How are imperatives interpreted?

Question

Hello again, I have another question.

In Mar. 1.15, both repent and believe are present imperatives. How do we know if an imperative is to be interpreted as a command, an exhortation, a request or an entreaty? Is it simply by context or is there something in the Greek that tells us?

Mar 1:15 says, "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

καὶ λέγων ὅτι Πεπλήρωται ὁ καιρὸς καὶ ἤγγικεν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ· μετανοεῖτε καὶ πιστεύετε ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ.

Thanks for your help.

God bless,

Mick

Answer 1

Hello

Only by the context we can decide if an imperative  works as a command, an exhortation, a request or an entreaty.

In the specific text (Mar 1:15 καὶ λέγων ὅτι Πεπλήρωται ὁ καιρὸς καὶ ἤγγηκεν ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ· μετανοεῖτε καὶ πιστεύετε ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ) I would interpret the imperative as an exhortation.

A person with deeper knowledge in theology can probably give you a more valid interpretation.

Comments

Thanks for your help.

God bless,
Mick