Welcome to Lesson 34 of the Latinum Institute's Koine Greek course. In this lesson, we will explore various Greek verbs that correspond to the English concept of "get." This is a particularly rich area of Greek vocabulary, as different Greek verbs express different nuances of getting, receiving, becoming, and acquiring.
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The English word "get" is remarkably versatile, encompassing meanings from "receive" to "become" to "acquire." In Koine Greek, these different senses are expressed by distinct verbs, each with its own grammatical patterns and semantic range. The primary verbs we will study include: -
λαμβάνω (lambanō) - to take, receive, get -
γίνομαι (ginomai) - to become, happen, get (in the sense of becoming) -
κτάομαι (ktaomai) - to acquire, get possession of, obtain -
εὑρίσκω (heuriskō) - to find, get by searching -
ἔχω (echō) - to have, get (in certain contexts)
Question: What does "get" mean in Koine Greek? Answer: The English word "get" is represented by several Greek verbs depending on context. The most common are λαμβάνω (lambanō) for "receive/take," γίνομαι (ginomai) for "become," κτάομαι (ktaomai) for "acquire," εὑρίσκω (heuriskō) for "find/obtain," and sometimes ἔχω (echō) in specific contexts. Each verb carries distinct nuances that English speakers must learn to distinguish.
Course: Koine Greek Language Learning Level: Intermediate Topic: Greek verbs meaning "get" Learning Objectives: - Understand the different Greek verbs used to express "get" - Master the grammatical patterns of λαμβάνω, γίνομαι, and related verbs - Recognize these verbs in authentic Greek texts - Apply appropriate verb selection based on context Target Audience: English-speaking autodidacts learning Koine Greek Prerequisites: Basic Greek alphabet and elementary grammar
In this lesson, you will encounter these verbs in various contexts, tenses, and voices. The examples progress from simple present tense statements to more complex constructions involving participles and subordinate clauses. Each example is carefully chosen to illustrate different aspects of meaning and usage, helping you develop an intuitive sense for when to use each verb.
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English "get" maps to multiple Greek verbs with distinct meanings -
λαμβάνω emphasizes the act of taking or receiving -
γίνομαι focuses on the process of becoming or coming to be -
κτάομαι highlights acquisition and possession -
Context determines which Greek verb best translates English "get" -
These verbs follow different conjugation patterns (some deponent, some regular) -
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate Greek comprehension and composition
34.1a ὁ the (ho) μαθητὴς disciple (ma-thē-tēs) λαμβάνει receives (lam-ba-nei) τὸν the (ton) ἄρτον bread (ar-ton) παρὰ from (pa-ra) τοῦ the (tou) διδασκάλου teacher (di-das-ka-lou)
34.2a ἡ the (hē) γυνὴ woman (gy-nē) εὑρίσκει finds (heu-ris-kei) χάριν grace (cha-rin) ἐν in (en) ὀφθαλμοῖς eyes (oph-thal-mois) τοῦ the (tou) κυρίου lord (ky-ri-ou)
34.3a οἱ the (hoi) πτωχοὶ poor (ptō-choi) γίνονται become (gi-non-tai) πλούσιοι rich (plou-si-oi) ἐν in (en) τῇ the (tē) βασιλείᾳ kingdom (ba-si-lei-a) τοῦ the (tou) θεοῦ God (the-ou)
34.4a πῶς how (pōs) κτήσομαι shall-I-acquire (ktē-so-mai) σοφίαν wisdom (so-phi-an) εἰ if (ei) μὴ not (mē) ζητῶ I-seek (zē-tō) αὐτήν it (au-tēn)
34.5a τὰ the (ta) τέκνα children (tek-na) ἔλαβον received (e-la-bon) δῶρα gifts (dō-ra) ἐν in (en) τῇ the (tē) ἑορτῇ feast (he-or-tē)
34.6a γενοῦ become (ge-nou) πιστὸς faithful (pis-tos) ἄχρι until (ach-ri) θανάτου death (tha-na-tou) καὶ and (kai) δώσω I-will-give (dō-sō) σοι to-you (soi) τὸν the (ton) στέφανον crown (ste-pha-non) τῆς the (tēs) ζωῆς life (zō-ēs)
34.7a ὁ the (ho) πατὴρ father (pa-tēr) κτᾶται acquires (kta-tai) ἀγρὸν field (ag-ron) διὰ through (di-a) τῆς the (tēs) ἐργασίας work (er-ga-si-as) αὐτοῦ his (au-tou)
34.8a λήμψονται they-will-receive (lēmp-son-tai) μισθὸν reward (mis-thon) οἱ the (hoi) ἐργάται workers (er-ga-tai) ἐν in (en) τῷ the (tō) τέλει end (te-lei) τῆς the (tēs) ἡμέρας day (hē-me-ras)
34.9a εὕρομεν we-found (heu-ro-men) τὸν the (ton) Μεσσίαν Messiah (Mes-si-an) ὃς who (hos) ἐστιν is (es-tin) μεθερμηνευόμενος being-translated (me-ther-mē-neu-o-me-nos) Χριστός Christ (Chris-tos)
34.10a ἐγένετο it-happened (e-ge-ne-to) δὲ and (de) ἐν in (en) ταῖς the (tais) ἡμέραις days (hē-me-rais) ἐκείναις those (e-kei-nais) ἐξῆλθεν went-out (ex-ēl-then) δόγμα decree (dog-ma) παρὰ from (pa-ra) Καίσαρος Caesar (Kai-sa-ros)
34.11a μακάριοι blessed (ma-ka-ri-oi) οἱ the (hoi) πτωχοὶ poor (ptō-choi) ὅτι because (ho-ti) αὐτοὶ they (au-toi) κληρονομήσουσιν will-inherit (klē-ro-no-mē-sou-sin) τὴν the (tēn) γῆν earth (gēn)
34.12a τίς who (tis) ἐξ from (ex) ὑμῶν you (hy-mōn) μεριμνῶν being-anxious (me-rim-nōn) δύναται is-able (dy-na-tai) προσθεῖναι to-add (pros-thei-nai) ἐπὶ upon (e-pi) τὴν the (tēn) ἡλικίαν stature (hē-li-ki-an) αὐτοῦ his (au-tou) πῆχυν cubit (pē-chyn) ἕνα one (he-na)
34.13a ἐκτήσατο he-acquired (ek-tē-sa-to) χρυσίον gold (chry-si-on) καὶ and (kai) ἀργύριον silver (ar-gy-ri-on) ὁ the (ho) ἔμπορος merchant (em-po-ros) ἐν in (en) τῇ the (tē) πόλει city (po-lei)
34.14a λάβετε receive (la-be-te) τὸ the (to) πνεῦμα spirit (pneu-ma) τὸ the (to) ἅγιον holy (ha-gi-on) ὅταν when (ho-tan) ἐπιθῶ I-lay (e-pi-thō) τὰς the (tas) χεῖρας hands (chei-ras) ἐπὶ upon (e-pi) ὑμᾶς you (hy-mas)
34.15a γέγονα I-have-become (ge-go-na) πᾶσιν all (pa-sin) πάντα all-things (pan-ta) ἵνα that (hi-na) πάντως by-all-means (pan-tōs) τινὰς some (ti-nas) σώσω I-might-save (sō-sō)
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34.1 ὁ μαθητὴς λαμβάνει τὸν ἄρτον παρὰ τοῦ διδασκάλου. The disciple receives the bread from the teacher.
34.2 ἡ γυνὴ εὑρίσκει χάριν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς τοῦ κυρίου. The woman finds grace in the eyes of the lord.
34.3 οἱ πτωχοὶ γίνονται πλούσιοι ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ. The poor become rich in the kingdom of God.
34.4 πῶς κτήσομαι σοφίαν εἰ μὴ ζητῶ αὐτήν; How shall I acquire wisdom if I do not seek it?
34.5 τὰ τέκνα ἔλαβον δῶρα ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ. The children received gifts at the feast.
34.6 γενοῦ πιστὸς ἄχρι θανάτου καὶ δώσω σοι τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς. Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.
34.7 ὁ πατὴρ κτᾶται ἀγρὸν διὰ τῆς ἐργασίας αὐτοῦ. The father acquires a field through his work.
34.8 λήμψονται μισθὸν οἱ ἐργάται ἐν τῷ τέλει τῆς ἡμέρας. The workers will receive wages at the end of the day.
34.9 εὕρομεν τὸν Μεσσίαν, ὃς ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενος Χριστός. We have found the Messiah, which is translated Christ.
34.10 ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἐξῆλθεν δόγμα παρὰ Καίσαρος. And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar.
34.11 μακάριοι οἱ πτωχοὶ ὅτι αὐτοὶ κληρονομήσουσιν τὴν γῆν. Blessed are the poor for they shall inherit the earth.
34.12 τίς ἐξ ὑμῶν μεριμνῶν δύναται προσθεῖναι ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ πῆχυν ἕνα; Which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his stature?
34.13 ἐκτήσατο χρυσίον καὶ ἀργύριον ὁ ἔμπορος ἐν τῇ πόλει. The merchant acquired gold and silver in the city.
34.14 λάβετε τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον ὅταν ἐπιθῶ τὰς χεῖρας ἐπὶ ὑμᾶς. Receive the Holy Spirit when I lay hands upon you.
34.15 γέγονα πᾶσιν πάντα ἵνα πάντως τινὰς σώσω. I have become all things to all people that I might by all means save some.
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34.1 ὁ μαθητὴς λαμβάνει τὸν ἄρτον παρὰ τοῦ διδασκάλου.
34.2 ἡ γυνὴ εὑρίσκει χάριν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς τοῦ κυρίου.
34.3 οἱ πτωχοὶ γίνονται πλούσιοι ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ θεοῦ.
34.4 πῶς κτήσομαι σοφίαν εἰ μὴ ζητῶ αὐτήν;
34.5 τὰ τέκνα ἔλαβον δῶρα ἐν τῇ ἑορτῇ.
34.6 γενοῦ πιστὸς ἄχρι θανάτου καὶ δώσω σοι τὸν στέφανον τῆς ζωῆς.
34.7 ὁ πατὴρ κτᾶται ἀγρὸν διὰ τῆς ἐργασίας αὐτοῦ.
34.8 λήμψονται μισθὸν οἱ ἐργάται ἐν τῷ τέλει τῆς ἡμέρας.
34.9 εὕρομεν τὸν Μεσσίαν, ὃς ἐστιν μεθερμηνευόμενος Χριστός.
34.10 ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἐξῆλθεν δόγμα παρὰ Καίσαρος.
34.11 μακάριοι οἱ πτωχοὶ ὅτι αὐτοὶ κληρονομήσουσιν τὴν γῆν.
34.12 τίς ἐξ ὑμῶν μεριμνῶν δύναται προσθεῖναι ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ πῆχυν ἕνα;
34.13 ἐκτήσατο χρυσίον καὶ ἀργύριον ὁ ἔμπορος ἐν τῇ πόλει.
34.14 λάβετε τὸ πνεῦμα τὸ ἅγιον ὅταν ἐπιθῶ τὰς χεῖρας ἐπὶ ὑμᾶς.
34.15 γέγονα πᾶσιν πάντα ἵνα πάντως τινὰς σώσω.
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The concept of "get" in Koine Greek requires understanding several distinct verbs, each with its own grammatical patterns and semantic range.
Conjugation Pattern: Present: λαμβάνω, λαμβάνεις, λαμβάνει, λαμβάνομεν, λαμβάνετε, λαμβάνουσι(ν) Aorist: ἔλαβον (second aorist with stem λαβ-) Future: λήμψομαι (future middle with stem λημψ-) Perfect: εἴληφα
This verb emphasizes the act of taking or receiving something. It often implies active reception rather than passive acquisition. The aorist stem change (λαβ-) and the future middle form are important to memorize.
Conjugation Pattern: Present: γίνομαι, γίνῃ, γίνεται, γινόμεθα, γίνεσθε, γίνονται Aorist: ἐγενόμην (aorist middle) Future: γενήσομαι Perfect: γέγονα (second perfect)
This is a deponent verb (middle/passive in form but active in meaning). It expresses the idea of "getting" in the sense of becoming something or coming into a state. The perfect γέγονα is particularly common in the New Testament.
Conjugation Pattern: Present: κτῶμαι, κτᾷ, κτᾶται, κτώμεθα, κτᾶσθε, κτῶνται Aorist: ἐκτησάμην Future: κτήσομαι Perfect: κέκτημαι
Another deponent verb that specifically emphasizes acquisition and possession. It often refers to getting property, wealth, or other tangible possessions.
Conjugation Pattern: Present: εὑρίσκω, εὑρίσκεις, εὑρίσκει, εὑρίσκομεν, εὑρίσκετε, εὑρίσκουσι(ν) Aorist: εὗρον (second aorist) Future: εὑρήσω Perfect: εὕρηκα
This verb means "get" in the sense of finding or discovering something. The second aorist εὗρον is very common.
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Using λαμβάνω for all instances of "get" English speakers often overuse λαμβάνω because it seems like the most direct translation. Remember that Greek distinguishes between receiving (λαμβάνω), becoming (γίνομαι), and acquiring (κτάομαι). -
Forgetting that γίνομαι is deponent Students often try to use active endings with γίνομαι. Remember it always takes middle/passive endings despite having active meaning. -
Confusing aorist stems The aorist stems often differ significantly from present stems: λαμβάνω → ἔλαβον, εὑρίσκω → εὗρον. These must be memorized. -
Misunderstanding aspect English "get" can be either punctiliar (got) or progressive (getting). Greek uses different aspects: aorist for punctiliar action, present for ongoing action. -
Overlooking compound verbs Many compounds exist: παραλαμβάνω (receive from), ἀπολαμβάνω (receive back), καταλαμβάνω (seize, comprehend). Each has subtle differences in meaning.
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Ask: "What kind of 'getting' is this?" -
Receiving something given → λαμβάνω -
Becoming something → γίνομαι -
Acquiring through effort → κτάομαι -
Finding/discovering → εὑρίσκω -
Consider the grammatical construction: -
Direct object? → likely λαμβάνω or εὑρίσκω -
Predicate nominative/adjective? → likely γίνομαι -
Emphasis on possession? → likely κτάομαι -
Check the context: -
Religious/spiritual reception → often λαμβάνω -
Change of state → always γίνομαι -
Commercial transaction → often κτάομαι
English uses "get" as a catch-all verb for many different actions. Greek, like many languages, distinguishes these actions with different verbs. This is similar to how English distinguishes "make" and "do" while many languages use one verb for both.
The English present perfect "have gotten" might translate to: -
εἴληφα (have received) -
γέγονα (have become) -
κέκτημαι (have acquired) -
εὕρηκα (have found)
Each Greek verb carries specific connotations that must be learned through exposure and practice.
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The various Greek verbs for "get" reflect important cultural distinctions in the Hellenistic world. These distinctions reveal how Greek speakers conceptualized acquisition, transformation, and reception differently than modern English speakers.
In the Greco-Roman world, the verb κτάομαι (ktaomai) carried significant social weight. Acquiring property (κτῆσις) was a mark of citizenship and social status. The perfect form κέκτημαι indicated established ownership, crucial in a society where property rights determined political participation. This explains why κτάομαι appears frequently in legal documents and contracts from the papyri.
The verb γίνομαι (ginomai) held special significance in philosophical and religious texts. The concept of "becoming" was central to Greek philosophical thought from Heraclitus onward. In religious contexts, especially in Jewish and Christian texts, γίνομαι expressed divine action: "And it came to pass" (καὶ ἐγένετο) echoes the Hebrew וַיְהִי (wayehi), showing how Greek-speaking Jews adapted their language to express biblical concepts.
The phrase γίνομαι ὡς ("become as/like") appears frequently in ethical exhortations, reflecting the Greek ideal of moral transformation through imitation of exemplars, whether philosophical teachers or divine figures.
λαμβάνω (lambanō) must be understood within the context of ancient gift exchange and patronage systems. "Receiving" (λαμβάνειν) implied reciprocal obligations in Greco-Roman society. When someone "received" (ἔλαβεν) a benefit, gift, or position, they entered into a social relationship requiring appropriate response. This cultural background illuminates many New Testament passages about receiving the Spirit, receiving mercy, or receiving rewards.
Inscriptions and papyri provide valuable context for these verbs. Temple inscriptions often use forms of λαμβάνω to record receipt of offerings. Commercial papyri from Egypt show κτάομαι in property transactions. The Zenon papyri, for instance, frequently use ἐκτήσατο in recording land acquisitions in Ptolemaic Egypt.
In mystery religions, the concept of "receiving" (λαμβάνειν) initiation or sacred knowledge was central. Initiates would "receive the mysteries" (λαμβάνειν τὰ μυστήρια). This background helps explain why early Christian writers chose λαμβάνω for receiving spiritual gifts or sacraments.
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Part F-A (Interleaved Construed Text)
εἰς into (eis) τὰ the (ta) ἴδια own-things (i-di-a) ἦλθεν he-came (ēl-then) καὶ and (kai) οἱ the (hoi) ἴδιοι own-people (i-di-oi) αὐτὸν him (au-ton) οὐ not (ou) παρέλαβον received (pa-re-la-bon). ὅσοι as-many-as (ho-soi) δὲ but (de) ἔλαβον received (e-la-bon) αὐτόν him (au-ton), ἔδωκεν he-gave (e-dō-ken) αὐτοῖς to-them (au-tois) ἐξουσίαν authority (ex-ou-si-an) τέκνα children (tek-na) θεοῦ of-God (the-ou) γενέσθαι to-become (ge-nes-thai), τοῖς to-the-ones (tois) πιστεύουσιν believing (pis-teu-ou-sin) εἰς into (eis) τὸ the (to) ὄνομα name (o-no-ma) αὐτοῦ of-him (au-tou).
Part F-B (Complete Text with Translation)
εἰς τὰ ἴδια ἦλθεν, καὶ οἱ ἴδιοι αὐτὸν οὐ παρέλαβον. ὅσοι δὲ ἔλαβον αὐτόν, ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν τέκνα θεοῦ γενέσθαι, τοῖς πιστεύουσιν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ.
He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
Part F-C (Greek Text Only)
εἰς τὰ ἴδια ἦλθεν, καὶ οἱ ἴδιοι αὐτὸν οὐ παρέλαβον. ὅσοι δὲ ἔλαβον αὐτόν, ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν τέκνα θεοῦ γενέσθαι, τοῖς πιστεύουσιν εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ.
Part F-D (Grammatical and Literary Notes)
This passage brilliantly illustrates two of our key verbs for "get": λαμβάνω and γίνομαι. The contrast between οὐ παρέλαβον (did not receive) and ἔλαβον (received) shows how the compound παραλαμβάνω can emphasize reception with acceptance or welcome. The compound prefix παρα- adds the nuance of receiving alongside or accepting into one's presence.
The verb παρέλαβον is aorist, indicating a decisive moment of rejection, while ἔλαβον is also aorist, marking the decisive moment of reception. The infinitive γενέσθαι (aorist middle of γίνομαι) expresses purpose: the authority given is specifically for the purpose of becoming children of God.
Note the wordplay with ἴδια/ἴδιοι (own things/own people), emphasizing the tragedy of rejection by one's own. The construction ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἐξουσίαν with the infinitive is a typical Greek way of expressing granted authority or permission.
The participial phrase τοῖς πιστεύουσιν is in apposition to αὐτοῖς, further defining who receives this authority. The present participle suggests ongoing belief, not just a momentary decision. The phrase εἰς τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ reflects a Semitic idiom where "name" represents the person's entire character and authority.
This passage demonstrates how "getting" in the spiritual sense involves both reception (λαμβάνω) and transformation (γίνομαι), two concepts that English "get" combines but Greek carefully distinguishes.
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34.16a ὁ the (ho) ἔμπορος merchant (em-po-ros) πρὸς to (pros) τὸν the (ton) ἀγοραστήν buyer (a-go-ras-tēn)· Colon (:) τί what (ti) ζητεῖς do-you-seek (zē-teis) λαβεῖν to-receive (la-bein) σήμερον today (sē-me-ron);
34.17a ὁ the (ho) ἀγοραστής buyer (a-go-ras-tēs) ἀποκρίνεται answers (a-po-kri-ne-tai)· Colon (:) βούλομαι I-wish (bou-lo-mai) κτήσασθαι to-acquire (ktē-sas-thai) σῖτον grain (si-ton) καὶ and (kai) ἔλαιον oil (e-lai-on) διὰ for (di-a) τῆς the (tēs) ἑορτῆς feast (he-or-tēs).
34.18a ὁ the (ho) ἔμπορος merchant (em-po-ros) λέγει says (le-gei)· Colon (:) καλῶς well (ka-lōs), ἔχω I-have (e-chō) ἄρτι just-now (ar-ti) εἰληφὼς having-received (ei-lē-phōs) καινὸν new (kai-non) σῖτον grain (si-ton) ἐξ from (ex) Αἰγύπτου Egypt (Ai-gyp-tou).
34.19a πόσον how-much (po-son) θέλεις do-you-want (the-leis) λαβεῖν to-take (la-bein); τρία three (tri-a) μέτρα measures (met-ra) ἢ or (ē) πλείονα more (plei-o-na);
34.20a ὁ the (ho) ἀγοραστής buyer (a-go-ras-tēs)· Colon (:) δὸς give (dos) μοι to-me (moi) πέντε five (pen-te) μέτρα measures (met-ra), ἐὰν if (e-an) ἡ the (hē) τιμὴ price (ti-mē) γένηται becomes (ge-nē-tai) δικαία fair (di-kai-a).
34.21a ὁ the (ho) ἔμπορος merchant (em-po-ros) ἐρωτᾷ asks (e-rō-ta)· Colon (:) πῶς how (pōs) κτήσῃ will-you-acquire (ktē-sē) τοσοῦτον so-much (to-sou-ton) ἀργύριον silver (ar-gy-ri-on) διὰ for (di-a) τὴν the (tēn) ἀγοράν purchase (a-go-ran);
34.22a λήμψομαι I-will-receive (lēmp-so-mai) τὸν the (ton) μισθὸν wage (mis-thon) μου my (mou) αὔριον tomorrow (au-ri-on) καὶ and (kai) δυνήσομαι I-will-be-able (dy-nē-so-mai) πληρῶσαι to-pay (plē-rō-sai).
34.23a ὁ the (ho) ἔμπορος merchant (em-po-ros) σκέπτεται considers (skep-te-tai) καὶ and (kai) λέγει says (le-gei)· Colon (:) ἐὰν if (e-an) λάβω I-receive (la-bō) ἀρραβῶνα pledge (ar-ra-bō-na), δώσω I-will-give (dō-sō) σοι to-you (soi) τὸν the (ton) σῖτον grain (si-ton).
34.24a ἰδοὺ behold (i-dou), λαμβάνεις you-receive (lam-ba-neis) τρεῖς three (treis) δραχμὰς drachmas (drach-mas) ὡς as (hōs) ἀρραβῶνα pledge (ar-ra-bō-na), τὸ the (to) δὲ and (de) λοιπὸν remainder (loi-pon) αὔριον tomorrow (au-ri-on).
34.25a καλῶς well (ka-lōs), γινώσκω I-know (gi-nōs-kō) ὅτι that (ho-ti) πιστός faithful (pis-tos) εἶ you-are (ei), καὶ and (kai) εὑρήσεις you-will-find (heu-rē-seis) πάντα all-things (pan-ta) ἕτοιμα ready (he-toi-ma).
34.26a ἕτερος another (he-te-ros) ἀγοραστὴς buyer (a-go-ras-tēs) προσέρχεται approaches (pros-er-che-tai) λέγων saying (le-gōn)· Colon (:) τί what (ti) γίνεται is-happening (gi-ne-tai) ὧδε here (hō-de);
34.27a ὁ the (ho) πρῶτος first (prō-tos) ἀποκρίνεται answers (a-po-kri-ne-tai)· Colon (:) κτῶμαι I-am-acquiring (ktō-mai) σῖτον grain (si-ton) παρὰ from (pa-ra) τοῦ the (tou) ἐμπόρου merchant (em-po-rou) τούτου this (tou-tou).
34.28a μακάριος blessed (ma-ka-ri-os) εἶ you-are (ei)· Semicolon (·) ἐγὼ I (e-gō) οὐχ not (ouch) εὗρον found (heu-ron) τοιοῦτον such (toi-ou-ton) σῖτον grain (si-ton) ἐν in (en) ὅλῃ whole (ho-lē) τῇ the (tē) ἀγορᾷ marketplace (a-go-ra).
34.29a δεῦρο come (deu-ro), φίλε friend (phi-le), λήμψῃ you-will-receive (lēmp-sē) καὶ also (kai) σὺ you (sy) μέρος portion (me-ros) τῆς the (tēs) εὐλογίας blessing (eu-lo-gi-as) ταύτης this (tau-tēs).
34.30a οὕτως thus (hou-tōs) γίνονται become (gi-non-tai) φίλοι friends (phi-loi) οἱ the (hoi) ἄνθρωποι men (an-thrō-poi) ἐν in (en) τῇ the (tē) ἀγορᾷ marketplace (a-go-ra), εὑρίσκοντες finding (heu-ris-kon-tes) χάριν grace (cha-rin) ἐν in (en) ἀλλήλοις one-another (al-lē-lois).
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34.16 ὁ ἔμπορος πρὸς τὸν ἀγοραστήν· τί ζητεῖς λαβεῖν σήμερον; The merchant to the buyer: What do you seek to get today?
34.17 ὁ ἀγοραστὴς ἀποκρίνεται· βούλομαι κτήσασθαι σῖτον καὶ ἔλαιον διὰ τῆς ἑορτῆς. The buyer answers: I wish to acquire grain and oil for the feast.
34.18 ὁ ἔμπορος λέγει· καλῶς, ἔχω ἄρτι εἰληφὼς καινὸν σῖτον ἐξ Αἰγύπτου. The merchant says: Good, I have just received new grain from Egypt.
34.19 πόσον θέλεις λαβεῖν; τρία μέτρα ἢ πλείονα; How much do you want to take? Three measures or more?
34.20 ὁ ἀγοραστής· δός μοι πέντε μέτρα, ἐὰν ἡ τιμὴ γένηται δικαία. The buyer: Give me five measures, if the price becomes fair.
34.21 ὁ ἔμπορος ἐρωτᾷ· πῶς κτήσῃ τοσοῦτον ἀργύριον διὰ τὴν ἀγοράν; The merchant asks: How will you acquire so much silver for the purchase?
34.22 λήμψομαι τὸν μισθόν μου αὔριον καὶ δυνήσομαι πληρῶσαι. I will receive my wage tomorrow and will be able to pay.
34.23 ὁ ἔμπορος σκέπτεται καὶ λέγει· ἐὰν λάβω ἀρραβῶνα, δώσω σοι τὸν σῖτον. The merchant considers and says: If I receive a pledge, I will give you the grain.
34.24 ἰδού, λαμβάνεις τρεῖς δραχμὰς ὡς ἀρραβῶνα, τὸ δὲ λοιπὸν αὔριον. Behold, you receive three drachmas as a pledge, and the remainder tomorrow.
34.25 καλῶς, γινώσκω ὅτι πιστός εἶ, καὶ εὑρήσεις πάντα ἕτοιμα. Good, I know that you are faithful, and you will find everything ready.
34.26 ἕτερος ἀγοραστὴς προσέρχεται λέγων· τί γίνεται ὧδε; Another buyer approaches saying: What is happening here?
34.27 ὁ πρῶτος ἀποκρίνεται· κτῶμαι σῖτον παρὰ τοῦ ἐμπόρου τούτου. The first answers: I am acquiring grain from this merchant.
34.28 μακάριος εἶ· ἐγὼ οὐχ εὗρον τοιοῦτον σῖτον ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ἀγορᾷ. You are blessed; I have not found such grain in the whole marketplace.
34.29 δεῦρο, φίλε, λήμψῃ καὶ σὺ μέρος τῆς εὐλογίας ταύτης. Come, friend, you too will receive a portion of this blessing.
34.30 οὕτως γίνονται φίλοι οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ, εὑρίσκοντες χάριν ἐν ἀλλήλοις. Thus men become friends in the marketplace, finding grace in one another.
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34.16 ὁ ἔμπορος πρὸς τὸν ἀγοραστήν· τί ζητεῖς λαβεῖν σήμερον;
34.17 ὁ ἀγοραστὴς ἀποκρίνεται· βούλομαι κτήσασθαι σῖτον καὶ ἔλαιον διὰ τῆς ἑορτῆς.
34.18 ὁ ἔμπορος λέγει· καλῶς, ἔχω ἄρτι εἰληφὼς καινὸν σῖτον ἐξ Αἰγύπτου.
34.19 πόσον θέλεις λαβεῖν; τρία μέτρα ἢ πλείονα;
34.20 ὁ ἀγοραστής· δός μοι πέντε μέτρα, ἐὰν ἡ τιμὴ γένηται δικαία.
34.21 ὁ ἔμπορος ἐρωτᾷ· πῶς κτήσῃ τοσοῦτον ἀργύριον διὰ τὴν ἀγοράν;
34.22 λήμψομαι τὸν μισθόν μου αὔριον καὶ δυνήσομαι πληρῶσαι.
34.23 ὁ ἔμπορος σκέπτεται καὶ λέγει· ἐὰν λάβω ἀρραβῶνα, δώσω σοι τὸν σῖτον.
34.24 ἰδού, λαμβάνεις τρεῖς δραχμὰς ὡς ἀρραβῶνα, τὸ δὲ λοιπὸν αὔριον.
34.25 καλῶς, γινώσκω ὅτι πιστός εἶ, καὶ εὑρήσεις πάντα ἕτοιμα.
34.26 ἕτερος ἀγοραστὴς προσέρχεται λέγων· τί γίνεται ὧδε;
34.27 ὁ πρῶτος ἀποκρίνεται· κτῶμαι σῖτον παρὰ τοῦ ἐμπόρου τούτου.
34.28 μακάριος εἶ· ἐγὼ οὐχ εὗρον τοιοῦτον σῖτον ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ἀγορᾷ.
34.29 δεῦρο, φίλε, λήμψῃ καὶ σὺ μέρος τῆς εὐλογίας ταύτης.
34.30 οὕτως γίνονται φίλοι οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἐν τῇ ἀγορᾷ, εὑρίσκοντες χάριν ἐν ἀλλήλοις.
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The marketplace dialogue demonstrates several important grammatical features related to our "get" verbs in conversational context:
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λαβεῖν (to receive/take) - aorist infinitive expressing intended action -
κτήσασθαι (to acquire) - aorist middle infinitive showing personal interest -
πληρῶσαι (to pay) - aorist infinitive indicating completion
These infinitives often follow verbs of wanting (θέλω, βούλομαι, ζητέω) to express what someone wants to "get."
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ἐὰν λάβω... δώσω (if I receive... I will give) - future more vivid condition -
ἐὰν ἡ τιμὴ γένηται δικαία (if the price becomes fair) - subjunctive in protasis
The marketplace naturally involves conditions and negotiations, showing how "getting" often depends on circumstances.
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εἰληφώς (having received) - perfect active participle showing completed action with present relevance -
The perfect emphasizes that the merchant currently has the grain because he received it earlier
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λήμψομαι (I will receive) - future middle of λαμβάνω -
κτήσῃ (you will acquire) - future middle of κτάομαι -
εὑρήσεις (you will find) - future active of εὑρίσκω -
λήμψῃ (you will receive) - future middle
The future tense is common in commercial transactions for discussing future payments and deliveries.
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φίλε (friend) - vocative case for direct address -
Commercial dialogue uses vocatives to maintain social relationships
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ἀρραβών (pledge/down payment) - Semitic loanword showing cultural exchange -
μέτρα (measures) - standard units for grain -
δραχμάς (drachmas) - standard currency
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τί γίνεται ὧδε; (What's happening here?) - colloquial use of γίνομαι -
εὑρίσκοντες χάριν (finding favor/grace) - idiomatic expression for social approval -
μακάριος εἶ (you are blessed/fortunate) - common congratulatory phrase
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Interlinear Glossing: Each word is individually glossed with both meaning and pronunciation, allowing students to build vocabulary systematically while seeing grammatical relationships. -
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