Main Clause Subjunctives: Hortatory

46.23 The Greek subjunctive is used both in MAIN CLAUSES (i.e., as the main verb) and SUBORDINATE CLAUSES. We discuss subordinate clauses in a later lesson. For now, let us look at the use of subjunctives as MAIN VERBS.

There are three uses of the subjunctive in main clauses:

• HORTATORY
• DELIBERATIVE
• PROHIBITIVE

46.24 Hortatory Subjunctive

The HORTATORY subjunctive is used to convey an exhortation, proposal, or request (S 1797-1799, G 472). Common characteristics of the hortatory subjunctive are:

• It is used only in the PRESENT or AORIST tense
• It is used only in the 1st PERSON, almost always in the PLURAL
• The negative is μή

While hortatory subjunctives often express suggestions for action, in other contexts they may serve essentially as 1st person imperatives.

• μὴ παύωμεν τοὺς ἐκ τῆς μάχης φεύγοντας.
  • Let’s not stop the men fleeing from battle.
• πόλεμον παύσωμεν.
  • Let’s stop the war.
• τοὺς ἵππους λύσωμεν.
  • Let’s free the horses.
• τοὺς ἵππους λύωμεν.
  • Let’s free the horses.
• τοὺς ἵππους λαβώμεθα.
  • Let’s take the horses.