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[*] 446. The English, especially the colloquial language, seldom expresses the distinction between this form of the future condition and the present condition (402). Thus modern custom allows us to use the inexact expression if he wishes, not merely for εἰ βούλεται, if he now wishes, but also for ἐὰν βούληται, if he shall wish. The sense, however, generally makes the distinction in time clear. It is worth noting that the Authorised Version of the English New Testament never uses forms like if he does, if he is, in either future or present conditions, even when the Greek has the present indicative with εἰ; but it has either the subjunctive or the future indicative in future conditions, and the subjunctive in present conditions. The Revised Version, on the other hand, admits the present indicative (as if he is) in present conditions, but not consistently. See LUC. xxiii. 35, εἰ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ Χριστός, V. A. if he be Christ, R. V. if this is the Christ; but in MATTH. vi. 23, εἰ οὖν τὸ φῶς τὸ ἐν σοὶ σκότος ἐστίν, both versions have if therefore the light that is in thee be darkness. See also Cor. ii. v. 17.
Macmillan. London, Melbourne, Toronto. 1889. reprint edition:. St. Martin's Press. New York. 1965.
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