Main Clause Optative: Optative of Wish

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

There are two uses of the optative in a main clause:

• OPTATIVE OF WISH
• POTENTIAL OPTATIVE

47.32 Optative of Wish

The OPTATIVE of WISH (cf. Latin opto) is used to convey a wish for the future (S 1814-1819, G 476-477). Common characteristics of the optative of wish are:

• It is often (though not always) introduced by εἰ γάρ or εἴθε.
• The negative is μή.

With or without the introductory εἰ γάρ or εἴθε, the optative of wish is translated as may!, would that, if only…

• τοῦτο μὴ γένοιτο.
  • May this never happen!
• εἰ γὰρ πόλεμον παύσαι.
  • If only he would stop the war.
• εἴθε τοὺς ἵππους δοίη.
  • If only he would give the horses.
• τοὺς ἵππους λύοιεν.
  • If only they would free the horses.
• τοὺς ἵππους λαβοίμεθα.
  • Would that we could take the horses.