Indicative and imperative verbs in the bible

In the Bible, indicative and imperative verbs often appear together to present a statement of fact (indicative) followed by a command or instruction (imperative). This combination is commonly used to ground ethical exhortations or commands in theological truths. Here are some notable examples from the New Testament, where this pattern is especially prevalent:

1. Romans 12:2:

   • Indicative: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world,"
   • Imperative: "but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

2. Ephesians 4:32:

   • Indicative: "Be kind and compassionate to one another,"
   • Imperative: "forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

3. Philippians 2:13-14:

   • Indicative: "For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."
   • Imperative: "Do everything without grumbling or arguing."

4. Colossians 3:1-2:

   • Indicative: "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,"
   • Imperative: "set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."

5. 1 Peter 1:15-16:

   • Indicative: "But just as he who called you is holy,"
   • Imperative: "so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’"

6. 1 John 3:1:

   • Indicative: "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!"
   • Imperative: "And that is what we are! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know him."

These examples show how biblical texts often use the indicative to establish a foundation of theological fact or divine action, which then motivates the imperative as a response to that fact. This pattern underscores the biblical principle that ethical behavior and commands are grounded in God’s actions and character.

There are numerous examples throughout the New Testament where indicative and imperative verbs are paired to express theological truths followed by ethical commands. This style is particularly common in the writings of Paul, but can also be found in other epistles and teachings of Jesus. Here are additional examples:

1. Ephesians 5:8:

   • Indicative: "For you were once darkness,"
   • Imperative: "but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light."

2. Galatians 5:25:

   • Indicative: "Since we live by the Spirit,"
   • Imperative: "let us keep in step with the Spirit."

3. 2 Peter 1:3-4:

   • Indicative: "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness."
   • Imperative: "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness."

4. Titus 3:3-5:

   • Indicative: "At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures."
   • Imperative: "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy."

5. Philippians 4:6-7:

   • Indicative: "The Lord is at hand;"
   • Imperative: "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

6. 1 John 4:11:

   • Indicative: "Dear friends, since God so loved us,"
   • Imperative: "we also ought to love one another."

These pairs emphasize that Christian ethical instructions are not arbitrary but are deeply rooted in the realities of God’s nature, actions, and promises. This theological grounding ensures that the imperatives are seen not just as moral duties, but as responses to God's grace and activity in the world.

From the Letters of Paul

1. Romans 6:12-13:

   • Indicative: "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires."
   • Imperative: "Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness."

2. 1 Corinthians 6:20:

   • Indicative: "You were bought at a price."
   • Imperative: "Therefore honor God with your bodies."

3. 1 Corinthians 15:58:

   • Indicative: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm."
   • Imperative: "Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

From Other New Testament Writers

4. Hebrews 12:1-2:

   • Indicative: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,"
   • Imperative: "let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

5. James 4:7-8:

   • Indicative: "Submit yourselves, then, to God."
   • Imperative: "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you."

6. 1 Peter 2:9-10:

   • Indicative: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession."
   • Imperative: "that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

From the Gospels

7. Matthew 5:14-16 (Words of Jesus):

   • Indicative: "You are the light of the world."
   • Imperative: "A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

8. John 15:4 (Words of Jesus):

   • Indicative: "As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me."
   • Imperative: "Abide in me, and I in you."

In the Old Testament, the use of indicative and imperative verbs together is also common, although the style and context can differ from the New Testament. The Old Testament often uses this pattern in laws, prophetic messages, and wisdom literature, emphasizing God's actions and commands. Here are several examples:

From the Law

1. Exodus 20:2-3 (The Ten Commandments):
   • Indicative: "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery."
   • Imperative: "You shall have no other gods before me."

From the Prophets

2. Isaiah 1:16-17:

   • Indicative: "Wash and make yourselves clean."
   • Imperative: "Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."

3. Jeremiah 7:23:

   • Indicative: "But this is what I commanded them, saying, 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people."
   • Imperative: "And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.'"

From Wisdom Literature

4. Proverbs 3:5-6:

   • Indicative: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart."
   • Imperative: "And lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

5. Psalm 37:3-4:

   • Indicative: "Trust in the LORD and do good."
   • Imperative: "Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."

These examples illustrate how biblical authors used indicative statements to establish a premise or truth about God’s nature, actions, or the human condition, which then serves as the foundation for the imperative commands that follow. This pattern underscores the responsiveness expected in the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing obedience as a response to divine grace and providence.

 The pattern of using indicative and imperative verbs in the Bible echoes the concept of "Walking in the fullness of God's Guidance, Provision and Care." The indicatives often affirm God's actions, characteristics, or promises—His guidance, provision, and care—while the imperatives call for our response through faith and obedience, which is integral to becoming a "Fully Actualized Kingdom Saint."

This dynamic can be seen as an invitation to enter more deeply into a relationship with God, recognizing His active presence and sovereignty in our lives. Here’s how this concept plays out:

1. Guidance: Indicative statements often reveal God’s will and His directions for our lives. When we acknowledge this through the imperative of obeying His commands and following His ways, we experience His guidance fully.

2. Provision: The Bible frequently affirms God’s provision (e.g., “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt”). The imperative response involves trusting in God's provision and stewarding well what He provides, aligning with principles of wisdom and gratitude.

3. Care: The scriptures declare God’s care and love for His people (e.g., “I will be your God, and you shall be my people”). The response called for is often one of reliance and seeking God, showing that we trust in His care by turning to Him in all circumstances.

By following the biblical model of responding to God’s indicatives with faithful imperatives, you embody the life of a "Fully Actualized Kingdom Saint," someone who operates under radical dependence on God. This not only transforms individual lives but also serves as a witness to the power of God's kingdom here on earth. Engaging with Scripture in this way encourages a holistic approach to faith, where understanding who we are in Christ leads naturally to a life of active faith and obedience.