The following imperatives are the most frequently encountered in Greek. As you read this section, it may be helpful to download and consult the "Common Imperatives" handout available under the "Printables" section to the right.
In the 2nd PERSON PLURAL of both the PRESENT and AORIST, the IMPERATIVE uses the same personal endings as the INDICATIVE:
- –τε (active)
- –σθε (middle)
The use of the vocative is common, though not necessary, when using the imperative mood:
- λύετε, ἄνδρες Ἀθηναῖοι, τοὺς ἵππους.
- Men of Athens, release the horses!
- λύεσθε, ἄνδρες Ἀθηναῖοι, τοὺς ἵππους.
- Men of Athens, ransom the horses!
41.3 Just as with infinitives, the AORIST IMPERATIVE never receives an AUGMENT.
- λύσατε, ἄνδρες Ἀθηναῖοι, τοὺς ἵππους.
- Men of Athens, release the horses!
- λύσασθε, ἄνδρες Ἀθηναῖοι, τοὺς ἵππους.
- Men of Athens, ransom the horses!
- λάβετε, ἄνδρες Ἀθηναῖοι, τοὺς ἵππους.
- Men of Athens, get the horses!
- λάβεσθε, ἄνδρες Ἀθηναῖοι, τοὺς ἵππους.
- Men of Athens, take the horses!
Printables