Infinitive

In English, infinitives are easy to recognize by the fact that they always have the preposition “to” plus a verb; e.g.

• to run,

• to read,

• to study. video.

A complementary infinitive is when an infinitive is the complement of a verb. These are very common especially with certain verbs.

• I am able to finish this paper.

• I desire to marry this girl.

• I began to work on the project.

The above infinitive phrases are called “complementary” because they are the complement of the main verb of the sentence.

Greek:

An infinitive in Greek can be adverbial, adjectival, or substantival. Study BBG chapter 32 or this video. The infinitive is identified by its own unique set of endings:

Articular infinitives are often paired with prepositions to show purpose, time, or result (BBG 32.15).

• An articular infinitive with εἰς or πρός shows purpose.

• An articular infinitive with ὥστε shows result.

• An articular infinitive with πρό, ἐν, or μετά shows time.

• An articular infinitive with διά shows cause.

Also see syntax principle 35.

In Hebrew, an infinitive construct is by far the more common of the two kinds of infinitive (infinitive absolutes never have a prefix). Infinitive constructs can be used as adverbs and as substantives; start here.

For the uses and meaning of the infinitive construct, study this (jump to page 13).

An infinitive absolute is the less common of the two. more or video Infinitive absolutes will never have a prefix (an infinitive with a a prefix is an infinitive construct).

Paradigm: The infinitive construct is not found in the Hofal or Pual stems in Biblical Hebrew.

Complementary infinitives are also common in Hebrew.