Jeffrey A. Rydberg-Cox, Overview of Greek Syntax, Verbs: Voice

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Verbs: Voice

Active Voice

The active voice denotes that the subject is the agent of an action.

Transitive: A transitive verb expresses an immediate impact on its object. The object is defined the accusative. Smyth 1705-1706
Intransitive: An intransitive verb has an indirect impact on an object. The object can be 1) the subject, 2) defined by an oblique case, or 3) defined by a prepositional phrase. Smyth 1707-1710

Middle Voice

The middle voice denotes that the subject is both an agent of an action and somehow concerned with the action.

Direct Reflexive: A direct reflexive middle denotes the idea of self as a direct object. Smyth 1717-1718
“δείσας μή ἐφ᾽ ἁρπαγὴν τράποιτο τὸ στράτευμα” Xen. Anab. 7.1.18; Fearing lest the army might betake itself to plunder.
Indirect Reflexive: An indirect reflexive middle denotes the idea of self as an indirect object. Smyth 1719-1722
“μένειν τε αὐτὸν ἐκέλευε καὶ σύνδειπνον ἐποιήσατο” Xen. Anab. 2.5.27; He invited him to remain and made him his guest.

Passive Voice

The passive voice denotes that the subject is acted upon.

Overview of Greek Syntax. Jeffrey A. Rydberg-Cox. 2000. Text created electronically.

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Jeffrey A. Rydberg-Cox, Overview of Greek Syntax