Present Passive Indicative
The Present Passive Indicative describes an ongoing action being performed upon the subject.
What is the Present Passive Indicative?
The Present Passive Indicative describes an ongoing action being performed upon the subject. The subject receives the action (passive voice), the action is currently in progress or habitual (present tense), and it is stated as fact (indicative mood). In Greek, the passive voice often implies a divine agent, a concept scholars call the "divine passive," where God is the unstated actor.
Why This Matters for Bible Study
The passive voice in the NT often points to God as the hidden agent. When Jesus says "Blessed are those who are persecuted" (Matthew 5:10), the passive implies something is being done to them, but their blessing comes from God. In Romans 8:14, "as many as are led (agontai) by the Spirit of God" uses the present passive to show that believers are continuously being guided by God's Spirit. The combination of present tense and passive voice reveals both the ongoing nature of God's work and that He is the one doing it.
Famous Verses Using the Present Passive Indicative
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
The present passive "agontai" (are being led) shows ongoing, continuous guidance by the Spirit. Believers are not leading themselves but are continually being directed by the Holy Spirit. The passive voice highlights divine initiative.
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
The present passive participle "sozomenois" (those being saved) describes salvation as an ongoing experience. Believers are continuously being saved, rescued, and preserved by God's power. The passive voice shows that God is the agent of salvation.
"Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."
The present passive imperative "metamorphousthe" commands believers to allow themselves to be continually transformed. The passive voice indicates that God is the one performing the transformation; the present tense shows it is an ongoing process, not a one-time event.
How It Compares to Related Forms
| Form | Aspect / Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present Active Indicative | Subject does the action continuously | "He leads" (agei) |
| Present Passive Indicativecurrent | Subject receives the action continuously | "He is being led" (agetai) |
| Aorist Passive Indicative | Subject received the action (simple fact) | "He was led" (echthe) |
Apply What You Have Learned
Put your knowledge of the Present Passive Indicative into practice with these resources.