The Verb Form of the Imperatival Construction “δότε αὐτῷ δόξαν” in Revelation 14:7: A Verbal Aspect Theory and Systemic-Functional Linguistic Approach

Abstract

The study presents an examination of the semantic value in the verb form within the imperatival construction “δότε αὐτῷ δόξαν” in Revelation 14:7, employing Verbal Aspect Theory and a Systemic Functional Linguistic approach. Traditional grammatical methodologies that attribute temporal and aktionsart values to the Greek verb forms, leading to temporal interpretations of the aorist imperative in question are scrutinised. One perspective suggests an ingressive notion, applying the phrase to non-believers undergoing repentance to begin giving glory to God. Others propose an eschatological meaning of the imperatival construction where individuals will be compelled to glorify God post-probation. While some viewpoints interpret giving glory to God as a lifestyle, they base their arguments on theological ideas and lack linguistic evidence. The study contends that contemporary understanding emphasising the depiction of aspect as the semantic value in Greek verb forms aligns more cohesively with the text. Time and aktionsart are pragmatic implicatures within verb tenses, and are determined by contextual factors rather than a fixed grammatical feature of Greek verb forms. A careful analysis, integrating verbal aspect and systemic functional examination through the three metafunctions of language, reveals the semantic value of the verb form in “δότε αὐτῷ δόξαν” as perfective, portraying the action as complete. This imperative is a volitional directive, conveying a strong command summarising God’s eternal intentions toward His creation. This is the semantic value of the aorist imperative, as depicted by the ideational metafunction. At the pragmatic level, contextual analysis through the interpersonal and textual metafunctions underscores a gnomic aktionsart, characterising the action as urgent, perpetually true, timeless, and universally relevant. Consequently, glorifying God is positioned as an experiential lifestyle encompassing physical, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions across present and eternal realms rather than a past occurrence or a future eschatological event.