Translation of Participles in Context

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PERIPHRASTIC (SUPPLEMENTARY)

When circumstantial does not quite make sense:

• With a form of ἐιμί as the main verb:

  • "... is/was/are/will be PTCP"
    ἦν διδάσκων >> he was teaching
     

• With a form of ἐιμί as the main verb and with participle in Perfect :

  • If ἐιμί is in Present tense, translate as if the verb/PTCP combination were simply a Perfect:
    ἔστιν γεγραμμένον >> it has been written or it is written

  • If ἐιμί is in Imperfect tense, translate as if the verb/PTCP combination were simply a Pluperfect:
    ἀπεσταλμένοι ἦσαν >> they had been sent

  • If ἐιμί is in Future tense, translate as if the verb/PTCP combination were simply a Future Perfect:
    Ἐγὼ ἔσομαι πεποιθὼς  >> I shall have believed
     

• With the main verb being one of perception (hearing, seeing, thinking, ...):

  • Indirect Discourse
    ἀκούομεν γάρ τινας περιπατοῦντας ...   >> For we hear that some of you are walking...