The Perfect Tense-Form and the Son of Man in John 3.13: Developments in Greek Grammar as a Viable Solution to the Timing of the Ascent and Descent

Pierce, Madison N.; Reynolds, Benjamin E.

Abstract

The perfect tense-form verb ἀναβέβηκεν in John 3.13 is usually interpreted in light of traditional verb theory, as a ‘past action with present results’. This interpretation introduces an apparent problematic chronology in that the Son of Man ascends before descending; however, recent developments in Greek grammar, particularly verbal aspect theory, provide a viable solution to this grammatical ‘problem’ and indicate that the Son of Man's descent precedes his ascent.

Citation

Pierce, M. N., & Reynolds, B. E. (2014). The Perfect Tense-Form and the Son of Man in John 3.13: Developments in Greek Grammar as a Viable Solution to the Timing of the Ascent and Descent. New Testament Studies, 60(1), 149-155. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0028688513000301

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2014
• Deposit Date: Apr 22, 2014
• Journal: New Testament Studies
• Print ISSN: 0028-6885
• Electronic ISSN: 1469-8145
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 60
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 149-155
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/s0028688513000301
• Keywords: Gospel of John, Verbal aspect theory, Greek grammar, Son of Man, Ascent, Perfect tense.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1434829