτοῦ καὶ οἷος γέγονας ἐπὶ τῷ τὸν λαὸν ὑπουργῶν τῷ θεῷ σώζειν

He says, “Therefore, perceiving your own virtue and what you have become for saving the people by serving God,”

A.J. 4.237 τοῦ θεοῦ τὴν ἀφθονίαν τῶν ἀγαθῶν χορηγοῦντος οὐκ ἐπὶ τῷ καρποῦσθαι μόνοις ἀλλὰ καὶ τῷ τοῖς ἄλλοις μεταδιδόναι φιλοτίμως

since God supplies the abundance of good things not only for being enjoyed but also to share with others generously

A.J. 6.72 εἰ δ᾽ ἄπορα εἴη τὰ παρ᾽ ἐκείνων παραδώσειν αὑτοὺς ἔφασκον ἐπὶ τῷ παθεῖν ὅτι ἂν αὐτῷ δοκῇ

but if the (help) from them may be unmanageable, they said to hand themselves over for suffering whatever seemed (good) to him

Greek:

Polyb. 1.45.11 οἱ μὲν ἐπὶ τῷ τρέψασθαι τοὺς ἐπὶ τῶν ἔργων οἱ δ᾽ ἐπὶ τῷ μὴ προέσθαι ταῦτα, τηλικαύτην ἐποιοῦντο φιλοτιμίαν καὶ σπουδήν

The (ones) for turning (them) against works, and the (others) for not sending away these (things), were making great ambition and haste.

Diatr. Pref. 3 οὐχ ὁποῖα ἂν ἐπὶ τῷ ὕστερον ἐντυγχάνειν τινὰς αὐτοῖς συγγράφοι

not as such he might write for some meeting them later

Diatr. 3.9.6 καὶ ὡς νῦν εἰς Ῥώμην πλεῖς ἐπὶ τῷ προστάτης εἶναι Κνωσίων

and as now you sail for Rome for being leader of (those of) Cnossos

3. Conditional/Stipulation

Definition

The infinitive offers a condition which must be met for the action of the main verb to occur. Otherwise, the main verb cannot or will not happen.

Translation Aids

One should insert “on condition that” or “if” before the infinitive.

Clarification

These infinitives are equivalent to a third class condition and would probably contain a future more probable idea.

Clear Examples

Jewish:

A.J. 2.253 προσδεξαμένου δὲ τὸν λόγον ἐπὶ τῷ παραδοῦναι τὴν πόλιν

and receiving the word on the basis of (her) handing over the city

The Ethiopian princess had not handed over the city, but she made an offer to Moses which he accepted on this condition.

A.J. 4.171 καὶ Μωυσῆς … συνεχώρει τὴν Ἀμορρῖτιν αὐτοῖς ἐπὶ τῷ συμμαχῆσαι τοῖς συγγενέσιν ἕως ἂν καταστήσωνται τὰ πάντα

And Moses … conceded the Amorite territory to them on condition of (them) helping the countrymen in war until all things were established.

Greek:

P. Oxy. 68.20–26 καὶ τὴν Εὐβουλίαν … πεπρακείναι … Διονυσίῳ ὑπάρχοντα τοῦ Σαραπίωνος ἀργυρίου ταλάντων ἕξ καὶ πρὸς ἐπὶ τῷ αὐτὸν ἀποδο[ῦ]ναι τοῖς τοῦ Σαραπίωνος δανισταῖς τὰ ὑπὸ αὐτοῦ ὀφειλόμενα

and Eubulia having sold … to Dionysius (things) belonging to Sarapion for six talents of silver and “with the further stipulation” that he repay Sarapion’s creditors the debts owed by him

P. Oxy. 4533.3–7 ἐὰν δ’ ἐπὶ τῇ δε τῇ διαθήκῃ [τελευτήσω καταλείπω κληρονόμους] … ἐπὶ τῷ τοὺς διαδεξαμένους τὰ ἡμέτερα δοῦναι μεθ’ ἐνιαυ[τὸν ἕνα τῆς τελευτῆς μου]

but if I die with this will, I leave heirs … on condition that those receiving our things give within one year of my death

4. Reference/Epexegetical

Definition

Translation Aids

A number of translations can represent these infinitives accurately, including “with reference to,” “regarding,” or “about.”

Clarification

I have combined both substantives and verbs under this heading. Should I split them?

Clear Examples

Jewish:

A.J. 1.249 καὶ προκομίσας ὁρμίσκον τε καί τινας κόσμους οὓς εὐπρεπὲς φορεῖν παρθένοις ἀνεδίδου τῇ κόρῃ τῆς ἐπὶ τῷ πιεῖν χάριτος ἀμοιβὴν εἶναι καὶ γέρας

and producing a necklace and also some ornaments which were proper for virgins to wear, he was giving (them) to the girl to be repayment and a gift for the favor for giving drink

I’m still not sold on this example, but it does interrupt a noun phrase, so it probably modifies it in some way. It describes the favor the girl did.

Greek:

3 Regn. (3) 137 ὁμοίως δὲ ἀφῃροῦντο τὴν ἐπὶ τῷ εὑρεῖν τε χαρὰν καὶ τὴν ἐπὶ τῷ φθάσαι σπουδὴν καὶ τὴν ἐπὶ τῷ συμβῆναι ἀγωνίαν.

And likewise they were deprived of the joy with reference to finding (the game) and the eagerness with reference to outrunning and the struggle with reference to meeting (it).

Jewish:

Mos. 1.167 ἐπὶ δὲ τῷ μεθέσθαι μετανοῶν ἐπεχείρει διώκειν

and repenting for letting (them) go, he was attempting to pursue (them)

A.J. 10.123 has a similar collocation with εν τῳ, but this preposition does not typically have a “reference” category. Cause may be best for both examples.

πρὸς τῷ + Infinitive

1. Periphrastic/“Engaged With”

Definition

The infinitival construction combines with the main verb to form a single verbal idea. The new form becomes “a round-about way of saying what could be expressed by a single verb.” However, with various structures the emphasis seems to be slightly distinct.

Translation Aids

Sometimes the verb and infinitive combine in a periphrastic construction (e.g., “he was asking”). However, many of the following examples have a more specific nuance implied, including the subject’s being “intent, determined, or focused” on performing the action of the infinitive.

Clarification

I have not divided the following examples based on the slight distinctions involved. Rather, the reader should simply note the close connection between the verb and infinitive, understanding that often there is an element of determination or focus. In all cases, the main verb is equative (e.g., εἰμί, γίνομαι). Votaw states, “With the dative πρός denotes contiguity of time or circumstance.” This allows for the Jewish examples to speak of proximity of occurrence. Yet, the Greek examples lack such a notion, and the two Jewish texts can be understood without the temporal aspect.

Clear Examples

LXX (translated):

*Exod 1:16 καὶ εἶπεν ὅταν μαιοῦσθε τὰς Εβραίας καὶ ὦσιν πρὸς τῷ τίκτειν ἐὰν μὲν ἄρσεν ᾖ ἀποκτείνατε αὐτό

And he said, Whenever you deliver the Hebrews and they are giving birth, if indeed it is a male, kill it.

Votaw says these are contiguous (practically simultaneous) events.

Cf. Gen; Exod; Lev; Num; Deut; Josh; Ps; Hos; Amos; Mic; Joel; Obad; Jonah; Nah; Hab; Zeph; Hag; Zech; Mal; Isa .

Jewish:

A.J. 3.58 πρός τε τῷ πονεῖν ἦσαν ἀεὶ τούτῳ πάντα ληπτὰ νομίζοντες εἶναι

And they were bent on/engaged in working hard, considering all things to be apprehended by this.

A.J. 5.72 καὶ γὰρ ἐπ᾽ ὀλέθρῳ τῷ ἑαυτῶν οἱ Χαναναῖοι μαθόντες τοὺς Ἰσραηλίτας ποιησαμένους τὴν ἔξοδον τὴν ἀπ᾽ Αἰγύπτου πρὸς τῷ τὰς πόλεις καρτερὰς ποιεῖν ἐκεῖνον ἅπαντ᾽ ἦσαν τὸν χρόνον.

For even the Canaanites, learning the Israelites made an exit from Egypt for their own destruction, were bent on/engaged in making cities strong all that time.

Greek:

Polyb. 2.32.11 πράξαντες δὲ ταῦτα πρὸς τῷ διακινδυνεύειν ἦσαν.

And doing these (things) they were to taking risk.

There is an element of determination or preparation.

Polyb. 3.94.10 ἔτι λέγοντος αὐτοῦ ταῦτα πρὸς τῷ παραβάλλεσθαι καὶ τῷ διακινδυνεύειν ὅλος καὶ πᾶς ἦν

(Marcus), while him still speaking these (things), was wholly and entirely to throwing away and taking risk.

Again, the context suggests determination.

Polyb. 3.98.4 πεισθεὶς γὰρ διότι δύναται μέγας γενέσθαι παρὰ Ῥωμαίοις … ἐγίνετο πρὸς τῷ παρασπονδήσας τοὺς Καρχηδονίους ἐγχειρίσαι τοὺς ὁμήρους τοῖς Ῥωμαίοις.

For being persuaded because he is able to be great among the Romans … he became to entrusting the pledges to the Romans, (after) breaking treaty with Carthaginians.

This is not so much determination as periphrastic or resolving. “He decided.”

Polyb. 3.103.7 θεωρῶν δὲ τὸν Μάρκον … ὄντα πρὸς τῷ διακινδυνεύειν

and seeing Marcus … being to running risks

This does have the idea of focused on or determination.

*Polyb. 4.81.3 ἐγίνετο πρὸς τῷ συντελεῖν τὴν ἐπίνοιαν.

He became to completing the purpose.

*Polyb. 5.79.1 ἑτοίμας ἔχοντες τὰς παρασκευὰς ἐγίνοντο πρὸς τῷ διὰ μάχης κρίνειν τὴν ἔφοδον.

Having prepared provisions, they became to deciding the access through battle.

2. Addition

Definition

The infinitival clause provides a primary, basic action to which the main clause adds a secondary or accompanying action.

Translation Aids

The two translation helps to insert for this function are “in addition to” or “besides.”

Clarification

One distinction to make is between Exception and Addition infinitives. The two pragmatic categories would appear to be polar opposites to one another, but this is only the case when the independent clause is positive. When the main clause is negated, the two functions mean the same thing.

a. “They did not accomplish anything except for resisting.”

b. “They did not accomplish anything in addition to resisting.”

In both cases, the subjects were only able to resist.

c. “They accomplished everything except for conquering.”

They were close to meeting their goal, but they did not quite make it.

d. “They accomplished everything in addition to conquering.”

Conquering was easy, but they also did other things.

For this project, I have labeled all negative clauses as exception, reserving the term “Addition” for positive statements that are distinct from exceptions.

Clear Examples

Jewish:

Ios. 1.210 τὰ δ᾽ ἀποβάντα αἰσίων τελειότερα εὐχῶν· τὸ πρὸς τῷ μὴ συκοφαντηθῆναι τραπέζης καὶ ἁλῶν, ἃ σύμβολα γνησίου φιλίας ἀνθρώποις ἀνεύρηται, μεταλαχεῖν, τὸ κομίσασθαι τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἀνύβριστον,

but that which occurred (was) more perfect than opportune prayers: sharing the table and floor in addition to not being defrauded, which are found (as) symbols of honest friendship among men, receiving (their) brother without injury,

*Mos. 2.198 ὁ δὲ δὴ πρὸς τῷ μὴ σέβειν καὶ κακηγορεῖν τολμῶν τίνα μοχθηρίας ὑπερβολὴν ἀπολέλοιπε;

And in addition to not worshipping and daring to slander, what abundance of hardship has he neglected?

Spec. 3.90 ἄτοπον δὲ ἑνὸς ἕνεκα πολλοὺς καὶ τοῦ παρανομωτάτου τοὺς παρανομηθέντας ἐξελαύνεσθαι, οἳ πρὸς τῷ μηδὲν ἁμαρτεῖν ἔτι καὶ πένθος πρόωρον ἀνεδέξαντο.

But many who have been wronged being excluded (from the temple) on account of one (man), even the most lawless one, (is) strange, who in addition to committing no sin also even received untimely sorrow.

A.J. 4.61 τὸν δὲ τοιούτων ἀνδρῶν ὀλέθρῳ καὶ πάντων ἀρίστων ἐζημιωκότα τὸν λαὸν πρὸς τῷ μηδεμίαν ὑποσχεῖν δίκην ἔτι καὶ τὴν ἱερωσύνην ἀναμφίλεκτον τἀδελφῷ παρασχεῖν

and the one damaging the people with destruction of such men and best of all

still also offering the priesthood to (his) brother firmly in addition to receiving no judgment

A.J. 10.7 ὅτι ἀνόητός ἐστι καὶ ὅμοιος ἀνθρώπῳ ὃς καλάμῳ ἐπερειδόμενος τεθλασμένῳ πρὸς τῷ καταπεσεῖν ἔτι καὶ τὴν χεῖρα διαπαρεὶς ᾔσθετο τῆς βλάβης

that he is foolish and like a man who is leaning on a crushed reed; in addition to falling still also he “suffers” harm, piercing (his) hand

Greek:

Serv. (10) 19 ἢ ἐπιχειρῶν οὐκ ἂν εἴη καταγέλαστος πρὸς τῷ μηδέν ἐργάζεσθαι καὶ τὴν κιθάραν διαφθείρων καὶ ἀπορρηγνὺς τοὺς φθόγγους;

Or by attempting would he not be ridiculous, in addition to performing nothing and ruining the lyre and breaking the strings?

3 Fort. (65) 3 τὸ γὰρ ἐκ τῶν νομιζομένων ἀγαθῶν μηδενὸς χρηστοῦ, βλασφημίας δὲ καὶ μίσους ἀπολαύειν πρὸς τῷ τὴν αὑτοῦ κακίαν γνωριμωτέραν πᾶσι ποιεῖν, πῶς οὐχὶ μεγάλη καὶ φανερὰ δυστυχία;

For how is enjoying nothing useful of the (things) considered good, but slander and hatred, in addition to making his evil more known to all, not a great and visible misfortune?

Diatr. 3.24.12 ὁ δ᾽ ἄνθρωπος πρὸς τῷ φύσει μεγαλόφρων εἶναι καὶ πάντων τῶν ἀπροαιρέτων καταφρονητικὸς ἔτι κἀκεῖνο ἔσχηκε τὸ μὴ ἐρριζῶσθαι μηδὲ προσπεφυκέναι τῇ γῇ

And man, in addition to being generous by nature and despising of everything without purpose, that (one) further has this: neither having been rooted nor having grown in the land.

3. Purpose

Definition

Translation Aids

Some key phrases that introduce purpose clauses are “in order that/to,” “so that,” or “on behalf of.”

Clarification

Clear Examples

Jewish:

*A.J. 8.160 καὶ πρὸς τὸ θητεύειν αὐτῷ καὶ τὰς οἰκετικὰς χρείας ἐκτελεῖν καὶ πρὸς γεωργίαν κατ᾽ ἔτος ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐπελέγετο

And he chose from them each year for serving him and accomplishing the household needs and for farming.

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Prepositions with Dative Infinitives (Extrabiblical)

Dative Object

ἐν τῷ + Infinitive

ἐπὶ τῷ + Infinitive

πρὸς τῷ + Infinitive

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