Types of Conditional IF Statments
The
Koine Greek used syntax to express Four completely different
concepts. Unfortunately, each concept was translated "if"
in the King James Version of the Bible.
The
4 types of Conditional IF Clauses are summarized:
1st Class:
If
- and it is true -
[ei - 1st class conditional if]
2nd Class:
"If
and I recognize it is NOT true"
3rd Class:
"if
- maybe you will, maybe you won't -
[ean + subjunctive mood - 3rd Class
Conditional IF]
[the type most English speakers would recognize for "if"]
4th Class:
"If
it is true, I wish it were, but it is not"
Finally, occasionally the writer will use the "debater's technique". That means, for example, he will use a "1st class conditional if" to indicate "if I assume this to be true". The context will lead you to understand this is not what the writer actually believes. Instead, he is using a 1st class condition to say "I assume this is true so I can then prove it is false".
Definitions:
1. A "Conditional Clause" is a statement of supposition. The fulfillment of which is assumed to secure the realization of the potential fact expressed in the companion clause.
The First clause gives the supposition and the second clause gives the fulfillment.
2. The clause containing the supposition is called the "Protasis".
3. The clause containing the statement based on the supposition is called "Apodosis".
4. All conditional clauses are categorized on the basis of the attitude they express with reference to reality.
Recognition in the Greek:
a. 1st Class condition - Supposition from the viewpoint of reality
Normally recognized in the Greek by:
"ei" plus the indicative in the Protasis
IF and it is true
example verse:
Luke 4:3: "If you are the Son of God
- and I recognize you are -
[could be the 1st class of assumption - Satan
said this to Jesus maybe to then "prove him
wrong", which he then failed to do!]
b. 2nd class condition - Supposition from the viewpoint of
unreality - contrary to fact condition
Normally recognized in the Greek by:
"ean" in the Protasis plus "oun" in the Apodosis
IF and it is NOT true
example verse:
Luke 4:7: "If you will fall down and worship me
- but I know you won't"
or
"ei" plus indicative mood in the Protasis
plus a negative in the Apodosis
c. 3rd class condition - The 'more probable' future condition
Normally recognized in the Greek by:
"ean" plus the subjunctive in the Protasis
IF . . . maybe we will, maybe we won't
example verse:
I John 1:9 : "If we confess our sins - maybe we will,
maybe we won't . . ."
d. 4th class condition - The 'less probable' future condition
Normally recognized in the Greek by:
"ei" plus the optative mood in the Protasis
OR
"oun" plus the optative mood in the Apodosis
IF . . . and I wish it were but it is NOT true
example verse:
I Peter 3:14: "But if you should suffer for the sake of
righteousness, I wish it were TRUE
but that is not why you suffer this time . .
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