What is the aorist subjunctive tense in layman's terms?
1 Answer
It is an action without history or continuation. A "pure form". A definite outcome that will happen as a result of another stated action.
Explanation:
Definition: a verb tense, as in Classical Greek, expressing action or, in the indicative mood, past action, without further limitation or implication.
http://www.dictionary.com/browse/aorist
However if the subjunctive mood is used in a purpose or result clause, then the action should not be thought of as a possible result, but should be viewed as a definite outcome that will happen as a result of another stated action.
http://ntgreek.org/learn_nt_greek/verbs1.htm
Linguistically, it just means that the verb form is "unmarked" - sort of like the "infinitive" of any verb today.
An English example might be "I go". A definite action in the present. Compared to the modified forms for past, "I went" or the future "I will go", it just is .
It is primarily a concern of ancient Greek translations (although it is in other old languages too).
http://ntgreek.org/learn_nt_greek/verbs1.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aorist
and http://ntgreek.org/pdf/subjunctive_uses.pdf
Sometimes we can get too "tricky" in writing. A large vocabulary and finesse with the grammar can be impressive and do add certain value for those who also understand those nuances.
But, for a great deal of writing, clarity may be preferred over minutiae.
