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Noun · Grammar concept
Noun: Special uses of the Dative
Special uses of the Dative is a noun topic in Koine (biblical) Greek. This page gathers its forms, paradigms, and function, drawn from the lessons of Reading Greek Deeply.
SyntaxNoun – Special uses of the dative
As we have seen, datives can introduce recipients and instruments (3.1.4.2), individuals affected by the event in some way (11.3.3.2), specific time periods in which an event takes place (30.1.3.2), and individuals who have a particular perspective on the eventuality (46.1.3.2). To these uses, the following may be added:
- (617) Possession
- ὄνομα αὐτῷ Ἰωάννης (John 1:6)
- His name was John
| Use | (Non-)core | Syntax-semantic characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer of possession | Core | Change of possession verbs (or implied) |
| Possession | Core | Stative possession verbs |
| Temporal | Core | Event in a certain interval |
| Instrument (including causers and agents) | Core | Normally agentive events |
| Use | (Non-)core | Syntax-semantic characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Manner | Core | Eventive verbs, dative refers to quality |
| Argument | Core | Verb requires an argument that is not affected by the eventuality |
| Affective | Non-core | Event (not state), usually found first or last in clause |
| Perspectival | Non-core | State (not event), usually found first or last in clause |
fromLesson 51.1
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New Testament text shown on hover: Greek from the SBLGNT, © 2010 Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software, CC BY 4.0; English from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain).