Present Active Infinitive
The Present Active Infinitive expresses an ongoing or continuous action in its most basic verbal form ("to do," "to be," "to love").
What is the Present Active Infinitive?
The Present Active Infinitive expresses an ongoing or continuous action in its most basic verbal form ("to do," "to be," "to love"). It does not specify a subject or time but conveys the idea of continuous or repeated action. In Greek, infinitives are used to express purpose, result, indirect discourse, and as the subject or object of other verbs.
Why This Matters for Bible Study
The present infinitive emphasizes the continuous nature of the action. When Paul writes "to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21), the present infinitive "to zen" (to live/to be living) presents life as an ongoing experience that is fully identified with Christ. When Jesus says "I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32), the present infinitive "kalesai" (here actually aorist, but the concept applies) shows the nature of His mission. The present infinitive is especially important in passages about the ongoing purposes and activities of God and believers.
Famous Verses Using the Present Active Infinitive
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
The present infinitive "to zen" (to live) with the article presents ongoing life as a concept. Paul's entire continuous existence is equated with Christ. Every moment of living is Christ-centered.
"And he began again to teach by the sea side."
The present infinitive "didaskein" (to teach) presents Jesus' teaching as an ongoing activity. He began a sustained period of instruction, not a brief remark. The present tense captures the extended, continuous nature of His teaching ministry.
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."
The present infinitive "peripatein" (to walk) emphasizes continuous, habitual walking by the Spirit. Paul is calling for an ongoing lifestyle, not a single spiritual experience.
How It Compares to Related Forms
| Form | Aspect / Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present Active Infinitivecurrent | Ongoing action (to keep doing) | "to be loving" (agapan) |
| Aorist Active Infinitive | Simple/decisive action (to do) | "to love (decisively)" (agapesai) |
| Present Active Indicative | Ongoing factual statement | "he loves" (agapa) |
| Present Active Participle | Ongoing action as description | "loving" (agapon) |
Apply What You Have Learned
Put your knowledge of the Present Active Infinitive into practice with these resources.