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An Exegetical Analysis of Hebrews 13:23: The Use of the Present Tense Verb ἔρχηται
This exegetical study of An Exegetical Analysis of Hebrews 13:23: The Use of the Present Tense Verb *erchetai* is based on a b-greek discussion from Sun Oct 31 08:39:16 1999. The initial query focused on the usage of the verb ἔρχηται (present subjunctive) in Hebrews 13:23, questioning why it is employed in the present rather than the aorist tense within the context of a future-oriented conditional clause.
The central exegetical issue in Hebrews 13:23 concerns the precise semantic and temporal implications of the present subjunctive verb ἔρχηται in a conditional clause that anticipates a future event. Specifically, scholars grapple with whether its present form conveys an aspectual nuance, such as ongoing process or immediate imminence, or if it functions primarily as a ‘default’ tense, denoting future action without emphasizing a particular aspect. This is particularly relevant when it is paired with the future indicative ὄψομαι in the main clause. Understanding this usage is crucial for accurately translating the passage and grasping the author’s intent regarding Timothy’s anticipated arrival and the author’s subsequent meeting with the recipients.
Γνωρίζετε τὸν ἀδελφὸν Τιμόθεον ἀπολελυμένον, μεθ’ οὗ ἐὰν τάχιον ἔρχηται, ὄψομαι ὑμᾶς.
(Nestle 1904)
- Key differences with SBLGNT (2010): No substantive differences observed for Hebrews 13:23. The text is identical.
Textual Criticism (NA28): The critical apparatus of the NA28 does not indicate any significant variants for ἔρχηται or τάχιον in Hebrews 13:23. The textual tradition is remarkably consistent for this phrase.
Lexical Notes:
- ἔρχομαι (BDAG: “to come, go”). In a conditional clause introduced by ἐὰν and featuring a present subjunctive, ἔρχηται typically signifies a future condition, emphasizing the *fact* of coming or the *process* of coming, rather than an instantaneous arrival. Its aspect here is imperfective, denoting action in progress or simple occurrence without specifying completion. In some contexts, particularly with adverbs like τάχιον, it can suggest the immediacy or rapidity of the expected event. KITTEL (TDNT) emphasizes the dynamic nature of ἔρχομαι, often signifying an active, purposeful movement. While not specifically addressing the present vs. aorist subjunctive, the underlying sense of an intentional and developing arrival aligns with an imperfective aspect.
- τάχιον (BDAG: comparative adverb of ταχύς, meaning “more quickly, sooner, more speedily”). This adverb intensifies the sense of arrival, implying an expedited or earlier-than-expected advent. It modifies the verb ἔρχηται, stressing the swiftness of Timothy’s potential journey.
Translation Variants: Grammatical & Rhetorical Analysis
The clause ἐὰν τάχιον ἔρχηται exemplifies a “future more vivid” conditional construction, where ἐὰν (if) + present subjunctive (ἔρχηται) in the protasis is paired with a future indicative (ὄψομαι) in the apodosis. This construction indicates a condition that is regarded as genuinely possible and likely to occur, with a definite future consequence. The primary question here revolves around the aspectual nuance of the present subjunctive ἔρχηται.
Carl Conrad’s observation that the present tense may function as a “default” when the speaker is “not concerned to sharpen the focus more definitely on the kind of action envisioned by the ‘tense’ chosen” is pertinent. In this view, ἔρχηται simply denotes future action without specific emphasis on its duration or completion. However, he also suggests that ἔρχηται *could* indicate process (“he is on his way”), especially when combined with τάχιον, implying “at a relatively fast clip” or “travelling with all deliberate speed.” This second interpretation highlights the imperfective aspect of the present tense, focusing on the *manner* or *progression* of Timothy’s journey.
Rhetorically, the author’s choice of the present subjunctive with τάχιον creates a sense of eager anticipation. It suggests that Timothy’s return is not merely a possibility but a desired and potentially swift event, upon which the author’s reunion with the recipients depends. This imbues the conditional statement with a dynamic quality, making the author’s seeing them contingent upon an active, possibly imminent, “coming” by Timothy.
Conclusions and Translation Suggestions
The present subjunctive ἔρχηται in Hebrews 13:23, within the “future more vivid” conditional clause, likely carries a dual nuance: expressing a probable future event and, potentially, emphasizing the progressive or imminent nature of Timothy’s arrival, especially when modified by τάχιον. The author anticipates Timothy’s return and their subsequent reunion with the community.
- “You know that our brother Timothy has been set free. With him, if he comes quickly, I will see you.”
This translation emphasizes the condition of his arrival and the swiftness, treating ἔρχηται as a straightforward future occurrence. - “You know that our brother Timothy has been set free. With him, if he is on his way soon, I will see you.”
This rendering highlights the progressive aspect implied by the present tense, suggesting Timothy’s journey is underway or imminent, and accelerated by τάχιον. - “You know that our brother Timothy has been set free. With him, if he makes a speedy arrival, I will see you.”
This option combines the idea of a quick journey with the act of arrival, capturing both the swiftness and the anticipated completion of his coming.
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