Weeks 5–6: The Present Tense and the Indicative Mood

Introduction

You have already learned that verbs are made up of stems (the core meaning) and endings (which show person and number). Now we are ready to focus on two important features of Greek verbs: tense and mood.

In this lesson, we will study the present tense and the indicative mood—the most common verb form you will encounter in the New Testament.

Step 1: What Is Tense in Greek?

In English, tense usually refers to time (present, past, future). But in Greek, tense communicates both time and aspect.

• Time: When the action happens (present, past, future).

• Aspect: How the action is viewed (continuous, completed, simple).

In the present tense, the action is ongoing, continuous, or repeated.

Example:

• λυω (luō) = “I loosen” or “I am loosening.”

👉 The present tense emphasizes the continuous nature of the action.

Step 2: What Is Mood?

The mood of a verb expresses how the action relates to reality.

• Indicative: States facts (real actions).

• Imperative: Gives commands.

• Subjunctive: Expresses possibility.

• Optative: Expresses wish (rare in NT).

For now, we are focusing on the indicative mood—the mood of reality. When you see a verb in the present indicative, it tells you about something that is actually happening.

Step 3: Present Active Indicative Paradigm

Let’s review λυω (luō, “I loosen”):

👉 Notice how one word in Greek communicates the subject + action.

Step 4: Examples in Context

1. John 11:35

• κλαιει ὁ Ἰησοῦς (klaiei ho Iēsous) → “Jesus weeps.”

  • κλαιει = “he weeps” (present active indicative, 3rd singular).

2. John 14:6

• ἐγω εἰμι ἡ ὁδός (egō eimi hē hodos) → “I am the way.”

  • εἰμι = “I am” (present active indicative, 1st singular).

3. John 3:16

• ἀγαπᾷ ὁ θεὸς τὸν κόσμον (agapā ho theos ton kosmon) → “God loves the world.”

  • ἀγαπᾷ = “he loves” (present active indicative, 3rd singular).

Step 5: Summary of Meaning

• Present tense = continuous action (I am doing).

• Indicative mood = real action, a statement of fact.

• Together → Present Active Indicative = a real, ongoing action.

Practice Assignments

1. Paradigm Practice
Conjugate each of the following verbs in the present active indicative (all six forms, with English translation):

• γραφω (graphō, “to write”)

• βλεπω (blepō, “to see”)

• πιστευω (pisteuō, “to believe”)

2. Translation Drill
Translate the following sentences:

1. ὁ μαθητης γραφει.

2. οἱ ἀνθρωποι βλεπουσιν τὸν κυριον.

3. πιστευετε τῷ θεῷ.

3. Stem and Ending Identification
Break down each verb into stem + ending:

• λυομεν

• γραφεις

• πιστευουσιν

4. Daily Review

• Spend 10 minutes daily reciting the present active indicative endings.

• Practice reading simple NT verses that contain present indicative verbs.

Encouragement

The present active indicative is the foundation of Greek verbs. Once you can confidently recognize and translate these forms, the rest of the verb system will build on what you already know.

At first, it may feel like a lot to memorize. But remember: every time you write, say, and recognize these forms, you’re training your brain to see patterns. Soon, the endings will “jump out” at you when reading Scripture.

You are now stepping into the heart of Greek verbs—the place where real translation begins. Keep practicing daily, and you will be amazed at how quickly your reading ability grows.