Verse in Greek
Τότε ἀφίησιν αὐτὸν ὁ διάβολος, καὶ ἰδοὺ ἄγγελοι προσῆλθον καὶ διηκόνουν αὐτῷ.
Focus Topic: Dramatic Present and Historical Narrative Tense Shifts
This verse contains a stylistic mixture of verb tenses — the historical present and the aorist — that heightens the drama and underscores the transition from temptation to divine comfort. We also observe the imperfect tense describing continued action.
Historical Present: ἀφίησιν
ἀφίησιν is present active indicative, 3rd person singular, from ἀφίημι (“he leaves, releases”). Though the action is past, the present tense is used here to create vividness, a common technique in narrative Greek known as the historical present.
| Greek Word | Tense | Voice | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| ἀφίησιν | Present (Historical) | Active | “he leaves him” — vivid narrative marker |
Aorist Verbs: προσῆλθον
προσῆλθον is aorist active indicative, 3rd person plural, from προσέρχομαι (“they came to”). The aorist summarizes the completed action of the angels drawing near after the temptation concludes.
Imperfect Verb: διηκόνουν
διηκόνουν is imperfect active indicative, 3rd person plural, from διακονέω (“they were serving, ministering”). The imperfect tense denotes continuous or repeated past action, implying that the angels ministered to him repeatedly or over some duration.
Stylistic Note: ἰδοὺ
ἰδοὺ is a particle meaning “behold!” or “look!” It introduces something remarkable or important and adds narrative drama. It often marks divine or unexpected intervention.
Key Observations
- ἀφίησιν (historical present) adds immediacy and vividness to the moment the accuser departs.
- προσῆλθον (aorist) presents the arrival of the angels as a completed event.
- διηκόνουν (imperfect) emphasizes ongoing ministering, conveying care and divine restoration.
- The switch in tenses heightens contrast: temptation ends abruptly, but divine service continues gently and duratively.
Grammatical-Narrative Impact
The alternation of present, aorist, and imperfect tenses constructs a vivid narrative arc. The immediate release by the accuser (historical present), the decisive arrival of heavenly agents (aorist), and the gentle, extended service of the angels (imperfect) reflect a theological and literary climax — divine approval and comfort following faithful endurance.
