Subjunctive
The meaning of the subjunctive mood varies according to its context.- Hortatory: The subjunctive without ἄν is used in exhortations. The negative is μή Smyth 1797-1799 “ἄγε σκοπῶμεν” Xen. Cyrop. 5.5.15; come let us consider
- Prohibitive: The second or third person aorist subjunctive without ἄν is used in prohibitions. The negative is μή. Smyth 1800 “μηδὲν ἀθυμήσητε” Xen. Anab. 5.4.19; do not lose heart
- Deliberative: The first person subjunctive is used when a speaker questions what she or he should do. The negative is μή. Smyth 1805-1808 “τί δράσω; ποῖ φύγω;” Eur. Med. 1271; what am I to do? whither shall I fly?
- Hesitating Assertion: The subjunctive with μή can express a doubtful assertion. With μή οὐ it expresses a doubtful denial. Smyth 1801-1804 “μὴ ἀγροικότερον ᾖ τὸ ἀληθὲς εἰπεῖν” Plat. Gorg. 462e; I suspect it's too rude to tell the truth
- In Purpose or Final Clauses: The subjunctive can be used in purpose clauses following verbs in primary sequence. Smyth 2193-2196 “κατάμενε ἵνα καὶ περὶ σοῦ βουλευσώμεθα” Xen. Anab. 6.6.28; remain behind that we may consider your case also
- In Object Clauses of Effort: The subjunctive can occasionally be used in object clauses introduced by ὅπως or ὅπως μή following verbs that signify effort. Smyth 2214 “ἔπρασσεν . . . ὅπως πόλεμος γένηται” Thuc. 1.57; he tried to bring it about that war should be occasioned
- In Fear Clauses: The subjunctive is used in object clauses introduced by μή following verbs in primary sequence that signify fear. Smyth 2225-2232 “δέδοικα μὴ . . . ἐπιλαθώμεθα τῆς οἴκαδε ὁδοῦ” Xen. Anab. 3.2.25; I am afraid lest we may forget the way home
- In Temporal Clauses: The subjunctive is used with ἄν in temporal clauses referring to the future, corresponding in sense to the future more vivid condition. The negative is μή. Smyth 2401-2403 “ἐπειδὰν ἅπαντ᾽ ἀκούσητε, κρίνατε” Dem. 4.14; when you have heard everything, decide
- Present General Conditions: The subjunctive with ἐάν stands in the protasis of present general conditions. The present indicative stands in the apodosis Smyth 2297 “ἀδικοῦντα, ἢν λάβῃς, κολάζεις;” Xen. Cyrop. 3.1.11; Do you punish a wrong-doer if you catch him?
- Future More Vivid Conditions: The subjunctive with ἐάν stands in the protasis of future more vivid conditions. The future indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2323-2327 “τί ἔσται τοῖς στρατιώταις, ἐὰν αὐτῷ ταῦτα χαρίσωνται” Xen. Anab. 2.1.10; What will the soldiers have, if they oblige him in this?