Aorist Active Infinitive
The Aorist Active Infinitive expresses a simple or decisive action in its most basic verbal form.
What is the Aorist Active Infinitive?
The Aorist Active Infinitive expresses a simple or decisive action in its most basic verbal form. Unlike the present infinitive, which emphasizes ongoing action, the aorist infinitive views the action as a complete, whole event without implying duration or repetition. It is commonly used to express purpose, result, and the content of commands or desires.
Why This Matters for Bible Study
The aorist infinitive is about decisive, complete action. When Jesus says "The Son of Man came to seek and to save (sosai) that which was lost" (Luke 19:10), the aorist infinitive "sosai" presents salvation as a decisive, accomplished purpose. In Matthew 5:17, "I am not come to destroy (katalusai) the law but to fulfill (plerosai)," both aorist infinitives present these as definitive, complete acts. Understanding the aorist infinitive helps readers see when the NT authors are pointing to decisive events versus ongoing processes.
Famous Verses Using the Aorist Active Infinitive
"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost."
The aorist infinitive "sosai" (to save) presents Jesus' saving mission as a decisive, complete act. He came with a definitive purpose: to accomplish salvation as a finished work, not merely to begin an ongoing rescue.
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil."
The aorist infinitive "plerosai" (to fulfill) presents the fulfillment of the Law as a complete, decisive act. Jesus' purpose was not gradual compliance but total and definitive fulfillment of everything the Scriptures anticipated.
"The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
The aorist infinitive "dounai" (to give) presents the giving of His life as a single, decisive act of sacrifice. It is not an ongoing giving but the once-for-all offering of Himself on the cross.
How It Compares to Related Forms
| Form | Aspect / Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Aorist Active Infinitivecurrent | Decisive/complete action (to do once) | "to save" (sosai) |
| Present Active Infinitive | Ongoing action (to keep doing) | "to be saving" (sozein) |
| Aorist Active Indicative | Completed factual action | "he saved" (esosen) |
| Aorist Active Participle | Completed prior action | "having saved" (sosas) |
Apply What You Have Learned
Put your knowledge of the Aorist Active Infinitive into practice with these resources.